LFTEU

It is critical that the Chief of Land Staff (CLS) be satisfied that an equipment item is suitable for operational service before it is accepted into service. To support him/her in this endeavour, there is the Land Force Trials and Evaluations Unit (LFTEU) that is the Army Centre of Excellence for user trials and evaluations for the full range of equipment used by the Land Force.

The main purpose of trials and evaluations is to provide quantitative data to support informed decision-making. User trials are normally the last trials before an equipment item is introduced into service and, therefore, the last chance to correct any faults or to identify performance deficiencies. User trials may lead to changes in the actual equipment, training organization, drills and procedures, organizations, or the tactical employment of the equipment.

LFTEU assists in this assessment by ensuring that equipment meets the operational requirement by conducting trials and evaluations independent of the agencies responsible for developing the requirement, procuring, manufacturing or modifying the equipment.

Concept of Operations

The mission of LFTEU is to conduct operational trials and evaluations of new and modified equipment, as tasked through the Director of Land Requirements (DLR), on behalf of the CLS. The staff comprises experienced Technical Staff trained officers and CWOs trained as Master Gunners all with extensive technical and trials training. This staff is supported by a small but efficient technical cell comprised of land and imaging technicians. The unit also takes advantage of its location at CFB Gagetown and the availability/support of the Arms Subject Matter Experts and trial troops.

LFTEU performs the following primary tasks:

1. conducts operational trials on new or modified equipment;
2. assists in the introduction into service of new equipment and modifications by providing operational trials expertise and support throughout project development and implementation;
3. maintains expertise in land operations, military technologies and trials methodologies;
4. provides advice, training and briefings on operational trials and evaluations;
5. assists units in the conduct of troop trials and user evaluations through the provision of trials expertise, staff support and trials resources;
6. assists in the development of techniques for training and employment of new or modified equipment;
7. assists in the confirmation of user maintenance techniques related to new or modified equipment;
8. assists in the planning and management of the Land Force operational trials program;
9. assists in the coordination of all operational trials and evaluations taskings; and conducts routine administration, financial and supply management.

The following secondary tasks may be assigned:

1. provides operational advice and assistance to engineering tests, trials or evaluations;
2. where appropriate, and in cooperation with the NDHQ technical authorities, assists in the coordination or execution of technical, reliability or supportability trial tasks as part of combined operational/technical trials; and
3. conducts or participates in CFB Gagetown demonstrations and displays.

For further information call LFTEU Orderly Room at 2680.

Mobile Test Shelter