2-1. History 2-1.1. The Army Amateur Radio
System (AARS) was founded in 1925 by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, based on the
need for a pool of trained radio operators in time of mobilization. This
organization was a forerunner of today's Army MARS. AARS was deactivated on 7
December 1941 with the outbreak of World War II.
2-1.2. The Military Amateur
Radio System was established on 26 November 1948 by authority of the
Secretaries of the Army and Air Force. It was renamed Military Affiliate Radio
System on 2 September 1952 to more accurately describe its nature. On 17 August
1962, the Secretary of the Navy approved a Navy-Marine Corps MARS Program to be
implemented on 1 January 1963. DOD Directive 4650.2 formalized the composition,
mission, functions, and organization of MARS and set forth policies concerning
Department of Defense (DOD) support of both the MARS and Civil Amateur Radio
activities within DOD.
2-2. MARS Support 2-2.1. The Department of the
Army supports MARS as follows:
2-2.1.1. Finances, supports,
encourages, and cooperates in the development and promotion of MARS and amateur
radio activities to enhance their military and civil value.
2-2.1.2. Maintains through
the Chief Army MARS, HQ USASC, liaison with Departments of the Navy and Air
Force, recognized U.S. amateur radio organizations, and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) on matters concerning Army MARS and Army
amateur radio programs.
2-2.1.3. Establishes Army
MARS programs in foreign countries or territories where permitted by applicable
treaties and agreements.
2-3. Mission of Army MARS 2-3.1. The mission
of the Army MARS is to provide DOD-sponsored emergency and/or disaster
communications assistance for military or civil officials as an alternate means
to normal communication facilities.
2-4. Functions of Army MARS 2-4.1. Provide a
potential reserve of personnel trained in military radio communications.
2-4.2. Handle official, and
morale & welfare record data and voice communications traffic for Armed
Forces and authorized U.S. Government civilian personnel stationed throughout
the world.
2-4.3. Establish programs to
create civilian interest; recruit qualified volunteers; and furnish appropriate
training in military communications equipment, techniques, and procedures to
individual MARS members and military MARS stations.
2-4.4. Initiate efforts to
improve high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) radio, ultra high
frequency (UHF) radio, and computer systems operating techniques and state-of-the-art
technology through experimentation and testing.
2-4.5. Conduct an
appropriate military-to-amateur-radio exercise as part of the annual
celebration of Armed Forces Day in accordance with DOD Directive 4650.2, and
participate in other selected and directed military-to-amateur exercises.
2-4.6. Serve as the
custodian of the Army radio call sign WAR and operate the WAR network, as
required, in support of Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA).
2-4.7. Conduct periodic
simulated emergency exercises throughout the year.
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