Software engineering officer recognized by AMC for problem-solving

FORT LIBERTY, Nc. — Software Readiness Officer Jeffrey Marrier, with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Software Engineering Center, aims to solve problems.

Marrier, who has been with CECOM SEC since 2016, is the SEC field representative for the 82nd Airborne Division.

“If there are questions or issues that come up in the field, whether that is from talking to the units or feedback from the actual FSRs [field support representatives], we are able to bridge that gap,” he said.

Recently, he was named one of the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s Employees of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter, Fiscal Year 2023.

Marrier said he received this recognition because he took the initiative to solve a problem. During 2020, he identified a need to improve data analytics, so he created a reporting system that FSRs use, which is now used globally.

“[With data analytics] we can better illustrate the work happening out in the field,” he explained. “There was a gap, and we were seeing cuts to our workforce and most of it seemed like it was coming from not being able to properly represent the value and the level of effort that they were doing in the field.”

According to Marrier, the more “useful, intelligent data” is used for decision-making at higher headquarters.

“There are some Army-wide policies that came out within the last couple of years that really forced software to get the attention, basically on the same level that hardware has for many years. It was anticipating that this is coming down the line, and how are we going to be prepared to support what may come out of this new requirement the Army is going to have.”

Marrier said what he likes most about his job is the ability to work independently.

“That has worked for me because I tend to take initiative and be a self-starter on things,” he said.

He said he gains satisfaction and motivation knowing he can make someone’s job easier when he suggests improvements. He enjoys researching different tools and platforms, even outside of work.

“It has turned into a hobby for me as well,” he said. “Which is an ideal situation, when you enjoy your work.”

Soon, he said, he will be leading a team to help him with his efforts.

Marrier said it is validating to receive recognition from AMC.

“It feels good, it is obviously not the reason why I do it, but it is nice to get recognized for my work.”

Serving the nation

Marrier is a native of Massachusetts, outside of Boston, and he attended Kansas State University and the ITT Technical Institute. After working in the public sector, he joined the Army in 2004.

“It got to the point where I felt like I needed a big change,” he said.

While in the Army, Marrier served as a signal Soldier. He said he enjoyed the camaraderie that the Army offers and wanted to be a part of something bigger by serving the nation.

Additionally, he appreciated the structure and discipline the Army provided.

After separating from the Army in 2008, he began his civilian career working for CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center. He appreciates he can still serve Soldiers as a civilian, he said.

“The transition to CECOM was pretty straightforward because I went from what I was doing in the military to assisting the folks who were doing the same job.”

His advice to others is: “don’t shy away from taking a risk.”

Although his job requires him to collaborate often with CECOM teammates stationed at APG, the technology improvements made during the pandemic allow him to do his job remotely.

“That’s the silver lining,” he said. “Gone are the days where we are tied to the desk at headquarters.”