MARS, an adjunct to ARES/RACES/FEMA E-Com

W6HNC John Jewkes, SMD Oregon Army MARS AAA0OR writes "MARS is the acronym for the Official component of the Dept. of Defense's communications bureaus within the Armed Forces of our country. It's Primary mission has changed over the years. Once famous for the "Blue" call-home trailers in Vietnam, it now is primarily a group of highly trained Amateur Radio Operators who learn how to send and Pass logistical and morale/health/welfare traffic.


Unlike the ARES/RACES traffic, MARS uses Military Frequencies above and below each of the HAM bands, (HF, VHF, UHF) to communicate. MARS also has direct information passing to the Directorate of Military Support (DOMS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that gives these agencies a 'heads-up' of disaster even before the Governor declares a state of emergency and requests Federal Aid. By so doing, MARS helps speed up the response process by relief agencies.


MARS also works closely with the American Red Cross, ARES/RACES, and other relief and response agencies. In many states we help support and stand ready to help in Major Forest Fires, Riots, and disasters. Visit the US ARMY MARS Site for more details, as well as links to the US Navy/Marine Corps and US Air Force MARS programs websites. MARS stands proud, professional and ready to serve, when where and as needed.



Oh Yeah.... We still very much support our Young Men and Women serving their country around the world, still providing FREE messaging to/from loved ones and friends. We send most by digital communications, but sometimes a Phone Patch from Over there to Over here can be arranged.... again for FREE. We even have web-based message entry points, and offer 'Club' licenses for Groups of Amateurs who want to set up a MARS site at their club or EOC.



Intel and other Employers who support an "ERT" Amateur Radio Club may also support a MARS Station club.

73 de John W6HNC/ AAA0OR
ORegon Army MARS State Director (Oregon Site) and current member ARES/RACES district 1, Oregon."