It remains a largely unknown or niche capability, one that is usually stumbled upon by planners in the moment of crisis and then poorly implemented. Maj. Brian Kerg, USMC hopes to see changes in USA Defence Department with this largely unknown ham group. https://www.lastwire.ca/podcast/why-does-this-emergency-amateur-radio-group-remain-largely-unknown/
MARS is "largely unknown"? Really? Certainly not within the Amateur Radio community. Amateur Radio Community Invited to Take Part in MARS Exercise on 60 Meters http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-community-invited-to-take-part-in-mars-exercise-on-60-meters MARS Communications Exercise will Involve Amateur Radio Community http://www.arrl.org/news/mars-communications-exercise-will-involve-amateur-radio-community MARS Volunteers Recognized with Gold-Level President’s Volunteer Service Award http://www.arrl.org/news/mars-volun...old-level-president-s-volunteer-service-award MARS civilian volunteers stand ready for emergencies in Syracuse https://www.dvidshub.net/news/384757/mars-civilian-volunteers-stand-ready-emergencies-syracuse
.....if you listen to the interview you may be able to better understand Brian's perspective on MARS and its relationship to National Defense.
What makes you think I didn't listen to the interview? I fully appreciate his perspective. Just don't agree with the notion that MARS is "largely unknown". Perhaps so outside the Amateur Radio community -- even within the defense establishment. But so is Amateur Radio, itself, these days.
