DRRS-A V-2.1c provides the readiness information necessary for Army leaders to best equip the Army and match Soldiers, training and the right equipment to mission needs. Here, 501st Military Police Co. Soldiers use the necessary equipment to conduct a dismounted foot patrol in Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 13, 2008. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Alfredo Jimenz Jr.)

March 2008 marked the Armywide deployment of DRRS-A Version (V) 2.1c. Product Management Office Strategic Battle Command (PMO SBC) has researched, developed and tested DRRS-A V-2.1c to ensure this updated version will improve accuracy and be easier for Soldiers to use.

DRRS-A is a computerized, secure, Web-enabled set of capabilities that reports mission-critical information, including personnel levels, training status, equipment availability and equipment serviceability, providing commanders with an accurate representation of unit readiness to make critical command and control decisions. The applications provide increased reliability of readiness reporting for high operational tempo conditions that are inherent with the global war on terrorism.

Reliable readiness reporting is more important than ever as rapid response and rapid deployment across the globe have grown as Army missions have diversified. In combat missions, stability and support operations, and disaster response, success relies on matching Soldiers, training and the right equipment to mission needs. DRRS-A V-2.1c provides the readiness information necessary for Army leaders to best equip the Army and bring the right forces to the right fight.

The previous DRRS-A version was a stand-alone application requiring users to download it, fill it in and “sneaker net” or e-mail an eXtensible Markup Language file to their higher headquarters and, eventually, to the Department of the Army.

The new version includes the DRRS-A portal for warfighters to log into the applications and the Networked Unit Status Report (USR) Web tool used by units to input their status reports. DRRS-A V-2.1c also includes the force registration application, which provides specific data fields that direct the USR workflow up the chain of command instantly without requiring physical handoffs from level to level. DRRS-A runs on any classified laptop or desktop with Web applications running on the Secure Internet Protocol Router Network.

DRRS-A V-2.1c will improve accuracy, be easier to use and decrease the labor required while providing commanders with an accurate representation of unit readiness to make critical command and control decisions. Here, MAJ Todd DesLauriers, DRRS-A Assistant Product Manager, accesses DRRS-A 2.1c. (Photo by Ken Jarvis, the Wexford Group.)

DRRS-A was developed through a unique collaborative process that took just 24 months to complete. The key to this successful process was the close collaboration between the functional proponent, users, developers and PMO SBC. The entire team identified and prioritized requirements for the next development phases. This minimized “gray areas,” allowed direct user input and resulted in faster development cycles.

The developments were 30-day sprints when the PMO and the functional proponent provided opportunities for users to evaluate and test the developments and make recommendations. The developers made changes and improvements throughout the process, getting a better product to the field faster. PMO SBC uses this process for all updates and new developments.

PMO SBC and Program Manager Battle Command (PM BC) are committed to evolving Army BC Systems (ABCSs) into the future. As the Army continues to develop toward Net-Enabled Command and Control and Future Combat Systems, PMO SBC and PM BC are building on the successes, lessons learned and DRRS-A effectiveness to improve force projection, force readiness, situational awareness, force employment and Future Force protection. Newer DRRS-A versions are under development and PMO SBC is in the final stages of a new force projection version that should be completed and deployed later this year. PMO SBC will continue to provide Soldiers and commanders with an integrated ABCS capability now, while simultaneously migrating to the future.