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How to JOIN Washington State Army Military Affiliate Radio
System (MARS).
Eligibility
The applicant must --
- Be 17 years of age or older. (Signature of parent or legal
guardian is required when an applicant is under 18 years of age.)
- Be a United States Citizen or resident alien. (Possess a
valid amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other
competent U.S. Authority.)
- Possess a station capable of operating on MARS VHF and/or HF
frequencies.
- Agree to operate a minimum of 12 hours per calendar quarter
with 6 hours being on VHF and or HF networks
Types of Membership
There are four types of membership --
- Individual Membership: A privately owned VHF and/or HF
radio station, licensed by the FCC and/or host authority, operated by an individual who is
a member of and licensed by Army MARS.
- Club Membership: A radio station licensed in MARS that is
established, operated, and maintained by volunteers under the auspices of a properly
constituted military and/or civilian amateur radio club.
- Auxiliary Membership: Auxiliary membership is designated
for non-operators who perform a support function.
- Military Unit Membership: Military unit MARS stations are
operated and maintained under the auspices of a military command, and are authorized on
the table of distribution and allowances/table of organization and equipment (TDA/TOE).
Military station categories include active Army, Reserves, National Guard, and Corps of
Engineers.
MARS MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Any MARS member may only be a current member of one service MARS program (Army, Air Force,
or Navy-Marine Corps) at a time.
Military commands or activities will affiliate with their
sponsoring service MARS unless operating in areas where there is only one service MARS
authorized.
How to Join Army MARS
Membership application.
- The Application for Individual Membership will be used by
applicants. Applications will be submitted through the state MARS director. Two copies of
the applicant’s current FCC and/or host nation amateur license must be included with
the application.
- Upon approval, the Membership Administrator will issue the new
member an Army MARS call sign and other instructional and informational material. New
members will be issued a letter license initially, with a certificate issued after
completion of Basic Training.
THE US ARMY MARS APPLICATION - DOWNLOAD AND PROCESS
If you meet the requirements (above) and wish to join US Army MARS, in Washington State:
- Download the following two PDF files:
- Instructions for
filling out the US Army MARS Application Form
- the US Army MARS Application Form
- Print out the US Army MARS Application Form.
- Fill out the Form in accordance with the Instructions.
- Send the completed Form, plus the supporting documents
listed in the Instructions, to:
Washington State Army MARS Director
Chris McGrawl, AAA0WA
13822 Dolly Varden Lane NW
Bremerton, WA 98312
kb2skp atsign arrl.net
Benefits of Membership in MARS
- Add to the enjoyment of your amateur radio hobby through the
expanded horizon of MARS.
- Become part of the Army MARS worldwide communications system.
- Increase your communications skills and capabilities. Selected
correspondence courses in communications - electronics subjects are available free to MARS
members from their respective affiliated service after completion of six months active
membership.
- Operate on specially assigned military radio frequencies in voice,
teletype, and packet modes of communications.
- Join a group of dedicated fellow radio amateurs participating in
meaningful public service.
- Affiliate with the service branch of your choice and become part
of the professional military communications family.
- Gain a feeling of being associated with a military mission and
contributing to the welfare and preparedness of the nation.
- Participate in regulated, disciplined radio nets with structured
lines of organization and very specific operating rules.
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