Joint Capabilities Integration And Development System (JCIDS): A Case Study

During WW II the United States government challenged the aircraft industry to develop a new type of fighter that could fly at high speeds, for extended ranges, the ability to perform air to ground attacks, and climb to 20,000 feet within six minutes. Lockheed Martin answered the call and the P-38 Lightening was developed. This twin engine, twin boom aircraft was nothing like anything seen before. It was almost 100 miles per hour faster than other combat aircraft of the time and many of the United States top “Aces” of WW II used the capabilities of the aircraft with great success. However this acquisition did not come without some growing pains. It took approximately four years of development and testing before the first combat ready P-38 …show more content…
This is completed by the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS). JCIDS utilizes an analysis of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) to define what the warfighter is lacking and possible solutions (Brown, 2010). The Joint Requirements Oversight Council has oversight of the JCIDS process and is chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the vice chiefs of the services. Out of the JCIDS process four key documents are used to support milestone decisions made by the USD (AT&L). They are the initial capabilities document (ICD), Joint DOTMLPF Change Recommendation (DCR), capability development document (CCD), and the capability production document (CPD) (Brown, 2010). Three of the four are directly related to milestone decisions. There are three milestones that every program must achieve in order to progress in the process. They are simply labeled A, B, and C. Milestone A utilizes the ICD, which defines the capability need of the warfighter and is used to support a materiel development decision. In order to graduate milestone A, the MDA will approve a material solution, technology development strategy, and that the program is fulfilling the ICD (Brown, 2010). They will also ensure that a valid cost estimate and resources to develop and procure systems are available. One thing to note on advancement from milestone A, this decision does not guarantee that a new acquisition program has been started. Milestone B is supported by the CDD. The CDD provides a measurement tool for thresholds and objectives of the capabilities described in the ICD. This milestone initiates a formal defense acquisition program. In order to pass, funds must be budgeted, technology must be mature for systems development and the CDD must be approved. The final document,