Military Auxilary Radio System A Joint Services Program Army Air Force Navy-Marine Corps

What is MARS? The Military Auxiliary Radio System is a Department of Defense sponsored program established as individual programs separately managed by the Secretaries of the Army, Air Force, and Navy

Who is in the program? A Service provided by licensed Amateur Radio operators Having an interest in Military Communications Wishing to contribute to the MARS mission

MARS History 1925 – Army Amateur Radio System (AARS) 1946 – Army Amateur Radio System reestablished 1948 – Established the Military Amateur Radio System with the Air Force Later renamed the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) (2009)Renamed the Military Auxiliary Radio System

History (continued) 1948 – with Army, established Military Amateur Radio System recently renamed the Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)

History (continued) 1963 – Navy-Marine Corps MARS launched making MARS a joint service program.

History (continued)  Navy-Marine Corps MARS provides service to the:  Marine Corps and  Coast Guard

MARS Mission Provide DOD sponsored emergency communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications Provide auxiliary communications for military, civil, and/or disaster officials during periods of emergency Assist in effecting normal communications under emergency conditions

MARS Mission (continued) Create interest and Furnish a means of training members in military communications Provide a reserve of trained communications personnel Handle morale and quasi-official record communications for DOD, DOT, USCG and US Govt. personnel stationed throughout the world Conduct an Amateur Radio program annually as a part of Armed Forces Day

Eligibility to join MARS Be 18 years of age Be a U.S. Citizen or resident Alien Possess a valid Amateur License issued by FCC or other competent U.S. authority Possess a radio station capable of operating on MARS frequencies (2-30 MHz)

Applicant Agreement MARS members must agree to operate in accordance with rules and regulations governing MARS as managed by the parent service. Each service requires a minimum participation of its members Each service requires a “trial” period that includes basic training Each service has additional requirements

Army Additional Requirements Complete Basic training Course Participate in Training Nets Participate as a NCS in Training Develop Digital Capability Participate in State MARS Activities

Air Force Additional Requirements Complete Basic Training Course Participate in Training Nets Participate as NCS in Training Develop Digital Capability Participate in State MARS activities

Navy–Marine Corps Additional Requirements Complete Basic Training Course Participate in Training Nets Participate in State and Region Nets Develop Digital Capability Participate as NECOS in Training Participate in State MARS Activities

Benefits of MARS Membership Add to the enjoyment of your hobby Become a part of world wide system Increase your communication skills Operate on special military frequencies Affiliate with service branch of choice Join a group providing meaningful public service Participate in a disciplined environment

MARS MEMBERS ALSO HOLD A LIMITED NUMBER OF SHARES MEMBERSHIPS ALLOCATED TO EACH SERVICE BRANCH IN EACH STATE. (APPROX. 45 IN FLORIDA.) THEY PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ALSO TO FEMA USING NTIA COMPLIANT RADIOS

Army Contact CDR NETCOM/9 TH ASC ATTN: AFCS-OPE-MA CHIEF ARMY MARS 2133 CUSHING STREET FORT HUACHUCA, AZ

Air Force Contact HQ AFCA/GCWM (MARS) 203 W LOSEY SREET ROOM 3100 SCOTT AFB IL

Navy-Marine Corps Contact CHIEF, NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS CHEATHAM ANNEX BLDG SANDA AVENUE WILLIAMSBURG, VA