air force mars operating instruction ... mars...air force mars operating instruction 2 august 2017...

AIR FORCE MARS OPERATING INSTRUCTION

2 August 2017

Communications and Information

MILITARY AUXILIARY RADIO SYSTEM

OPERATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: This publication is available through the MARS Program Office

[email protected] .

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

OPR: 38 CYRS/SCM (Chief USAF MARS) AGA5C

Supersedes AFMARS MOI 21 APR 2016 Rev A, and all previous revisions Pages: 124

This Air Force MILITARY AUXILIARY RADIO SYSTEM (MARS) Operating Instruction

(MOI) sets forth responsibilities, operational characteristics, organizational structure, policy,

and procedures for the operations of the Air Force MARS (AFMARS) Program. This

MOI details MARS station operations, the administration of AFMARS membership, network

operation, and management of government property used in MARS as authorized by DoD

Instruction 4650.02, AF Instruction (AFI)17-210, and other governing DoD and AF directives.

This instruction applies to individual AFMARS members and AFMARS stations when

operating on MARS nets. AFMARS stations will use this publication in conjunction with other

applicable publications governing military radio and MARS station operations procedures.

Refer technical questions to Chief, USAF MARS, 38 CYRS/SCM, 203 West Losey St., Rm

2100, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5222.

This MOI may be amended at any time, in whole or in part, by direction of the Chief, USAF

MARS. Further, no supplements or changes to current operating procedures, modes, or

practices are allowed without the consent of the Chief or his representative.

Reporting errors in this document: Members are urged to report typographical errors,

inconsistencies, or related matters to their respective State MARS Director in writing, detailing such

observations. SMD’s shall forward such comments to the Region MARS Director for additional

handling.

mailto:[email protected]

AFMARS MOI 2 August 2017 2

REVISION PAGE

REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION

- 17 APR

2016

Initial Rewrite DRAFT

A 21 APR

2016

Initial MARS Release

B 20 JUN 17 Fix Typos throughout, Substantial Updates to Sections 4; 6; 11;

13; & 16.

20 June 2017

Revision B

2 Aug 2017 Revision “2 Aug 2017” published superseding all previous versions.


Table of Contents

Chapter 1.0. MISSION AND ORGNAIZATION ............................................................................. 10 1.1. MARS Mission ............................................................................................................................................... 10

1.1.1. DoD Instruction 4650.02 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS). ....................................................................................... 10 1.1.2. MARS Mission Supplement. ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.2. MARS Tasking ............................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.1. Per DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4650.02. ........................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.2. MARS Mission Responsibilities. ................................................................................................................................................... 11

1.3. Duties and Responsibilities. ............................................................................................................................ 11 1.3.1. Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (SAF). ........................................................................................................................... 11 1.3.2. Chief, USAF MARS. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 1.3.3. MAJCOM, Guard, & Reserve Communications Systems Offices. ............................................................................................ 13 1.3.4. Installation MARS Director (IMD). ............................................................................................................................................. 13 1.3.5. Base Support Team (BST). ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

1.4. National Appointments ................................................................................................................................... 15 1.4.1. National Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations (NDTO). ........................................................................................................ 15 1.4.2. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations (DDTNO). ........................................................................................ 16 1.4.3. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations (DDTDO). ........................................................................................... 16 1.4.4. Deputy Director Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Operations (DDALEO). .................................................................... 17 1.4.5. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Operations (DDTRRO). ............................................................................... 18 1.4.6. National Phone Patch Net Manager (NPPNM). .......................................................................................................................... 19 1.4.7. Deputy National Phone Patch Net Manager (DNPPNM). .......................................................................................................... 19 1.4.8. National Mission Support Network Manager (NMSNM)........................................................................................................... 20 1.4.9. Deputy National Mission Support Network Manager (DNMSNM)........................................................................................... 20 1.4.10. National Planning Coordinator (NPC). ..................................................................................................................................... 20 1.4.11. National Emergency Coordinator (NEC). ................................................................................................................................. 21 1.4.12. Deputy National Emergency Coordinator (DNEC). ................................................................................................................. 22 1.4.13. National Exercise Coordinator (NXC). ...................................................................................................................................... 22 1.4.14. Deputy National Exercise Coordinator (DNXC). ...................................................................................................................... 23 1.4.15. National Operations Director (NOD). ........................................................................................................................................ 24 1.4.16. National VHF Coordinator (NVC). ............................................................................................................................................ 24 1.4.17. National Military Liaison (NML). .............................................................................................................................................. 25 1.4.18. National Training Manager (NTM). .......................................................................................................................................... 26 1.4.19. Deputy National Training Manager (DNTM). .......................................................................................................................... 26 1.4.20. National Records Manage (NRM). ............................................................................................................................................. 26 1.4.21. National Public Information Officer (NPIO). ........................................................................................................................... 27 1.4.22. National Technical Services Manager (NTSM). ........................................................................................................................ 27 1.4.23. National Administrative Assistant (NAA). ................................................................................................................................ 28

1.5. Region Appointees. ......................................................................................................................................... 29 1.5.1. Region MARS Director (RMD). ................................................................................................................................................... 29 1.5.2. Deputy Region MARS Director (DRMD). ................................................................................................................................... 30 1.5.3. Region Emergency Coordinator (REC). ...................................................................................................................................... 30 1.5.4. Region Records Manager (RRM). ................................................................................................................................................ 31 1.5.5. Region Training Manager (RTM). ............................................................................................................................................... 31 1.5.6. Region Exercise Coordinator (RXC). .......................................................................................................................................... 32 1.5.7. Region Digital Networks Manager (RDNM). .............................................................................................................................. 33 1.5.8. Region Voice Network Manager (RVNM). .................................................................................................................................. 33 1.5.9. Region VHF Coordinator (RVC). The Region ............................................................................................................................ 34 1.5.10. Region Technical Services Manager (RTSM). .......................................................................................................................... 34

1.6. State Appointments. ........................................................................................................................................ 35 1.6.1. State MARS Director (SMD). ....................................................................................................................................................... 35 1.6.2. Deputy State MARS Director (DSMD). ....................................................................................................................................... 37 1.6.3. State Emergency Coordinator (SEC). .......................................................................................................................................... 37 1.6.4. Individual Volunteer Members. ................................................................................................................................................... 37

1.7. Member Official Appointments. ..................................................................................................................... 38 1.7.1. Appointment Process. ................................................................................................................................................................... 38 1.7.2. Position Applications. .................................................................................................................................................................... 39 1.7.3. Selection and Appointment Process. ............................................................................................................................................ 39 1.7.4. Special Net Manager (SNM) Appointments. ............................................................................................................................... 39 1.7.5. Outgoing Officials.......................................................................................................................................................................... 39 1.7.6. Staff Positions. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 39 1.7.7. Billet Expectations. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 39


1.7.8. National Billets............................................................................................................................................................................... 40 1.7.9. Region Billets. ................................................................................................................................................................................ 40 1.7.10. State Billets. ................................................................................................................................................................................. 40 1.7.11. Non-Billeted Assignments. .......................................................................................................................................................... 40 1.7.12. Non-Billeted AF Form 3661. ....................................................................................................................................................... 41 1.7.13. Non-Billeted Duties and Responsibilities. .................................................................................................................................. 41

Chapter 2.0. MEMBER APPLICATION, ASSIGNMENTS AND TRAINING ......................... 42 2.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 42 2.2. MARS Station Categories. .............................................................................................................................. 42

2.2.1. IAW DoDI 4650.02. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 42 2.2.2. Station Association. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 42 2.2.3. Civilian Volunteer Minimum Eligibility. ..................................................................................................................................... 42 2.2.4. Eligibility Requirements Grandfathering. ................................................................................................................................... 42

2.3. Eligibility Criteria. .......................................................................................................................................... 43 2.3.1. Age. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43 2.3.2. Citizenship. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 2.3.3. FCC License Class. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 43 2.3.4. Station Requirements. ................................................................................................................................................................... 43 2.3.5. VHF Requirements. See Section 16.0 for more information on VHF operations. .................................................................... 43 2.3.6. Contact Information. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 44

2.4. Net Control Station. ........................................................................................................................................ 44 2.5. Deployment Requirements. ............................................................................................................................. 44

2.5.1. Willing and Able. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 44 2.5.2. Course Completion AF Form 3661. ............................................................................................................................................. 44

2.6. Individual Responsibilities. ............................................................................................................................. 45 2.7. Training Material. ........................................................................................................................................... 46 2.8. FCC License Renewal Procedures. ................................................................................................................. 47

Chapter 3.0. PARTICIPATION, REPORTING, AND LOGGING .............................................. 48 3.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 48 3.2. Member Activity Time. .................................................................................................................................. 48

3.2.1. Total Active MARS Service Date. ................................................................................................................................................ 48 3.2.2. Self-Reporting. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 48 3.2.3. Time Reporting. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 48 3.2.4. Members Inactive Status............................................................................................................................................................... 48 3.2.5. Members Return To Active Status. .............................................................................................................................................. 48

3.3. Participation Time Requirements. ................................................................................................................... 49 3.3.1. Minimum Time Requirement. ...................................................................................................................................................... 49 3.3.2. Accuracy and Timeliness. ............................................................................................................................................................. 49 3.3.3. Right to Audit. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 50

3.4. Failure to Keep Records or Fraudulent Activity. ............................................................................................ 50 3.5. Member Participation Time. ........................................................................................................................... 50

3.5.1. On-Air Participation Time. .......................................................................................................................................................... 50 3.5.2. Non On-Air Participation Time. .................................................................................................................................................. 51

