Recapitalizing the Navy Through Optimized Manning and Improved Reliability

Reduced manning is the process (and the result) of removing human functions from a system while retaining or improving system operability and effectiveness. Reliability and maintainability characterize a system's operability and effectiveness. Reduced manning impacts system reliability by changing the characteristics of (1) human error associated with system operation and maintenance, (2) time to repair failed components, and (3) mean-time-between-failures (MBTF) in a reduced manning environment. Simply reducing manning without compensating for system dependence on human involvement generally has a negative impact on system maintainability. Methods to address this include (1) human-system integration design of maintenance interfaces and (2) design of operations activities that are closely related to device failures. After demonstrating reliable performance through testing and operation, ship commanders can be assured that fewer people can effectively operate and maintain Navy ships and systems.