Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)

What is MARS?

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored communications program staffed by trained civilian amateur radio operators. MARS provides auxiliary communications support to the U.S. military and government agencies during emergencies, contingencies, and training exercises.

MARS is organized under two branches:

  • Army MARS – Managed by the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command
  • Air Force MARS – Operated under the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command

Note: Navy/Marine Corps MARS was decommissioned in 2015.

Mission and Objectives

MARS serves to:

  • Provide contingency emergency communications for the Department of Defense
  • Support disaster relief operations and humanitarian assistance
  • Assist with national security communications, including backup links to federal agencies
  • Conduct training exercises in coordination with military units
  • Facilitate interoperability testing between civilian and military systems

Who Can Join MARS?

To become a MARS operator, individuals must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen age 18 or older
  • Hold a valid FCC amateur radio license (Technician class or higher)
  • Pass a background check
  • Own appropriate HF radio equipment (MARS uses assigned frequencies outside regular amateur bands)
  • Commit to ongoing training, reporting, and participation in exercises

MARS Frequencies and Channels

MARS operates on assigned government radio frequencies that are outside the amateur radio bands. These frequencies are controlled by the Department of Defense and are not publicly listed in detail due to operational security.

However, MARS operators use a variety of HF channels for:

  • Voice and digital nets
  • Traffic handling
  • Emergency communications support

Operators receive a complete channel plan and frequency allocation chart upon joining, along with:

  • Encryption/key management protocols (when applicable)
  • Specific operating schedules
  • Band conditions and propagation planning tools

MARS frequencies are coordinated to ensure:

  • Interoperability with military and federal agencies
  • Avoidance of interference with commercial and amateur bands

How MARS Operates

MARS operators use assigned military frequencies, not regular amateur bands. Their operations focus on:

  • HF radio nets for wide-area communications
  • Digital modes for secure, resilient messaging
  • Voice nets for real-time coordination
  • Interfacing with emergency management systems, such as SHARES and FEMA networks

MARS also coordinates with:

  • National Guard and Reserve units
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • FEMA and other emergency services

MARS Exercises and Drills

MARS participates in regular nationwide and regional exercises such as:

  • COMMEX (Communications Exercise)
  • Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) simulation drills
  • Military Auxiliary Support Operations

These events test MARS operators’ readiness to provide national-level backup communications.

Benefits of Participation

  • Serve a national mission and support your country
  • Develop high-level radio skills and interoperability knowledge
  • Network with other skilled radio operators and military personnel
  • Gain access to exclusive MARS training and operational resources

How to Apply

Visit your branch of interest:

Each branch provides an application form, training requirements, and orientation materials.

MARS bridges the gap between the amateur radio community and the military communications infrastructure. Through disciplined training and volunteer service, MARS members provide a vital communication resource that strengthens national readiness and response capabilities.