3.6. Reporting Procedure and Methodology. ......................................................................................................... 51 3.6.1. Member Monthly Report. ............................................................................................................................................................. 52 3.6.2. Member Base Support Team (BST). ............................................................................................................................................ 53 3.6.3. State MARS Directors Quarterly Report Content. ..................................................................................................................... 53 3.6.4. Region MARS Directors Quarterly Feedback Report. ............................................................................................................... 53 3.6.5. RMD Quarterly Feedback Report Content. ................................................................................................................................ 53 3.6.6. National Records Manager Quarterly Report. ........................................................................................................................... 54 3.6.7. Additional Reporting. ................................................................................................................................................................... 54 3.6.8. Member Station Logs. ................................................................................................................................................................... 54

Chapter 4.0. PERSONNEL ACTIONS............................................................................................... 56 4.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 56 4.2. Releasing Officials. ......................................................................................................................................... 56 4.3. Resignations. ................................................................................................................................................... 56 4.4. Member Terminations. .................................................................................................................................... 56 4.5. Member Transfers. .......................................................................................................................................... 57 4.6. Reinstatement Waiting Periods. ...................................................................................................................... 57 4.7. Extenuating Circumstances. ............................................................................................................................ 57 4.8. Assignment Actions Requiring AF Form 3661 Preparation. .......................................................................... 59

4.8.1. AFMARS Personnel Action Notification (AF FORM 3661)....................................................................................................... 59


4.8.2. AF Form 3661 Content. ................................................................................................................................................................ 59 4.8.3. AF Form 3661 Preparation Instructions. .................................................................................................................................... 60

4.9. Maintenance of Records.................................................................................................................................. 61 4.10. Public Records Information. ......................................................................................................................... 61 4.11. DoD Benefits Procedure. .............................................................................................................................. 61 4.12. Reserve Points Procedure.............................................................................................................................. 61

Chapter 5.0. INTEROPERABILITY .................................................................................................. 62 5.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 62 5.2. Interoperability - Army MARS. ...................................................................................................................... 62 5.3. Interoperability other Government Organizations. ......................................................................................... 62

5.3.1. Active duty/Reserve military stations/units. ................................................................................................................................ 62 5.3.2. National Guard stations/units. ...................................................................................................................................................... 63 5.3.3. Stations authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ..................................................................................... 63 5.3.4. Civil Air Patrol stations/units, regardless of location, to include: .............................................................................................. 63 5.3.5. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ......................................................................................................... 64 5.3.6. US Department of Agriculture. .................................................................................................................................................... 64 5.3.7. US Department of Interior. ........................................................................................................................................................... 64 5.3.8. US Department of Energy. ............................................................................................................................................................ 64 5.3.9. US Department of Transportation. .............................................................................................................................................. 64 5.3.10. US Department of Defense. ......................................................................................................................................................... 64 5.3.11. US Veterans Administration. ...................................................................................................................................................... 64

5.4. Interoperability - Non-Government Organizations (Ngo). .............................................................................. 64 5.5. Special Authorizations. ................................................................................................................................... 64 5.6. Joint-Service Interoperability Net (JSIN). ...................................................................................................... 65

5.6.1. The JSIN. ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 65 5.6.2. Net Control Stations. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65

5.7. Policy Guidance for Message Traffic. ............................................................................................................ 65 5.7.1. Precedence. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 65 5.7.2. Service’s Policy. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 65 5.7.3. Encryption. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 5.7.4. Policy Compliance. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 66

5.8. Phone Patch Network. ...................................................................................................................................... 66

Chapter 6.0. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION.................................................. 67 6.1. Scope. MARS Communication Protection Guidance. .................................................................................... 67 6.2. For Official Use Only (FOUO). ...................................................................................................................... 67

6.2.1. MARS Communication Protection Guidance. ............................................................................................................................ 67 6.2.2. FOUO Documents. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 68 6.2.3. FOUO Transmittal. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 68

6.3. Personally Identifiable Information (PII). ....................................................................................................... 68 6.4. Amateur Call Sign........................................................................................................................................... 68 6.5. Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). ............................................................................. 69

6.5.1. Access to CUI. ................................................................................................................................................................................ 69 6.5.2. Securing CUI. ................................................................................................................................................................................ 69

6.6. Security Training. ........................................................................................................................................... 69 6.6.1. CUI Training. ................................................................................................................................................................................ 69 6.6.2. PII Training. .................................................................................................................................................................................. 69 6.6.3. Cyber Training. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 69

Chapter 7.0. CORRESPONDENCE ................................................................................................... 71 7.1. General. ........................................................................................................................................................... 71 7.2. Proper Channels. ............................................................................................................................................. 71

7.2.1. Criticality. ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 71 7.2.2. Personal or sensitive nature. ......................................................................................................................................................... 71

7.3. Written Correspondence. ................................................................................................................................ 71 7.3.1. Endorsement. ................................................................................................................................................................................. 71 7.3.2. Concurrence................................................................................................................................................................................... 71 7.3.3. Responses. ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 71 7.3.4. Application. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 72

7.4. On The Air or Email. ...................................................................................................................................... 72 7.5. U.S. MAIL. ..................................................................................................................................................... 72

Chapter 8.0. CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS ............................................................................. 73


8.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 73 8.2. Annual Conference. ........................................................................................................................................ 73 8.3. State Meetings. ................................................................................................................................................ 73 8.4. General Conferences. ...................................................................................................................................... 73

8.4.1. Planning. ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 73 8.4.2. Committee. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 73 8.4.3. Scheduling. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 8.4.4. Discussion Items. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 74 8.4.5. Social Events. ................................................................................................................................................................................. 74 8.4.6. Agenda Coordination. ................................................................................................................................................................... 74 8.4.7. Chairperson Duties........................................................................................................................................................................ 74 8.4.8. Attendance Participation. ............................................................................................................................................................. 74 8.4.9. FOUO Restrictions. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 74

8.5. General Meetings. ........................................................................................................................................... 74 8.5.1. Meeting Outline. ............................................................................................................................................................................ 75 8.5.2. Discussion Content. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 75 8.5.3. Award Presentation. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 75 8.5.4. Attendance Participation. ............................................................................................................................................................. 75

Chapter 9.0. MARS IDENTIFICATION CARDS ............................................................................. 76 9.1. Scope. .............................................................................................................................................................. 76 9.2. DD Form 2350 Issue and Control. .................................................................................................................. 76 9.3. ID Control Log. ............................................................................................................................................... 76

9.3.1. Numbering. .................................................................................................................................................................................... 76 9.3.2. Log Data. ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 76 9.3.3. Log Retention. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 76

9.4. ID Recovery. ................................................................................................................................................... 76 9.5. ID Security. ..................................................................................................................................................... 76 9.6. ID Processing. ................................................................................................................................................. 77 9.7. ID Expiration. ................................................................................................................................................. 77 9.8. Limited Issuance. ............................................................................................................................................ 77

Chapter 10.0. MILITARY MORALE, WELFARE, AND RECREATION PROGRAM ........... 79 10.1. Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................ 79 10.2. Eligible Members. ......................................................................................................................................... 79 10.3. Eligibility. ..................................................................................................................................................... 79 10.4. Additional Benefits. ...................................................................................................................................... 79

Chapter 11.0. CALL SIGNS .................................................................................................................. 80 11.1. Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................ 80 11.2. Issuing Authority. ......................................................................................................................................... 80 11.3. Regions and States. ....................................................................................................................................... 80 11.4. MARS Call Sign Suffixes. ............................................................................................................................ 80 11.5. MARS Call Sign Use Outside Of Home Area. ............................................................................................. 81 11.6. Military Base Station Call Signs Prefix “AGA”. .......................................................................................... 81 11.7. MARS Member Call Signs Prefix. “AFA”. .................................................................................................. 81 11.8. MARS Member Call Signs In Training Prefix “AFT”.................................................................................. 81 11.9. Billet Call Signs. ........................................................................................................................................... 82 11.10. National Level Billet Call Signs. ................................................................................................................ 82 11.11. Region Level Billet Call Signs. ................................................................................................................... 83 11.12. State Level Billet Call Signs. ...................................................................................................................... 84 11.13. Digital Station Call Signs. ........................................................................................................................... 85

11.13.1. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network PMC Stations. ................................................................................................................. 85 11.13.2. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network RMS Stations. ................................................................................................................. 85 11.13.3. VHF Secondary Station Identifiers (SSID). ............................................................................................................................. 85

11.14. Special Event Station Call Signs. ................................................................................................................ 86 11.14.1. Requesting Special Event Call Signs. ....................................................................................................................................... 86 11.14.2. “AFM” Prefix. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 86

11.15. Civil Agency And Air Force MARS Club Station Call Signs. ................................................................... 86 11.15.1. Club Station Association with AFMARS. ................................................................................................................................ 87 11.15.2. Approval of AFMARS Club Stations. ...................................................................................................................................... 87

11.16. Net Nomenclature. ...................................................................................................................................... 87


11.16.1. AFMARS Nomenclature. .......................................................................................................................................................... 87 11.16.2. Special Nets and Circumstances. .............................................................................................................................................. 88 11.16.3. Exceptions. ................................................................................................................................................................................. 88

11.17. Special Recognition Status Prefix “AFZ”. .................................................................................................. 89

Chapter 12.0. MESSAGES ................................................................................................................... 90 12.1. Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................ 90 12.2. Message Acceptance. .................................................................................................................................... 90 12.3. Message Preparation. .................................................................................................................................... 90 12.4. Unacceptable Message Categories. ............................................................................................................... 90 12.5. Message Refusal. .......................................................................................................................................... 91

Chapter 13.0. HF NETWORK ............................................................................................................... 92 13.1. Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................ 92 13.2. HF Purpose. .................................................................................................................................................. 92

13.2.1. TRANSGLOBAL HF Network. ................................................................................................................................................. 92 13.2.2. Region and State Networks. ........................................................................................................................................................ 92 13.2.3. Training Nets. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 92

