Military Auxilary Radio System
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A Joint Services
Program
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Army
Air Force
Navy-Marine Corps
What is MARS?
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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?
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A Service provided by
licensed Amateur Radio
operators
Having an interest in
Military Communications
Wishing to contribute to
the MARS mission
MARS History
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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)
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1948 – with Army,
established Military
Amateur Radio
System
recently renamed the
Air Force Military
Auxiliary Radio
System (MARS)
History (continued)
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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CHIEF, NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS
CHEATHAM ANNEX BLDG. 117
108 SANDA AVENUE
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185-5830
http://www.navymars.org