Solutions for Total Force Structure Division's Conduct of Troop-to-Task Analysis

This research was conducted in response to a request by Total Force Structure Division (TFSD), Capabilities Development Directorate (CDD), Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) and will serve to provide the TFSD with recommendations for any potential improvements that can be made to the current troop-to-task analysis instructions or the process by which it is conducted. In this context, a troop-to-task analysis is a methodological process of matching the suitable number and quality of personnel and equipment to a unit’s Mission Essential Task List (METL) for the purpose of justifying the need for uncompensated force structure. The study finds that the current template will adequately provide a simple but often subjective analysis from the unit requesting uncompensated force structure. If a more thorough analysis is desired or required, recommendations include further development of standardized troop-to-task business rules, the continued use or new development of existing proprietary contractual analytical software, or a restructuring of the current force structure analysis divisions, e.g., conduct third-party troop-to-task analysis vice relying on those provided by the requesting units.