What does the term 'Initial Operational Capability' indicate?

'Initial Operational Capability' signifies the point at which a system can be deployed and operated effectively for its intended use, although it may not yet have reached full operational capability. This concept is crucial in the context of military and defense programs as it indicates that a system is ready to be utilized in a practical setting, even if it might still require further development and enhancements for full functionality.

This term addresses the early stages of a system's life cycle, when it is deployed to begin gathering operational data or to validate its performance under actual conditions. Achieving Initial Operational Capability is often a significant milestone, as it allows military units to start using the system in real-world scenarios and provides opportunities for evaluation and improvement based on feedback.

The other options revolve around different concepts within acquisition programs, such as completion of a program, full operational capability, or transitions between program phases, but they do not capture the essence of what 'Initial Operational Capability' represents in terms of readiness for effective deployment and operation.