Thank you for
your interest in Air Force MARS. Our program has several
prerequisites:
1. You
must be a U.S.
citizen or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent
residency, 18 years or older and be a currently licensed amateur radio
operator with any class
of license.
2.
You must have radio
equipment capable of operating on MARS HF frequencies, assigned by Region AF MARS officials. If used, VHF complements the HF station, providing critical “first mile/last mile” connectivity. Almost all of
the commercial amateur radio transceiver's
can be modified to operate on the MARS frequencies.
3. The
radio equipment must
meet current NTIA frequency stability and band width standards. Most
all modern HF amateur radios meet the band
width requirement and will meet the stability requirement standard if
the TCXO or upgraded crystal oscillator has been installed. VHF transceivers must meet the NTIA narrowband standards.
4. You
must have have
the capability of operating voice and digital modes specified by HQ
USAF MARS. Digital mode is defined as any computer-generated signal
otherthan continuous wave (CW).
5. And
you must be able to
meet the minimum participation requirement of 12 hours per quarter on-air participation in
MARS operation.
You will receive
live training on one
of our HF frequencies. While in
training status you
will not be able to handle traffic or operate on other MARS frequencies
or modes, but this will provide you an opportunity to gain experience
regarding how our nets operate. Your training status can last
up to six months, but most of our members finish their training much
quicker.
Air
Force MARS operates a
number of Area and nation wide HF networks on voice and digital modes,
some running 24/7 and others operating on fixed schedules. Our Region mirrors FEMA Region IX.
To apply
for membership,
please complete the MARS application and e-mail the form to the appropriate State MARS Director
(SMD) using the link below. If
you were a previous MARS
member, please include a copy of your MARS license or assignment order.
I’m sure you will find your experience in Air Force MARS
rewarding and worthwhile.
The AF MARS Application
Form is also used for requesting administrative
actions
for current members. Current AF MARS members wishing to update their
membership informaton, submit a change of address, amateur license
renewal, etc., must submit a signed and dated Application Form to
their SMD, indicating the action requsted. The form provided is one
used for these administrative actions.
