4-1. MARS Membership requirements

4-1.1. All MARS members may be a member of only one service MARS. Military commands or activities will affiliate with their sponsoring service MARS unless operating in areas where there is only one service MARS authorized.

4-1.2. MARS Membership is limited to:

4-1.2.1. Individuals who meet all of the following:

4-1.2.1.1. Seventeen years of age or older. (Age may not be waived). Signature of parent or guardian is required on the Application for Membership in Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) for applicants under 18 years of age.

4-1.2.1.2. Citizen of the United States or alien who has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the provisions of United States Code, Chapter 12, Title 3.

4-1.2.1.3. Willing to operate in accordance with the regulations prescribed for participation in the Army MARS Program.

4-1.2.1.4. MARS radio station operators must have access to a radio station capable of operating on MARS frequencies, HF or VHF and a valid FCC and/or host country amateur radio operator license.

4-1.2.2. Club station (military or civilian) whose custodian and at least two additional members are individual members of Army MARS and possess a valid amateur radio license issued by the FCC or appropriate overseas commander. The Club station custodian must ensure that radio operators are appropriately trained and the station is equipped to actively participate in the MARS program.

4-1.2.3. Military unit stations operated and maintained under the auspices of a military command (other than Military Club stations) are not required to possess a valid FCC and/or host country license for radio station operators to operate on MARS frequencies. Military Commanders must ensure that radio operators are appropriately trained and the station is equipped to actively participate in the MARS program.

4-1.2.4. Auxiliary membership may be granted to those individuals who do not possess a valid FCC and/or host country license for amateur radio operations but desire to participate in the MARS program in support roles. They must meet all of the above individual membership requirements except possess an amateur radio license. They will not be permitted to operate on MARS radio frequencies except under direct personal control of a licensed MARS radio operator.

4-1.3. MARS Membership Application

4-1.3.1. Authority to approve/disapprove membership applications is delegated to Area Directors and will not be further delegated.

4-1.3.2. Applications for Army MARS membership will be submitted through channels, to the Area MARS Director of the geographic area in which the applicant is located (SEE NOTE BELOW).

With the exception of Auxiliary members, an applicant must also complete and submit simultaneously an Army MARS Questionnaire and a copy of the current FCC and/or host nation amateur license. Applications for Auxiliary membership requires the submission of an Auxiliary Application form only. New members will be admitted on a probationary basis, pending completion of the Army MARS Basic Training Course. Former members of other services' MARS (not terminated for cause) will be required to take the Army MARS Basic Training Course. For more information please read the introductory letter below before filling out the Application Form.