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Military Auxiliary Radio System. A Joint Services Program Army Air Force Navy-Marine Corps. What is MARS?.
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Military Auxiliary 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/9TH ASC • ATTN: AFCS-OPE-MA • CHIEF ARMY MARS • 2133 CUSHING STREET • FORT HUACHUCA, AZ 85613-7070 http://www.asc.army.mil/mars/
Air Force Contact • HQ AFCA/GCWM (MARS) • 203 W LOSEY SREET • ROOM 3100 • SCOTT AFB IL 62225-5222 https://public.afca.scott.af.mil/public/mars/mars1.htm
Navy-Marine Corps Contact • CHIEF, NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS • CHEATHAM ANNEX BLDG. 117 • 108 SANDA AVENUE • WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185-5830 http://www.navymars.org