Evolutionary Development of Command and Control Systems: The Fort Lewis Experience

The philosophy of evolutionary development has been applied in the development of a command and control system for the Ninth Infantry Division (Motorized) at Ft. Lewis, WA. The methodology, product, and lessons learned are described. In particular, the history of the development is reviewed to examine the major changes in direction that occurred as a result of hands-on use and evaluation by an operational unit. Major program changes were directed and implemented within cycles less than six months long. In this instance a successful result was achieved through innovative and flexible management by both the customer and contractors.