Maintainability Terminology Supports the Effectiveness Concept

The impact of the systems effectiveness concept upon military terminology required for the acquisition of modern weapon systems necessitated a thorough revision of MIL-STD-721A and consolidation with MIL-STD-778 and MIL-STD-447. Inclusion of a number of new terms and their definitions, as well as addition of standard definitions for terms on human factors and safety, was found to be necessary. The conceptual relationship between maintainability and reliability has been strongly enhanced. The resulting Military Standard has been approved by the Department of Defense for use by all of its departments and agencies. This paper, written by one of the participants in the revision and compilation of this Military Standard, is published for the purpose of advance information and discussion of its scope and contents.