ROMULUS, MI-The Defense Working Group on Nondestructive Testing is the only forum for U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, DLA and DCMA representatives to exchange information pertaining to nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, equipment and applications.

This year's meeting, held Oct. 26-28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Detroit Metro Airport, had attendance that was restricted and tightly controlled. The meeting focus was information exchange and problem solving without regard to contractual considerations.

With the reduction in expenditures for maintenance, repair and acquisition of new systems, the Department of Defense has had to maximize the useful life of existing assets while developing economical maintenance strategies. NDT plays a significant role in this process. It provides quantitative and qualitative input on the characteristics of systems and components during all phases of life-cycle management. The ability to test and inspect without destroying or degrading equipment ensures the highest standards of personnel safety while providing an inexpensive method to assess useful life and readiness of current assets.

More information on the group and its meetings can be found at hometown.aol.com/dodndt.