13.3. General Traffic. ............................................................................................................................................. 92 13.4. Net Control Station (NCS). ........................................................................................................................... 92 13.5. Alternate Net Control Station(S). .................................................................................................................. 93 13.6. MARS Broadcast Messages. ......................................................................................................................... 93 13.7. Encryption of Message Traffic...................................................................................................................... 93 13.8. Frequency Use. ............................................................................................................................................. 93 13.9. Verification. .................................................................................................................................................. 94 13.10. Reporting Suspicious Use. .......................................................................................................................... 94 13.11. Shared Resources High Frequency Radio Program. ................................................................................... 94 13.12. Authorized Modes Of Operation. ................................................................................................................ 94

13.12.1. Voice Modes. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 94 13.12.2. Data Modes. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 94 13.12.3. Primary Data Mode. .................................................................................................................................................................. 94

13.13. Required Capability and Proficiency. ......................................................................................................... 95 13.14. Tactical Phone Patch. .................................................................................................................................. 95 13.15. Inappropriate Transmissions. ...................................................................................................................... 95 13.16. HF Frequency Assignments, Special Stations and Interference. ................................................................. 96

13.16.1. Spectrum Action Focal Point. ................................................................................................................................................... 96 13.16.2. Special Temporary Station Authority. ..................................................................................................................................... 96 13.16.3. Master Record Required, Updates / Changes. ........................................................................................................................ 97 13.16.4. Technical Requirements. ........................................................................................................................................................... 97 13.16.5. Interference Reports/Technical Deficiencies/Suspicious Operations/Jamming. ................................................................... 97

Chapter 14.0. PHONE PATCH NETWORK (PPN) .......................................................................... 98 14.1. Scope. ............................................................................................................................................................ 98 14.2. Closed Net. .................................................................................................................................................... 98 14.3. Special Requirements. ................................................................................................................................... 98 14.4. Base Support Team PPN Participation. ........................................................................................................ 99 14.5. Phone Patch Network Participation. ............................................................................................................. 99

14.5.1. Weekly PPN Participation Reporting. ....................................................................................................................................... 99 14.5.2. Monthly PPN Participation Reporting. ..................................................................................................................................... 99 14.5.3. Phone Patch Network Procedures. ............................................................................................................................................. 99 14.5.4. Phone Patch Discussions. ............................................................................................................................................................ 99

Chapter 15.0. MISSION SUPPORT NETWORK (MSN) ............................................................... 100 15.1. Scope ........................................................................................................................................................... 100 15.2. MSN National Network. ............................................................................................................................. 100

15.2.1. National MSN Manager (NMSNM). ........................................................................................................................................ 100 15.2.2. MSN Net Control Station. ......................................................................................................................................................... 100

15.3. MSN Frequency Management. ................................................................................................................... 101 15.3.1. Approve Required Frequencies Uses. ...................................................................................................................................... 101 15.3.2. MSN Frequency Use Authorization Requests. ........................................................................................................................ 101 15.3.3. MSN Emergency Frequency Coordination. ............................................................................................................................ 101 15.3.4. Prior Use Coordination/Notification. ....................................................................................................................................... 101 15.3.5. Report of Activities. ................................................................................................................................................................... 102


15.4. MSN Administrative Net. ........................................................................................................................... 102 15.5. MSN Phone Patch. ...................................................................................................................................... 102 15.6. MSN Assignment. ....................................................................................................................................... 102

15.6.1. Assignment Authority. .............................................................................................................................................................. 102 15.6.2. SMD Recommendation. ............................................................................................................................................................ 103 15.6.3. Mission Support Network Designation. ................................................................................................................................... 103 15.6.4. Member’s Agreement. ............................................................................................................................................................... 103 15.6.5. MSM Procedures Manual. ........................................................................................................................................................ 103

15.7. Station MSN Requirements. ....................................................................................................................... 103 15.8. MSN Participation. ..................................................................................................................................... 104 15.9. MSN Station Logs. ...................................................................................................................................... 104

Chapter 16.0. VHF NETWORK ......................................................................................................... 105 16.1. Scope. .......................................................................................................................................................... 105 16.2. VHF Operations. ......................................................................................................................................... 105 16.3. VHF Network Equipment Operations Requests / Frequency Management. ............................................... 105

16.3.1. Application Processing and Approval Criteria. ...................................................................................................................... 105 16.3.2. Station Call Signs Prefix “AFV”. ............................................................................................................................................. 106 16.3.3. Station Identification. ................................................................................................................................................................ 106 16.3.4. License Required. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 106 16.3.5. Special Temporary Authority Prefix “AFX”........................................................................................................................... 107 16.3.6. Applications and Operations on Active Military Installations. .............................................................................................. 107 16.3.7. Master Record Required, Updates / Changes. ........................................................................................................................ 107 16.3.8. Technical Requirements............................................................................................................................................................ 107 16.3.9. Grandfather and Sunset Clause. .............................................................................................................................................. 107 16.3.10. Interference Reports / Technical Deficiencies. ...................................................................................................................... 107

16.4. VHF Network Equipment Owners. ............................................................................................................. 108 16.5. Terminating VHF Network Operation. ....................................................................................................... 108 16.6. VHF Network Equipment Sharing. ............................................................................................................. 108 16.7. VHF Network Equipment Identification. .................................................................................................... 109 16.8. VHF Network Equipment POC. ................................................................................................................. 109

Chapter 17.0. DIGITAL NETWORKS .............................................................................................. 110 17.1. Scope. .......................................................................................................................................................... 110 17.2. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network (TDN)................................................................................................. 110

17.2.1. Digital Networks Call Sign Assignments. ................................................................................................................................ 110 17.2.2. TDN Spectrum Utilization. ....................................................................................................................................................... 110 17.2.3. TDN Station Requirements. ...................................................................................................................................................... 110 17.2.4. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network Station. ............................................................................................................................ 110 17.2.5. Frequency Utilization. ............................................................................................................................................................... 111 17.2.6. VHF/UHF Frequencies. ............................................................................................................................................................ 111 17.2.7. Terminal Software. .................................................................................................................................................................... 112 17.2.8. Network Integrity. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 112 17.2.9. System Operators (SysOps). ..................................................................................................................................................... 112 17.2.10. Operator and Call Sign Assignment. ..................................................................................................................................... 112

17.3. TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network (TRR). ....................................................................................... 112 17.3.1. TRR Digital Mode Software. .................................................................................................................................................... 112 17.3.2. TRR Special Net. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 113 17.3.3. TRR Structure. .......................................................................................................................................................................... 113 17.3.4. TRR Assignment. ...................................................................................................................................................................... 113

17.4. Joint MARS Service HF RMS/Winlink Network. ...................................................................................... 113 17.4.1. Winlink Requirements. ............................................................................................................................................................. 113 17.4.2. RMS Station Capabilities. ......................................................................................................................................................... 113 17.4.3. RMS HF Application. ................................................................................................................................................................ 113 17.4.4. RMS HF Assignment. ................................................................................................................................................................ 114 17.4.5. VHF Packet Station. .................................................................................................................................................................. 114 17.4.6. VHF Station Coordination POC. ............................................................................................................................................. 115

17.5. TRANSGLOBAL CW Telegraphy Network (TCN). ................................................................................. 115 17.5.1. CW Use....................................................................................................................................................................................... 115 17.5.2. CW Network. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 115

17.6. TRANSGLOBAL Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Network. .......................................................... 115 17.6.1. ALE General. ............................................................................................................................................................................. 115 17.6.2. ALE Special Net. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 116 17.6.3. ALE Software. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 116 17.6.4. ALE Identifier. .......................................................................................................................................................................... 116


Chapter 18.0. EMERITUS MEMBERSHIP .................................................................................... 117

18.1. Scope. .......................................................................................................................................................... 117 18.2. Duties. ......................................................................................................................................................... 117 18.3. Participation requirements. ......................................................................................................................... 117 18.4. Requirements for conversion from regular member to emeritus member. .................................................. 117 18.5. Nomination Process. ................................................................................................................................... 117

18.5.1. Nomination Source. ................................................................................................................................................................... 117 18.5.2. Nomination Method. ................................................................................................................................................................. 117 18.5.3. Processing................................................................................................................................................................................... 117

18.6. Emeritus Member Status Duration. ............................................................................................................. 118

Attachment 1 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................... 119

Attachment 2 ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................... 121

List of Figures

Figure 1.2.3-1: AFMARS Operations Command Structure ......................................................... 11

Figure 1.5-1: Region MARS Organization ................................................................................... 29 Figure 1.6-1: State MARS Organization ...................................................................................... 35 Figure 3.6-1: Participation Summary Reports Roll-up Due Dates ............................................... 51

Figure 3.6.1-1: Member Monthly Participation Report version 2 ................................................ 52 Figure 11.16.1-1: AFMARS Network Nomenclature Example ................................................... 87

List of Tables

Table 3.3.1-1: Activity Participation Times ................................................................................. 49

Table 3.6.1-1: Member Monthly Participation Report version 1 ................................................. 52 Table 3.6.1-2: Member Monthly Participation Report version 1 example ................................... 53

Table 3.6.3-1: State MARS Directors Quarterly State Participation Report ................................ 53 Table 3.6.5-1: Region MARS Directors Quarterly Region Participation Report ......................... 54

Table 4.8-1: AF Form 3661 Actions and Responsibilities ............................................................. 58

Table 4.8.2.3-1: AF Form 3661 Comments Section Required Elements ..................................... 60 Table 11.3-1: Regions and States .................................................................................................. 80

Table 11.10-1: National Billet Appointments ............................................................................... 83 Table 11.11-1: Region Staff Appointments .................................................................................. 84 Table 11.12-1: State Staff Appointments...................................................................................... 84

Table 11.13.1.2-1: PMC Station Call Sign Assignment ............................................................... 85 Table 11.13.2-1: RMS Station Call Sign Assignment .................................................................. 85

Table 11.13.3-1: Secondary Station Identifiers (SSID) ................................................................ 86 Table 11.16.1-1: AFMARS NET Designator Construction Codes............................................... 88 Table A1.1: US, USAF, and DoD Documents ............................................................................. 119 Table A1.2: Allied Communications Procedures ....................................................................... 119 Table A1.3: AFMARS Documents ............................................................................................. 119

Table A1-4: Forms ...................................................................................................................... 120

1.1. MARS Mission

1.1.1. DoD Instruction 4650.02 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS).

It is Department of Defense (DoD) policy that MARS shall provide:

1.1.1.1. Contingency radio communications support to United States (U.S.) Government

operations through the utilization of organized volunteer radio operators and operating

facilities under appropriate authorities, as directed by and coordinated within the DoD.

