What is the MISSION of MARS?

The Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) is a Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored program that combines the resources and talents of military radio operators and volunteer radio operators of the US Amateur Radio Service. Under the authority of  DoDI 4650.02 - Dated Dec 23 2009 each branch of the Armed Forces manages and operates individual MARS programs in joint support of the overall MARS program. The primary missions of MARS are:

• To provide DoD-sponsored emergency communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications.
• To provide auxiliary communications for military, civil, and/or disaster officials during periods of emergency.
• To assist in affecting normal communications under emergency conditions.
• To Handle quasi-official, official, and morale voice, data, and message communications traffic for the Armed Forces and authorized U.S. Government civilian personnel stationed throughout the world.

Whether providing emergency communications for federal or local authorities during natural disasters or relaying morale messages from families to service members overseas, the 5000 volunteer men and women of MARS ensure that program will always be proud, professional, and ready.