1. What is Human Systems Integration (HSI)?

HSI emphasizes the human as the top priority in design and acquisition. This common-sense, "total system approach" to systems engineering considers human elements such as manpower, personnel, training, human factors, safety, health, habitability, and survivability, and the interfaces between these elements.

2. What are the benefits of HSI Systems?

Performing HSI work upfront optimizes total systems performance, reduces lifecycle costs, and identifies human-subsystem interface issues during the capabilities requirements processes "before we cut metal." Since systems are designed with a human focus, they represent a major cost savings because will minimize redesign or reconfiguring.

3. Who makes up the Air Force HSI Office?

Besides Ms. Lizza, the 9-person office is led by Dr. Richard Drawbaugh and includes fellow PSI SME Dr. Fran Greene and team members Larry Carr and Jeffrey Sventek -- plus four senior military personnel and an administrative assistant. Combined, the HSI office brings over 100 years of military service, four technical masters degrees, and three Ph.D.'s.

4. What has the HSI Office accomplished during the past year?

SMEs support four critical HSI areas: Policy and Guidance; Education and Training; Tools and Technology; and Execution and Implementation. Besides providing key expertise, the HSI team has accomplished the following initiatives:

• Developed the first Air Force HSI Strategy - a roadmap for implementation and execution of this new program
• Wrote the first Air Force Policy Directive for coordination and implementation and drafted the Air Force Instructions for the HSI Program
• Built a program communication plan
• Provided briefings to senior level Air Staff and to Operational Summits, Industry and written professional journal articles
• Drafted the HSI Report to DoD and Congress
• Ongoing oversight of research studies and workshops in the areas of HSI economics, education and training, domain issues, lessons learned, website development, and systems engineering tools and processes

5. What is the biggest challenge facing the HSI program?

The goal of optimized warfighter capability and sustained readiness is a noble one. This initiative is well underway, but it will take time to embrace and implement the HSI program across the Air Force. It represents a culture change. HSI is the wave of the future and continued emphasis will be placed on ensuring that the appropriate resources are available to support the program.