Mission Analysis Readiness Resource Synchronization Application (MARRS)

The MARRS application project has conservatively generated over $75 million in cost savings and improved readiness. It is an automated software application using performance-based business process solutions such as Information Technology Enterprise Solutions (ITES) and Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP), and Systems of Systems. MARRS Phase I began in September of 2015 and was readily adopted by the Army Reserve. MARRS Phase II began in July of 2016 and built upon the success of the first phase, and continues to grow at implementation sites in both Army
National Guard (ARNG) and U.S. Army Reserves (USARC).

MARRS combines Army operational information and tasks associated with individual and unit readiness data. This integration enables real-time and historical analytics to align the operational requirements to the units that are ready for action, identifying qualified and available personnel that are best fit for each specific mission requirement. MARRS is intended to become the comprehensive Reserve Component (RC) solution for the development and fulfillment of mission requirements. Strategically, MARRS can track and report the up-to-date operational readiness of RC units in support of the National Defense Strategy to senior Army leaders. MARRS merges the requirements and the personnel readiness data metrics into one single shared portal for all to see what’s going on in support of sourced units.

MARRS is hosted under the Department of the Army Mobilization Common Operating Picture (MOBCOP) architecture with registrations in the Army Portfolio Management System (APMS). Specifically, the MARRS-SIPRNet (MARRS-S) and MARRS-NIPRNet (MARRS-N) are housed under the MOBCOP Army Mobilization and Deployment Information System (MDIS) and Department of the Army Mobilization Processing System – Unclassified (DAMPS-U) applications.

MARRS Usage
The MARRS application is used to gather authoritative data, access and coordinate support to warfighting requirements, schedule unit training events, and depict the current operational sustainable readiness to decision-makers. The MARRS application has begun fielding live information for both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. MARRS is becoming the comprehensive RC business process application, supporting the development and fulfillment of real-world missions and training requirements. The MARRS application is fully integrated inside the HQDA 3/5/7 Mobilization Common Operating Picture (MOBCOP) System.

To date, the MARRS team has capitalized on the development of a holistic readiness picture for senior leaders, operational planners, and most importantly, the unit commander along with appropriate internal and external staff. With all the information provided, unit commanders
and staff, and leaders and operational planners use the application to synchronize all of the elements available to produce the optimal collective effort. MARRS allows planners to find the best available units for short-notice T10 missions to long-term planning for homeland operations and combat training center rotations.

Significance to the Army
MARRS combines Army operational authoritative information and tasks associated with unit readiness and individual soldiers’ readiness—the right soldier, at the right place, at the right time, in the right unit. This application enables real-time and historical analysis of data to align the operational requirements to the ready units and identify qualified and available personnel that are truly the best fit for each specific mission and/or training requirement.

Future research and enhancement of the MARRS tools will provide a shared understanding that demonstrates that the Army’s RC is postured to fight and win. Additionally, we are adding a data auditing capability, mission cost analysis for pay and allowances, and expanding the
visualization mapping reporting features. Current data points include:

  • 2.6 million web content requests
  • 8,000 registered users

FY17 Goals
The goal of the MARRS program for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) include:

  • Provide predictable unit sourcing and allow, in accordance with policies and processes, to prioritize readiness resources; maintain to the greatest extent possible component continuity within sourcing requirements; and increase the responsiveness of select RC capabilities.
  • Match and validate the unit training event schedules that are tied to the Army Training Management System to ensure training events meet the training and manning requirements in the specified year.
  • Measure and assess the effectiveness of training events for meeting the unit training and manning, and ensure units are ready at all times.
  • Identify and prioritize the additional requirements for the out years (FY18 and beyond) and those scheduled training events necessary to attain and sustain training and manning readiness into the available year.
  • During FY17, the MARRS team will continue to research and provide enhancements to the application, to provide Army RC capabilities that meet the training and manning requirement standards, and establish operational plans that support rapid mobilization. Continued system augmentation and DoD wide implementation over the next three to five years could yield annual savings in excess of $1 billion in sustainment,cost avoidance, and operational efficiencies.