1.1.1.2. Contingency radio communications support to the DoD Components.

1.1.1.3. Contingency radio communications support to civil authorities at all levels, in

fulfillment of DoD responsibilities under DoD Directive 5111.13 (Establishes the position

and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) Homeland Defense and

America’s Security Affairs (HD&ASA).

1.1.1.4. Health, morale, and welfare radio communications support to military members,

civilian employees and contractors of DoD Components, and civil agency employees and

contractors, when in remote or isolated areas, in contingencies or whenever appropriate.

1.1.2. MARS Mission Supplement.

In addition to the above, MARS may provide communications engineering services and

technical support and additional communications capacity to military units in training or

responding to an actual event, on frequencies identified for MARS use and through MARS nets.

1.2. MARS Tasking

1.2.1. Per DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4650.02.

MARS provides contingency radio communications support to U.S. government operations “as

directed by and coordinated within the Department of Defense.” This includes support to civil

authorities at all levels, “in fulfillment of DoD responsibilities under DoD Directive (DoDD)

5113.13.” In supporting civil agencies, specific capabilities will not be developed by Air Force

(AF) MARS solely to serve civil agency needs, since other government entities have this

assigned responsibility. Of specific importance is the assistance AFMARS can provide to civil

communities, under the provisions of DoDD 3025.18, “Defense Support of Civil Authorities

(DSCA)”, and DoDD 5111.13.

Chapter 1.0.

MISSION AND ORGNAIZATION


1.2.2. MARS Mission Responsibilities.

As an organized military auxiliary, MARS shall:

1.2.2.1. Provide radio-based transfer or exchange of information to assist with DoD or

civilian authorities’ operations during, or responses to, any major disruption of DoD or other

communications networks, such as those associated with official national security or

emergency preparedness events or activities.

1.2.2.2. Provide point-to-point record message, data, and voice communications that support

personnel morale and welfare.

1.2.2.3. Create interest and train members in military communications technology

and Procedures.

Figure 1.2.3-1: AFMARS Operations Command Structure

1.3. Duties and Responsibilities.

1.3.1. Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (SAF).

IAW DoDI 4650.02, MARS, SAF manages operations, readiness, planning, and other aspects

of the AFMARS program.


1.3.2. Chief, USAF MARS.

IAW Air Force Instruction (AFI) 17-210, Radio Management, the Chief of USAF MARS shall:

1.3.2.1. Ensure AFMARS program compliance with DoDI 4650.02, Military Auxiliary

Radio System (MARS).

1.3.2.2. Develop Major Command (MAJCOM) and below policy and guidance for the

AFMARS program, for MARS operations.

1.3.2.3. Represents the AF on the DoD Joint MARS Chiefs Panel, the Shared Resources

(SHARES) high frequency (HF) program administered by the Department of Homeland

Security’s (DHS) National Coordinating Center for Communications (NCC), and various

amateur-radio and Region MARS conventions and conferences.

1.3.2.4. Coordinates with Army MARS on matters requiring joint-service resolutions, or

requiring cross-service station sharing coordination.

1.3.2.5. Coordinates with Major Commands, Guard, and Reserve Units to:

1.3.2.5.1. Determine emergency and contingency communications requirements.

1.3.2.5.2. Respond to MARS frequency requests.

1.3.2.6. Coordinates MARS spectrum utilization.

1.3.2.6.1. Validates frequency requests for submission to the AF Spectrum Management

Office (AFSMO).

1.3.2.6.2. Allocates and manages assigned MARS repeater frequencies according to

AFI 17-220, Spectrum Management

1.3.2.7. Establishes a management structure to administer the member’s organization and

control network operations using AF Form 3661, MARS Personnel Action Notification, and

AFMARS Form 3665, Military Auxiliary Radio System Certificate of Appointment.

1.3.2.8. Appoints key officials, as required, to promote and implement the MARS mission.

1.3.2.9. Approves military MARS stations in coordination with the host command (when

exercised).

1.3.2.10. Authorizes individual members to serve as Military Auxiliary MARS station

operators.


1.3.2.11. Directs applications for MARS membership to the Region MARS Director (RMD)

for action and upon notice from the Region Training Manager (RTM) of successful

completion of training, issues to the member as follows: (a) AFMARS Form 3666, Military

Auxiliary Radio System Station License; (b) Training Certificate; and (c) Identification

Card.

1.3.2.12. Grants periods of inactive status through the organizational structure to MARS

members on a case-by-case basis.

1.3.2.13. Manages membership voluntary and involuntary terminations through the

organizational structure.

1.3.2.14. Establishes procedures for MARS stations to access the government telephone

systems.

1.3.2.15. Serves as AF liaison for the amateur radio community.

1.3.3. MAJCOM, Guard, & Reserve Communications Systems Offices.

These offices are responsible for the following:

1.3.3.1. Appoint a command MARS director, as necessary.

1.3.3.2. Identify MARS support requirements, as necessary.

1.3.3.3. Authorize appointment of installation MARS directors, as required.

1.3.3.4. Notify Chief of USAF MARS of all appointments.

1.3.4. Installation MARS Director (IMD).

This position is appointed at the discretion of the Installation Commander. Military MARS

Stations are established under the auspices of a military command and/or activity, and operated

or maintained by designated military and/or civilian personnel, to include appropriately

assigned volunteer MARS members. The duties and responsibilities of the IMD are as follows:

1.3.4.1. Authorizes the assignment of personnel, to include volunteer civilian MARS

members, to a military installation MARS station.

1.3.4.2. Responsible for providing a point of contact and coordination between the military

unit establishing the MARS station and the civilian MARS community.

1.3.4.3. Works with the Base Communications Officer and/or the Civil Engineering Disaster

Response Unit to coordinate the use of MARS assets are requested to fulfill any contingency

operations or disaster response communications requirements for the base.


1.3.4.4. Provides the Installation Commander and the Communications Squadron or Flight

Commander with information concerning MARS capabilities for planning purposes.

1.3.4.5. Ensures MARS tasking in local plans clearly specifies who, what, when, and where

for communications support.

1.3.4.6. Maintains a roster of auxiliary MARS and Base Support Team (BST) members in

the local and state areas, who can provide assistance as required.

1.3.4.7. Ensures BST members are trained in accordance with (IAW) applicable procedures.

1.3.4.8. Establishes recall procedures for personnel to respond to disaster or emergency

communications support.

1.3.4.9. Establishes procedures, including coordination, for deploying mobile MARS

communications (if applicable).

1.3.4.10. Conducts periodic exercises to include field operation of the MARS mobile

capabilities (constructing and operating field stations, generating and forwarding message

traffic, etc.) if applicable.

1.3.4.11. At the request of the installation commander, Base Communications Officer,

and/or the Civil Engineering Disaster Response Unit, coordinates with the Base Support

Team Leader to arrange for BST support in training military personnel in the use of MARS

equipment and on-the-air operations using frequencies designated for MARS use and on

established MARS training and operational nets.

1.3.5. Base Support Team (BST).

This is a group of volunteer MARS members appointed at the discretion of the Installation

MARS Director (IMD), to support a specified military installation or unit with communications

and technical support.

1.3.5.1. BST members must be capable of providing reliable communications support to the

base of assignment under emergency and/or contingency conditions.

1.3.5.2. Each BST is required to periodically exercise operational capabilities, at least

annually.

1.3.5.3. The responsible State MARS Director (SMD) in cooperation with the IMD shall

appoint a BST Leader.

1.3.5.4. The BST Leader is the point-of-contact (POC) between the IMD and the BST

auxiliary members.


1.4. National Appointments

Figure 1.4-1: National Organization

1.4.1. National Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations (NDTO).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS. The duties and

responsibilities of the NDTO are as follows:

1.4.1.1. Directs and manages all phases of TRANSGLOBAL Operations through the Deputy

Directors for TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations, TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations,

and Automatic Linking Establishment (ALE) Operations.

1.4.1.2. Manages the HF frequencies assigned to TRANSGLOBAL by the National

Operations Director (NOD). Works with the NOD on all TRANSGLOBAL frequency

matters.

1.4.1.3. Works with the National Emergency Coordinator (NEC) and National

Exercise Coordinator (NXC) on all TRANSGLOBAL HF Emergency Communications

(ECOM) support issues, actual and exercise.

1.4.1.4. Appoints Trainers required to support TRANSGLOBAL Operations.


1.4.1.5. Integrates TRANSGLOBAL Network, Radio Relay, BBS/Winlink and ALE

Operations.

1.4.1.6. Investigates and resolves technical, personal and interference issues related to

TRANSGLOBAL Operations.

1.4.2. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations (DDTNO).

The Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations position is appointed by the

National Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF

MARS. The duties and responsibilities of the DDTNO are as follows:

1.4.2.1. Directs operations on the TRANSGLOBAL net.

1.4.2.2. Serves as primary Net Control Station (NCS) and/or Major Relay Station (MRS).

1.4.2.3. Maintains a list and schedule of selected members to serve as NCS and/or MRS.

1.4.2.4. Controls the use of the assigned TRANSGLOBAL Net frequencies.

1.4.2.5. Ensures proper operating procedures, circuit discipline, and integrity.

1.4.2.6. Serves as primary contact point for any station needing communication support.

1.4.2.7. Develops and distributes station procedures promoting the efficient flow of traffic

and reducing in-station message handling time to a minimum.

1.4.2.8. Provides additional training for NCS members, as required.

1.4.2.9. Must have the capability to operate on all TRANSGLOBAL Net frequencies.

1.4.2.10. Must have necessary computer skills, including hardware and software

applications, for various duties that are associated with the position.

