EOTO

At an operational and technical level, EOTO examines options in terms of equipment or equipment use. EOTO studies are divided into three categories:

1. Operational trend analysis (PTO) to provide information on which to base the forecasting of future military requirements ;
2. Technical-operational research (ETO) to optimise operational characteristics, technical specifications and costs of future systems or of evolving current systems; it is often simulation-based;
3. Operational research (EO), which mainly deals with systems in use , without raising technical characteristics questions.

EO are by their very nature primarily carried out by headquarters staff and by defence operational and simulation research establishments.

PTO and ETO precede the armament programme definition phase, or the initiation of potential modifications of existing systems. They are a help to decision-making and address the technologies used, the operational conditions under which the weapons systems are employed and the sizing of the equipment. Knowledge management process provides appropriate tools and a knowledge base that enables reactive answers to be given when synthesis overviews or when specific questions of a technical-operational nature are asked.

Let us examine in more detail the fields of application of PTOs and ETOs within the programme preparation process.

The earliest phases involve PTOs, which provide guidance for subsequent work through their detailed functional approach, along with certain ETOs of a more exploratory nature. These studies are not directly related to a specific programme and can be aimed at :

  Understanding and describing the interplay of operational functions within operational theatres, along with any changes that new programmes or concepts might bring to these operations,
  Exploring new possibilities opened up by technologies, including the use of new technologies, which are a potential source of breakthrough, * Assessing and developing new system concepts which are the key elements of the 30-Year Long-Term Plan (PP30) process,
  Assessing the impact of certain threats on the relevant operational capabilities.

EOTOs are useful for structuring the internal coherence of a force system, or coherence between force systems. They are the ideal framework within which trend analysis studies into operational requirements and technologies can be brought together; they supply the PP30 with large amounts of data (emergence of new federating projects or structuring plans, information about system concepts, etc.) and enable statements of operational requirement to contain more detail and help to hasten their progress. They also help to guide advanced research by identifying areas where more work is needed, and providing data to help this research to be defined. Conversely, they can also avoid needless expenses in “fashionable” research areas.

Later in the process comes the ETO, which prepare the pre-launch phase of a programme. Their aims include :

  Assessing the contribution of future programmes to operational capabilities, and comparing the capability impact of different options ;
  Preparing functional specifications taking due account of opposing systems ;
  Assessing and optimising subsystem coherence at a technical-operational level.

These EOTO contribute to the joint effort to achieve coherence across the defence system. They enable programmes to be established on sound foundations and highlight possible related changes that need to be made to operational doctrine or the organisation of the armed forces if the requirement is to be met.

For further information, contact the DGA responsible : Frederic BENATRE (DGA/D4S/SDCP) by e-mail : frederic.benatre@dga.defense.gouv.fr

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