The Army has been making policy, organizational, and information system changes to support Total Life Cycle Systems Management, the "cradle-to-grave" management of weapon and materiel systems. Recent reports, however, have described cases in which critical life cycle management (LCM) decisions and supporting analyses were hindered by problems with life cycle sustainment (LCS) data, i.e., the recorded information about the operation, support, and disposal of Army equipment. This documented briefing describes a study conducted to provide a comprehensive assessment of LCS data currently available in Standard Army Management Information Systems. Findings suggest that a range of data access, quality, and breadth issues should be addressed to ensure that rigorous analyses can be conducted in support of critical LCM decisions. Recommendations include a combination of potential Army policy revisions, information system design changes, and steps to improve execution of sustainment data policies. .

Background and research approach / Findings. Data needs for life cycle management decisions -- Assessment of life cycle sustainment data --Assessment of demographic data on army equipment -- Assessment of data on the operation of army equipment -- Assessment of data on maintenance and disposal of army equipment -- Impact of data limitations -- Factors contributing to data issues -- Potential impact of STAMIS changes in progress / Overall findings and recommendations / Appendices. A: Reports of LCS data problems hindering LCM decisions -- B: Interview questions -- C: Standard sources of Army LCS data -- D: Data issues-bases of medium and low ratings of data elements.