1.4.3. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations (DDTDO).

The Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations position is appointed by the

National Director TRANSGLOBAL HF Operations, with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF

MARS. The duties and responsibilities of the DDTDO are as follows:

1.4.3.1. Responsible for the management of TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations

(BBS/Winlink) with the exception of the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) network.

1.4.3.2. Determines the number of systems needed on the inter-region network for adequate

traffic forwarding and appoints stations as needed.


1.4.3.3. Establishes BBS located geographically to assure coverage throughout the

Continental United States (CONUS).

1.4.3.4. Establishes gateways to other services to assure the flow of traffic during exercises

or in the event of an actual emergency.

1.4.3.5. Ensures all Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) stations are functioning to pass traffic

efficiently.

1.4.3.6. Must have the capability to operate on all TRANSGLOBAL HF BBS frequencies.

1.4.3.7. Must have necessary computer skills, including hardware and software applications,

for various duties that are associated with the position.

1.4.3.8. Provides training for membership, as needed.

1.4.3.9. Serves as or appoints a primary BBS Station.

1.4.3.10. Maintains a list and frequency schedule of selected System Operators (SysOp).

1.4.3.11. Controls the use of the assigned TRANSGLOBAL HF BBS frequencies.


1.4.3.13. Serves as primary contact point for any station needing communication support.

1.4.3.14. Establishes system configuration standards for all BBS Systems Operators.

1.4.3.15. Coordinate frequencies and operations with the National Director

TRANSGLOBAL Operations (NDTO).

1.4.3.16. Manages the AFMARS portion of the joint-service Radio Message Server (RMS)

/ Winlink network.

1.4.3.17. Coordinates Operations with interfacing SHARES and Army MARS services.

1.4.4. Deputy Director Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Operations (DDALEO).

The Deputy Director Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Operations is appointed by the

Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations, with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF MARS. The

duties and responsibilities of the DDALEO are as follows:

1.4.4.1. Controls ALE sound card software license (specifically MARS ALE program

software) distribution to authorized MARS members.

1.4.4.2. Serves as primary NCS station.


1.4.4.3. Maintains a list of ALE stations.

1.4.4.4. Maintains a list and schedule of NCS stations.


1.4.4.6. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the AFMARS ALE Network.

1.4.4.7. Establishes procedures to other services to assure the flow of traffic during exercises

or in the event of an actual emergency.

1.4.4.8. Must have the capability to operate on all designated ALE frequencies.


for various duties associated with the position.

1.4.4.10. Provides training for new members, as needed.

1.4.5. Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Operations (DDTRRO).

The Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Operations position is appointed by the

National Director TRANSGLOBAL HF Operations, with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF

MARS. The duties and responsibilities of the DDTDO are as follows:

1.4.5.1. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the TRANSGBLOBAL Radio

Relay Network (TRR).

1.4.5.2. Schedule net control operators for daytime and evening sessions of the net.

1.4.5.3. Assume NCS at least once per week.

1.4.5.4. Improve net operations through operator training.

1.4.5.5. Promote the use of M110A.

1.4.5.6. Handle routine issues associated with net operations.

1.4.5.7. Integrate TRR operations with the TRANSGLOBAL Net.

1.4.5.8. Configure the net as a backup communications link between Regions and with

TRANSGLOBAL when radio conditions are poor.


1.4.6. National Phone Patch Net Manager (NPPNM).


responsibilities of the NPPNM are as follows:

1.4.6.1. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Phone Patch Network (PPN).

1.4.6.2. Determines the number of personnel needed for adequate traffic handling and

appoints member stations to be assigned.

1.4.6.3. Establishes procedures for other services to assure the flow of traffic during

exercises or in the event of an actual emergency.

1.4.6.4. Ensures all stations pass traffic efficiently.

1.4.6.5. Must have the capability to operate on all Phone Patch frequencies.



1.4.6.7. Provides training for new members, as needed.

1.4.6.8. Serves as primary NCS Station.

1.4.6.9. Coordinates frequency requirements with the AFM-SMG.


1.4.6.11. Fills out AF Form 3661 appointing qualified members to be authorized phone patch

operators and coordinates appointments with the Region MARS Director (RMD) and the

State MARS Director (SMD).

1.4.6.12. Responsible for development, maintenance and publishing of the AFMARS Phone

Patch Network Procedures Manual for all AFMARS PPN members.

1.4.7. Deputy National Phone Patch Net Manager (DNPPNM).

The National Phone Patch Network Manager appoints the Deputy National Phone Patch

Network Manager (DNPPNM) position on an as needed basis. This appointment is with the

concurrence of the Chief, USAF MARS. The DNPPNM shall assist in the NPPNM in all PPN

activities as directed by the NPPNM.


1.4.8. National Mission Support Network Manager (NMSNM).


responsibilities of the NMSNM are as follows:

1.4.8.1. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Mission Support Network

(MSN).

1.4.8.2. Establishes procedures for other services to assure the flow of traffic during

exercises or in the event of an actual emergency.

1.4.8.3. Must have the capability to operate on all MSN frequencies as well as other

frequencies required during an actual event.

1.4.8.4. Must have necessary computer skill for various duties that are associated with the

position.

1.4.8.5. Ensures training is provided as necessary for all new net members.

1.4.8.6. Serves as Primary Net Control Station.

1.4.8.7. Coordinates frequency requirements with the AFM-SMG.

1.4.8.8. Fills out AF Form 3661 appointing qualified members to be authorized Mission

Support Network operators.

1.4.8.9. Responsible for development, maintenance and publishing of the AFMARS Mission

Support Network Procedures Manual for all AFMARS MSN members.

1.4.9. Deputy National Mission Support Network Manager (DNMSNM).

The National Mission Support Network Manager appoints the Deputy National Mission

Support Network Manager (DNMSNM) position on an as needed basis. This appointment is

with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF MARS. The DNMSNM shall assist the NMSNM in

the support of all MSN activities as directed by the NMSNM.

1.4.10. National Planning Coordinator (NPC).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS to serve as an

adviser on the future direction and course of the AFMARS program. The duties and

responsibilities of the NPC are as follows:

1.4.10.1. Provides advice and recommendations to Chief, USAF MARS on matters affecting

the AFMARS program. Advice and recommendations may include matters affecting


operating policy and instructions, guidelines and management procedures for MARS

operations, management structure, and spectrum coordination.

1.4.10.2. Responsible for ensuring AFMARS guidance documents, including the

AFMARS Operating Instruction (MOI) and other related documents regarding the

AFMARS program conform to DoD-level guidance, including DoD Instruction 4650.02,

as appropriate.

1.4.10.3. Works closely with other AFMARS National Staff officials to ensure unity of

effort.

1.4.10.4. May establish formal or informal working groups, as needed, with other AFMARS

officials to coordinate on program guidance and make recommendations to Chief, USAF

MARS.

1.4.10.5. Works with Public Information Officers, as appropriate, to facilitate public

information efforts.

1.4.10.6. Acts as liaison with Army MARS officials, as appropriate, for purposes of

exchanging MARS program and planning information.

1.4.10.7. In coordination with the National Military Liaison Coordinator, acts as liaison with

the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and DoD Components, as appropriate, to

facilitate working relationships between HQ USAF MARS and DoD entities with MARS

program responsibilities per DoDI 4650.02.

1.4.10.8. Develops and recommends approaches for ensuring timely and effective

communications among HQ AFMARS, AFMARS officials, military MARS stations, civil

agency MARS stations, MARS club stations, and individual MARS members.

1.4.11. National Emergency Coordinator (NEC).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS to serve as

manager for all AFMARS activities involving Emergency Communications. Additionally the

NEC is appointed as the Deputy National Exercise Coordinator (DNXC). The duties and

responsibilities of the NEC are as follows:

1.4.11.1. Works closely with TRANSGLOBAL, Mission Support Network (MSN), and

Phone Patch Net (PPN) Managers to ensure that all MARS functions are available to support

ECOM operations as needed.

1.4.11.2. Serves as primary liaison with Army MARS leadership for coordinating ECOM

exercises and actual operations.

1.4.11.3. Promotes Joint Service operations during all ECOM exercises and operations.


1.4.11.4. Coordinates ECOM support for Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA), SHARES, and DoD as required in support of exercises and actual events.

1.4.11.5. Provides guidance for ECOM training and contingency operations in support of

exercises and actual emergencies and/or disasters.

1.4.11.6. Develops and coordinates an AFMARS National Emergency Communications

Plan. This plan shall serve as a basic plan for all Regions and States to develop individual

plans to meet the specific needs of each jurisdiction.

1.4.11.7. Develops and forwards quarterly reports regarding ECOM activities for AFMARS,

including ECOM net participation. Reports are to be submitted to the National Records

Manager (NRM) no later than the 15th day of the new quarter.

1.4.11.8. Must have the capability to operate throughout the HF spectrum and in various

operating modes.



1.4.11.10. Coordinates use of AFMARS frequencies with the NOD and other officials

during ECOM events.

1.4.12. Deputy National Emergency Coordinator (DNEC).

The National Exercise Coordinator is appointed as the Deputy National Emergency Coordinator

(DNEC). The DNEC shall assist in AFMARS activities involving Emergency Communications

as directed by the NEC.

1.4.13. National Exercise Coordinator (NXC).


coordinator for AFMARS Communications Exercises (COMEX) that support the AFMARS

Emergency Communications program and any military communications unit training as

needed. Additionally the NXC is appointed as the Deputy National Emergency Coordinator

(DNEC).The duties and responsibilities of the NXC are as follows:

1.4.13.1. Develops an AFMARS COMEX program that supports the AFMARS National

ECOM Plan. The exercise plan provides MARS members with opportunities to develop,

enhance and maintain proficiency in operating skills and procedures and also tests the MARS

networks required to support the MARS mission at the local, region and national level.

