Weapon Systems Testing: Reorganization of DOD’s Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation

What GAO Found In response to the Secretary of Defense’s direction in a May 2025 memorandum, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) made several organizational and staffing changes. These included creation of a Technical Director position and a space and strategic warfare area; elimination of Senior Executive Service-level Deputy Director positions; and significant reductions in civilian positions, including Action Officers responsible for assessing individual weapon system programs. Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation Staffing Levels Before and After May 2025 Memorandum Note: DOT&E staff figures above include administrative staff in addition to warfare area staff.