2022-25636. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Department of the Army, Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

60-Day information collection notice.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Consideration will be given to all comments received by January 24, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 08D09, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to Headquarters, Network Enterprise Technology Command, Military Auxiliary Radio System, Salado, TX 76571, ATTN: Paul English, or call 254-947-3141.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Application; Army MARS Form 1; OMB Control Number 0702-0140.

Needs and Uses: The information collection requirement is necessary to operate a Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Station. The MARS program is a civilian auxiliary consisting primarily of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications and providing worldwide auxiliary emergency communications during times of need. The information collection requirement is necessary not only an application to join ARMY MARS, but to maintain an accurate roster of civilians enrolled in the program for the purpose of providing contingency communications support to the Department of Defense. Additionally, the collected information is used by the MARS program manager to determine an individual's eligibility for the program, as well as to initiate a background investigation should a security clearance be required. Location information may be used to show the geographic dispersion of the members who participate in the global High Frequency radio network in support of the Department of Defense and to ensure our radio spectrum authorizations cover the geographic areas from which our members will operate. The information is also used periodically to email informational updates about the MARS program.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Annual Burden Hours: 137.5.

Number of Respondents: 550.

Responses per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 550.

Average Burden per Response: 15 minutes.

Frequency: On occasion.

Dated: November 18, 2022.

Aaron T. Siegel,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.