1.4.13.2. Coordinates with Army MARS and other agencies to ensure joint exercises are

coordinated within AFMARS and participation opportunities are disseminated to AFMARS

membership in a timely manner.


1.4.13.3. Assists the National ECOM Coordinator in identifying exercise goals that test and

validate national, region, state, and joint service ECOM plans, and MARS operator

proficiency.

1.4.13.4. Serves as the primary exercise coordinator for AFMARS. Working with the

National ECOM Coordinator, provides guidance to AFMARS Region and State MARS

Directors, Emergency Coordinators and Exercise Coordinators in the development,

planning, coordination and execution of exercises at all levels including joint service,

SHARES, and FEMA National Emergency Communication Network (NECN) exercises.

Serves as the AFMARS liaison and coordinator for joint service exercises, SHARES and

FEMA exercises.

1.4.13.5. Coordinates the availability of networks and systems with the NDTO, NMSNM,

and NPPNM, to ensure that MARS networks and systems are available to support exercises

that test and enhance MARS capabilities.

1.4.13.6. Builds an exercise program that supports AFMARS training of active duty,

National Guard, and Reserve units as necessary.

1.4.13.7. Assists local MARS officials with development, planning, and execution of

communications exercises with local ECOM partners including Amateur Radio Emergency

Service (ARES), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), and local military

units.

1.4.13.8. Collects, analyzes and reports exercise results in the form of After Action Reports

and Lessons Learned to the NEC, each RMD, each Region Emergency Coordinator (REC),

Region Exercise Coordinator (RXC) and the National Training Manager (NTM). Reports

shall identify areas for improvement and highlight best practices. The NXC shall assist the

NEC and NTM in facilitating changes that enhance the ability to fulfill the AFMARS

mission.

1.4.13.9. Assists Region MARS Directors in the selection and assignment of Region

Exercise Coordinators when requested.

1.4.13.10. Assists RXC in the development and implementation of a COMEX program that

shall enhance the ability to fulfill the AFMARS mission at all levels.

1.4.13.11. Solicits exercise After Action and Lessons Learned Reports that identify Areas

for Improvement and Best Practices. Provides written reports to the NEC and NTM for

review and action as needed.

1.4.14. Deputy National Exercise Coordinator (DNXC).

The National Emergency Coordinator is appointed as the Deputy National Exercise Coordinator

(DNXC). The DNXC shall assist in AFMARS Communications Exercises (COMEX) activities

as directed by the NXC.


1.4.15. National Operations Director (NOD).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS to advise,

coordinate and assist with AFMARS operations. The duties and responsibilities of the NOD are

as follows:

1.4.15.1. Serves as a liaison between AFMARS and its mission partners on operations to

ensure operational objectives are identified and met. Coordinates with the CAFM on the

objectives and their eventual outcome.

1.4.15.2. Serves as the AF MARS functional lead for operational activities, and coordinates

with the CAFM.

1.4.15.3. Coordinates with national staff and region directors to assist with the development

and direction of an operational response to incidents and events, particularly when events

may tax the resources of a Region or Regions.

1.4.15.4. Coordinates with the National Technical Services Manager (NTSM) to help

provide technical support to the AFMARS team with currently fielded and emerging

technologies used to support the AF MARS mission.

1.4.15.5. Coordinates with the National Training Manger to ensure training activities support

mission objectives.

1.4.15.6. Coordinates with the National VHF Operations Manager to administer MARS

operations on authorized VHF spectrum.

1.4.15.7. Coordinates with the NEC and NXC to develop realistic and appropriate ECOM

exercise objectives.

1.4.15.8. Coordinates with the NEC to provide resources (frequencies, nets, personnel) and

assists with operational and administrative tasks in response to ECOM incidents.

1.4.15.9. Leads the AFMARS Spectrum Working Group (AFM-SMG). Through the CAFM,

coordinates with the AFMARS mission partners and the 24th AF Spectrum Management

Office and higher Headquarters on frequency requests, licensing assignments, and related

spectrum issues as necessary.

1.4.15.10. Other duties and assignments as directed by CAFM.

1.4.16. National VHF Coordinator (NVC).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS and works

directly with the NOD to support AFMARS VHF operations. The duties and responsibilities

of the NVC are as follows:


1.4.16.1. All applications to AFMARS for voice and digital repeaters shall be forwarded to

the NVC.

1.4.16.2. The NVC shall maintain a registration of all Very High Frequency (VHF) repeaters

and digital repeaters and/or routers (digipeater), which are normally unmanned automated

fixed station relays.

1.4.16.3. The NVC, in coordination with the respective SMD who is responsible for the

repeater/digipeater, shall provide contact information for each repeater/digipeater, the

shutdown method for each repeater and/or digipeater, and within what period of time the

repeater/digipeater can be shut down.

1.4.16.4. For each voice and digital repeater, the NVC shall maintain data on the geographic

coordinates, transmitter output power, transmitter ID, elevation above sea level, frequency,

mode of the transmitter, antenna feed line length and dB loss, type of antenna, gain of

antenna, and (if the antenna is directional) information regarding the antenna direction. This

information shall be provided to the NOD and CAFM as necessary

1.4.16.5. The NVC shall establish interoperations with AFMARS mission partners.

1.4.16.6. The NVC works directly with the NOD regarding VHF frequency allocation, use,

licensing, and related issues.

1.4.16.7. Collaborates with the NTSM to help resolve interference and technical issues

related to VHF operations

1.4.16.8. Other duties and assignments as directed by CAFM.

1.4.17. National Military Liaison (NML).


representative of the Chief, USAF MARS and serve as the principal point of contact for

coordination with the DoD regarding the AFMARS program. The duties and responsibilities of

the NML are as follows:

1.4.17.1. Serves as liaison between the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) and other DoD

components to facilitate working relationships between Headquarters (HQ) USAF MARS

and other DoD entities with MARS program responsibilities.

1.4.17.2. Serves as liaison between the Army MARS (AMARS), AFMARS, and other

military and Federal programs to ensure mutual understanding and unity of purpose in all

matters related to performing the MARS mission.

1.4.17.3. Serves as liaison for coordination and joint planning with military and civilian

agencies in all matters pertaining to providing contingency radio communications and


deployment of MARS assets in support of the Defense Support of Civil Authority (DSCA)

mission.

1.4.17.4. Serves as a subject matter expert on military affairs.

1.4.17.5. Responsible for other duties as assigned.

1.4.18. National Training Manager (NTM).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS and directly

coordinates with the NOD on all national training objectives. The duties and responsibilities of

the NTM are as follows:

1.4.18.1. Responsible for ensuring standardized training within the AFMARS program.

1.4.18.2. Responsible for development, maintenance, publishing and dissemination of the

AFMARS National Training Manual (NTM) for all AFMARS members and trainees.

1.4.18.3. Works closely with Region Training Managers to identify and resolve training

issues.



1.4.19. Deputy National Training Manager (DNTM).

The National Training Manager appoints the Deputy National Training Manager (DNTM)

position on an as needed basis. This appointment is with the concurrence of the Chief, USAF

MARS. The DNTM shall assist in all AFMARS training activities as directed by the NTM.

1.4.20. National Records Manage (NRM).


responsibilities of the NRM are as follows:

1.4.20.1. Responsible for maintaining the master MARS national member database for

current, inactive and former members.

1.4.20.2. Under the direction of Chief, USAF MARS the NRM establishes a system to

standardize administrative reports and personnel actions.

1.4.20.3. Interacts with RMD, SMD, and National Managers and Coordinators on behalf of

Chief, USAF MARS as needed to maintain national records database(s) and disseminate

information.


1.4.20.4. Maintains the master copy of the “Chief’s Billet List” a national list of all

authorized billet assignments, along with contact information and expiration dates for each

billet.


applications, for various duties associated with the position.

1.4.20.6. The NRM shall periodically provide copies of the national database or derivative

copies as applicable to Region Records Manager, to ensure correctness and accuracy of the

national database.

1.4.20.7. Manages the AFMARS National Participation Reporting system (refer to Section

3).

1.4.21. National Public Information Officer (NPIO).

This is a position appointed on an as needed basis by the Chief, USAF MARS. An individual

with good writing and speaking skills holds this duty position. The duties and responsibilities

of the NPIO are as follows:

1.4.21.1. Maintains liaison with all National Staff and HQ USAF MARS.

1.4.21.2. Serves as a staff adviser on matters of journalism and publications to the Chief,

USAF MARS, and AFMARS officials at all levels.

1.4.21.3. Provides assistance to MARS members in preparing items for release to news

media.

1.4.21.4. News releases about the MARS program or its participants are permissible,

provided a disclaimer statement is used. The following disclaimer must accompany any

items provided by local MARS members or groups to the news media: “This is not an official

United States AF release, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the AF or National

AFMARS organization.” This is not an attempt to manage (or limit) news, but to help news

organizations identify the source of material.

1.4.21.5. Attends Region, and state meetings and/or conferences as time and finances permit.

1.4.21.6. Computer skills are necessary for various administrative duties that are associated

with the position.

1.4.22. National Technical Services Manager (NTSM).


responsibilities of the NTSM are as follows:


1.4.22.1. Acts as the AFMARS subject matter expert (SME) on technology to the AFMARS

staff and membership.

1.4.22.2. Manages and directs the activities of the AFMARS Technical Service and

provides support to the Region personnel.

1.4.22.3. Responds with information and guidance to requests from the Chief, USAF

MARS, NOD and Region Directors for technical resource support.

1.4.22.4. Responds to requests from the Chief, USAF MARS, NOD and Region Directors

to oversee technical projects that can support the AFMARS program. All request are

coordinated with the NOD.

1.4.22.5. The individual appointed shall be competent in the range of technology required in

the AFMARS program, to include, radio equipment, antennas, transmission lines, data

equipment, modems, and computers.

1.4.22.6. The individual appointed shall have a station capable of operation on most

AFMARS CONUS frequency and mode assignments, as necessary.

1.4.22.7. The individual appointed shall have the computer equipment and skills necessary

to meet the requirements of the position.

1.4.23. National Administrative Assistant (NAA).


responsibilities of the NAA are generally as follows:

1.4.23.1. Provide administrative support in any task assigned by the Chief, USAF MARS.

1.4.23.2. Provides publishing support (editing, formatting, etc.) for all National Level

Documents.

1.4.23.3. The individual appointed shall have the computer equipment and skills necessary

to meet the requirements of the position.


1.5. Region Appointees.

Figure 1.5-1: Region MARS Organization

1.5.1. Region MARS Director (RMD).

The Region MARS Director position appointment is made by the Chief, USAF MARS and is

responsible for the Region. The RMD is the senior member management position in each

region. Appointment term is two years. The duties and responsibilities of the RMD are as

follows:

1.5.1.1. Performs duties as directed by Headquarters USAF MARS (HQ).

1.5.1.2. Responsible for management of AFMARS activity in support of the MARS mission,

including support to DoD and selected government agencies in the respective region.

1.5.1.3. Participates in all region administrative actions and radio nets.

1.5.1.4. Coordinates with NOD and other RMD, SMD and Army MARS counterparts as

needed.

1.5.1.5. In coordination with HQ, serves as liaison to Military MARS stations, civil agency

MARS stations, and MARS club stations established in the Region.

1.5.1.6. Appoints and directly supervises all region member operations.

1.5.1.7. Attend Region and State conferences as time and finances permit.

1.5.1.8. Must have and maintain a radio station with suitable equipment and antenna systems

to participate on the air in all AFMARS activities in all authorized modes of operation.

1.5.1.9. Must have necessary computer skills for various duties that are associated with the

position.


1.5.1.10. Maintains an accurate database of members for the Region. Synchronizes changes

to the database with the NRM.

1.5.1.11. Responsible for accurate participation reporting for all states/territories. The RMD

may delegate responsibility for handling of this report to the RRM.

1.5.2. Deputy Region MARS Director (DRMD).

The Deputy Region MARS Director position is appointed by the RMD for a period of two

years. The DRMD shall assist in the RMD in all Region activities as directed by the RMD and

Serves as the RMD in the absence of the RMD.

1.5.3. Region Emergency Coordinator (REC).

The Region Emergency Coordinator position is appointed by the RMD. The duties and

responsibilities of the REC are as follows:

1.5.3.1. Organizes and coordinates all region emergency communications (ECOM)

activities to include planning for exercises, contingencies and support for actual

emergencies. A minimum of two exercises should be performed per calendar year.

1.5.3.2. Reports exercise results in the form of After Action Reports (AAR) and Lessons

Learned to the RXC, RMD, and SEC appointees. Reports should identify areas for

improvement and highlight best practices.

1.5.3.3. Provides the RMD, RRM, and SEC with activity reports and status of ECOM

programs in that Region.

1.5.3.4. Possesses sufficient communications capabilities to operate throughout the HF

spectrum and various operating modes.

1.5.3.5. Assists SMD and SEC appointees to establish and coordinate the ECOM programs.

1.5.3.6. Develops and/or updates a Region Emergency Communications Plan to supplement

the National ECOM Plan. This plan will provide guidance for Region members to follow.

1.5.3.7. Promotes Joint Service operations during all ECOM exercises and operations

throughout the Region.

1.5.3.8. Must have and maintain a radio station with suitable equipment and antenna systems

to participate on the air in all AFMARS activities in all authorized modes of operation.

1.5.3.9. Computer skills, including hardware and software applications that are necessary

for various administrative duties that are associated with the position.


1.5.3.10. Maintains a roster of each SEC in the Region.

1.5.4. Region Records Manager (RRM).

The Region Records Manager position is an optional appointment with length of service

determined by the RMD. An individual with good administrative skills holds this duty. The

duties and responsibilities of the RRM are as follows:

1.5.4.1. Advises RMD of activity report submission and compilation of problems or problem

areas.

1.5.4.2. Initiates and performs follow-up action on missing reports as needed.



1.5.4.4. Responsible for the accumulation and forwarding of the state’s participation

summary reports to the RMD.

1.5.5. Region Training Manager (RTM).

An individual knowledgeable in MARS communications procedures holds this position.

Position appointment and tenure are made by the RMD. Manages the Region member HF

operator and Net Control Station (NCS) training programs. The duties and responsibilities of

the RTM are as follows:

1.5.5.1. Manages Region training and ensures each AFMARS trainee receives initial

training.

1.5.5.2. Provides training to members in the Region to include net operations, procedures,

and voice operations, as well as Net Control Station training.

1.5.5.3. Develops training network schedules to minimize interference issues between

training and scheduled operational nets.

1.5.5.4. Coordinates training with the Region Voice Net Manager (RVNM), appropriate

Region MARS Director (RMD) and the appropriate SMD.

1.5.5.5. Coordinates and develops other specialized training to meet changing requirements.

1.5.5.6. Ensures training is in compliance with the AFMARS National Training Manual,

AFMARS Messaging Manual and Annex, Allied Communications Publications (ACP), this

AFMARS Operating Instruction (MOI) and applicable Region directives.

1.5.5.7. Identifies subjective areas needing corrective training or education.


1.5.5.8. May assign an assistant training manager(s) based on ability, equipment, and

location.

1.5.5.9. Provides monthly participation and trainee report(s) to the appropriate state SMD

and quarterly reports to the appropriate Region Records Manager.



1.5.5.11. Maintains an HF radio station capable of operating all modes on all assigned

Region frequencies.

1.5.5.12. May provide training to other Regions, if called upon, time permitting.

1.5.6. Region Exercise Coordinator (RXC).

The Region Exercise Coordinator position is appointed by the RMD. The duties and

responsibilities of the RXC are as follows:

1.5.6.1. Organizes and coordinates all Region ECOM exercise activities to include planning

for exercises, contingencies, and direction of exercises, working with the State Emergency

Coordinator.

1.5.6.2. Coordinates exercises with the National Exercise Coordinator (NXC).

1.5.6.3. Reports exercise results in the form of After Action Reports and Lessons Learned

to the National Exercise Coordinator, National Emergency Communications Coordinator,

the RMD, each REC, and each SEC appointee. Reports should identify areas for


1.5.6.4. Provides the RRM and the RMD with activity reports and status of ECOM exercises

in the Region.

1.5.6.5. Must possess sufficient communications capabilities to operate throughout the HF


1.5.6.6. Assists all the RMD, SMD and SEC to establish and coordinate the ECOM

programs.

1.5.6.7. Promotes Joint Service operations during all ECOM exercises and operations

throughout the Region.



1.5.6.9. Maintains a roster of each SEC in the Region.


1.5.7. Region Digital Networks Manager (RDNM).

The Region Digital Networks Manager position appointment and length are determined by the

RMD. An individual that is knowledgeable in the various digital transmitting techniques holds

this duty. The duties and responsibilities of the RDNM are as follows:

1.5.7.1. Coordinates BBS System Operators (SysOp) within the Region, in the development

and maintenance of a Region Emergency/Disaster Support Program.

1.5.7.2. Determines a routing for traffic within the Region, so each Region is doing its part

to implement the policies established by the DDTDO.

1.5.7.3. Works closely with the Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations, the

Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations, and the Deputy Director ALE

Operations.

1.5.7.4. Requires ability to operate on all MARS frequencies, and in all MARS digital modes

(both HF and VHF).

1.5.7.5. Fluency in the management of automated Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) and

message routing is required.



1.5.8. Region Voice Network Manager (RVNM).

An individual knowledgeable in voice transmitting techniques holds this duty position. Position

appointment and length are determined by the RMD. The duties and responsibilities of the

RVNM are as follows:

1.5.8.1. Directs operations of the Region voice network.

1.5.8.2. Assigns selected members to serve as net control stations to the Region voice

network.

1.5.8.3. Maintains a list and schedule of selected members to serve as net control stations to

the Region voice network.

1.5.8.4. Serves as primary Net Control Station for Region nets.


1.5.8.6. Provides additional training for NCS members.


1.5.8.7. Works closely with the Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations, the

Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations, and the Deputy Director ALE

Operations.

1.5.8.8. Manages assigned Region frequencies and works closely with the NOD on

frequency matters.

1.5.8.9. Requires ability to operate on all MARS voice frequencies.



1.5.9. Region VHF Coordinator (RVC). The Region

VHF Coordinator position is appointed by the RMD to develop, direct, and manage the VHF

assets and activities in the Region. This is an optional as required position. The duties and

responsibilities of the RVC are as follows:

1.5.9.1. The RVC in coordination with the respective SMD shall maintain a record of contact

information for each set of VHF Equipment, the shutdown contact and method for each

repeater/digipeater, and within what period of time the repeater/digipeater can be shut down.

1.5.9.2. The RVC shall establish interoperations with the other MARS organization

counterparts.

1.5.9.3. Acts as the Region VHF frequency manager. Works closely with the NVC on VHF

matters and the NOD on frequency matters.

1.5.10. Region Technical Services Manager (RTSM).

The Region Technical Services Manager position appointment and length of service are set by

the RMD. An individual with technical experience and background in electronics holds this

duty position. This is an optional as required position. The duties and responsibilities of the

RTSM are as follows:

1.5.10.1. Responsible for organized technical studies and projects assigned within the

Region.

1.5.10.2. Responsible for assisting Region members with equipment situations.

1.5.10.3. Advises the RMD on all MARS Technical Services (MTS) matters.

1.5.10.4. Compiles MTS quarterly activity report and forwards to the RRM.


1.5.10.5. Maintains a liaison with other Region staff members to determine suitable MTS

projects, share information and experience, and avoid duplication of efforts from one region

to another.

1.5.10.6. Approves or otherwise acts on projects and/or proposals from the RMD, SMD or

other members within the Region.

1.5.10.7. Provides for monitoring services with designated members, as needed, on Region

frequencies.

1.5.10.8. Attends State and Region conferences as time and finances permit.

1.5.10.9. Conducts technical education seminars.

1.5.10.10. Must have necessary computer skill for various duties that are associated with the

position.

1.5.10.11. Provides a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for members with technical questions

or issues.

1.6. State Appointments.

Figure 1.6-1: State MARS Organization

1.6.1. State MARS Director (SMD).

The Region MARS Director appoints each State MARS Director (SMD), with the concurrence

of Chief, USAF MARS. Each SMD appointment is for a period of two years. The State MARS

Director is the senior member management position in each State. The SMD, Deputy SMD,

and State Emergency Coordinator (SEC), are the only state positions provided official call

signs. The duties and responsibilities of the SMD are as follows:


1.6.1.1. Responsible for the management of MARS operations and member activities within

the State and for providing services to military, civilian, and intrastate MARS components.

1.6.1.2. In coordination with the RMD works with Military MARS stations, civil agency

MARS stations, and MARS club stations established in the state.

1.6.1.3. The SMD is the administrative point of contact (POC) for all military, civil

authority, and individual civilian volunteer MARS stations in the state.

1.6.1.4. Appoints and oversees a State Emergency Coordinator (SEC), and a Deputy State

MARS Director (DSMD) may be appointed, if required, along with other staff needed to

assist the SMD in accomplishing certain duties that require further assistance.

1.6.1.5. Develops emergency support capability and an alerting network within the state.

1.6.1.6. Initiates AF Form 3661 action on state members IAW current procedures.

1.6.1.7. Reviews each membership application prior to submission to the RMD, as

appropriate.

1.6.1.8. Maintains a personnel file on each member in the state.

1.6.1.9. Assigns net designators for all state VHF nets, IAW the national nomenclature

legend.

1.6.1.10. Provides each IMD with a current BST membership list.

1.6.1.11. Assigns sponsors to new members to assist in developing familiarity with program

mission and requirements.

1.6.1.12. Coordinates operation of VHF operations within the state and works with adjacent

state SMD regarding interstate VHF operations.

1.6.1.13. Coordinates State administrative and traffic nets. May serve as NCS for state nets

or delegate NCS responsibility to another state member.

1.6.1.14. Attends State and Region MARS meetings as required, time and finances

permitting.



1.6.1.16. Constructs and submits a quarterly report to the Region records manager, by the

10th day following the end of the quarter.


1.6.1.17. Receives Monthly Individual Member participation reports for compilation

quarterly.

1.6.2. Deputy State MARS Director (DSMD).

The Deputy State MARS Director position is appointed by the SMD, with the concurrence of

the RMD, for a period of two years. This is an optional position as required. The DSMD shall

assist in the SMD in all State activities as directed by the SMD and Serves as the SMD in the

absence of the SMD.

1.6.3. State Emergency Coordinator (SEC).

The State Emergency Coordinator position appointment and tenure are determined by the SMD.

The duties and responsibilities of the SEC are as follows:

1.6.3.1. Organizes and coordinates all state ECOM activities to include planning for

exercises, contingencies and support for actual emergencies. A minimum of two exercises

should be performed per calendar year.

1.6.3.2. Reports exercise results in the form of After Action Reports and Lessons Learned

to the Region Emergency Coordinator and the SMD. Reports should identify areas for


1.6.3.3. Provides appropriate Emergency Coordinator, Region, with activity reports and

status of ECOM programs in the state.

1.6.3.4. Possesses sufficient communications capabilities to operate throughout the HF


1.6.3.5. Works closely with the Region Emergency Coordinator, as appropriate, and the

SMD to develop and/or update a State Emergency Communications Plan to supplement the

Region ECOM Plan. This plan shall provide guidance for all State members to follow.

1.6.3.6. Promote Joint Service operations during all ECOM exercises and operations

throughout the state.



1.6.4. Individual Volunteer Members.

Individual Volunteer Members are amateur radio operators licensed by the Federal

Communications Commission (FCC) and approved for MARS membership by HQ, USAF

MARS. Stations may be established, operated, and maintained by military, civil authority, or

civilian volunteers authorized to operate on assigned MARS frequencies. The terms


“Member(s)”, “Individual Member(s)”, “Auxiliary Member(s)”, and “Individual Volunteer

Member(s)” shall have the same meaning for the purpose of this MOI. Such members shall:

1.6.4.1. Maintain and be familiar with a current copy of the AFMARS MOI.

1.6.4.2. Read, monitor, and adhere to all AFMARS broadcasts and other issued instructions.

1.6.4.3. Comply with the provisions of the AFMARS MOI and other AF Instructions,

AFMARS training materials, and applicable operating manuals and procedures governing

AFMARS operations, including AFMARS broadcasts.

1.6.4.4. If required per Section 2.3.4(d), maintain an operational National

Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) compliant HF (or per Section

2.3.5(b) VHF radio, if used) radio station and actively support AFMARS HF

communications requirements.

1.6.4.5. At a minimum, participate twelve (12) hours on the air each calendar quarter.

1.6.4.6. Maintain a current amateur license and keep the SMD apprised of all changes that

affect membership status (e.g., a change in station location, call sign, expiration date, license

level, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, or station capability).

1.6.4.7. Provide technical advice, assistance, general support, and guidance to the extent

possible, to other MARS members and especially trainee stations.

1.6.4.8. Provide operations, maintenance, or administrative support to Installation

MARS Directors, when requested and to the extent possible.

1.6.4.9. Avoid, while operating on any MARS or DoD frequencies, any deliberate action, or

conduct that would reflect unfavorably on the individual member or AFMARS.

1.6.4.10. Attend and contribute to MARS meetings and conferences, time and finances

permitting.

1.6.4.11. Maintain a station log in accordance with this MOI.

1.6.4.12. Submit accurate, required self-participation reports in accordance with this MOI.

1.7. Member Official Appointments.

1.7.1. Appointment Process.

Appointments to Official billet positions are made through a controlled and orderly process to

periodically rotate AFMARS officials with other qualified members as an essential part of a

dynamic and progressive MARS program. The appointment of members to the positions of Region

MARS Director (RMD) or State MARS Director (SMD) shall be for a term of two (2) years (1 Jan

- 31 Dec of following year), with renewal at the discretion of the Chief, USAF MARS. Newly


appointed members will use the interim months after appointment as a period of transition to

familiarize themselves with the procedures and responsibilities of the position

1.7.2. Position Applications.

Positions to be filled shall be announced in a MARS broadcast message, when applicable.

Applicants shall submit a brief resume stating the applicants’ qualifications, past experience,

station capability, and willingness to serve in the position.

1.7.3. Selection and Appointment Process.

Selection and appointment process shall begin in October each year by the Chief, USAF MARS

(or RMD as appropriate) for a term of service to begin in January of the subsequent year. The

Chief, USAF MARS (or RMD) shall:

1.7.3.1. Review the qualifications and records of each applicant.

1.7.3.2. Forward AF Form 3661, MARS Personnel Action Notification to individuals

selected.

1.7.3.3. Notify those individuals not selected.

1.7.4. Special Net Manager (SNM) Appointments.

The Special Manager positions are direct appointments by the Chief, USAF MARS, on an “as

required” basis for an unspecified duration.

1.7.5. Outgoing Officials.

All outgoing officials (National, Region, or State) shall:

1.7.5.1. Contact the new official and make arrangements for the transition.

1.7.5.2. Forward pertinent records to the new official on or before the date of transition.

1.7.5.3. Provide necessary assistance to promote continuity of operations.

1.7.6. Staff Positions.

The Region and State staff may vary, depending upon the tasking needs of each entity. Each

RMD and SMD shall appoint staff members depending upon the specific needs and availability

of members possessing the requisite skills to fulfill the duties of each position.

1.7.7. Billet Expectations.

Members volunteering for AFMARS billeted positions must be aware of the following:


1.7.7.1. AFMARS managers must be conversant with the MOI in regards to billet

appointments at the National, Region, and State levels. AF Form 3661, MARS Personnel

Action Notification, is the instrument for all personnel actions, including billet

appointments.

1.7.7.2. The MOI establishes and describes each billet for each level - National, Region, and

State. Directors are empowered to solicit and appoint applicants for each billet assignment.

Additional billet assignments are not authorized.

1.7.8. National Billets.

1.7.8.1. The Chief, USAF MARS appoints all National billets per the MOI. The Chief,

USAF MARS, assigns these positions on an “as needed” basis. The Chief, USAF MARS,

determines the service length for each appointment.

1.7.8.2. National billets are two-year assignments, from the date of the appointment.

1.7.9. Region Billets.

1.7.9.1. The Chief, USAF MARS, makes RMD appointments.

1.7.9.2. The Region MARS Director assigns the Deputy Region MARS Director billet. The

length of this appointment is two years.

1.7.9.3. The RMD appoints the Region staff billets.

1.7.9.4. The length of region billet assignments is determined by the RMD.

1.7.10. State Billets.

1.7.10.1. The RMD makes SMD appointments in consultation with the Chief, USAF MARS.

1.7.10.2. The SMD is authorized two staff billets, a Deputy SMD and a State Emergency

Coordinator (SEC).

1.7.10.3. The Deputy State MARS Director is appointed by the SMD. The length of this

appointment is two years from the date of the appointment.

1.7.10.4. The SEC is appointed by the SMD. The length of this appointment is two years

from the date of the appointment.

1.7.11. Non-Billeted Assignments.

Occasionally situations may arise within a Region or State where the director deems it

appropriate to appoint an official to act in a specific activity not described in this Section. The


director may appoint an individual to that activity on AF form 3661 with the following

provisions:

1.7.11.1. For state or region assignments, the SMD must have the approval of the Region

MARS Director.

1.7.11.2. The appointment shall not be assigned a billet call sign.

1.7.12. Non-Billeted AF Form 3661.

The AF Form 3661 comments section shall spell out the start and end date of the assignment,

not to exceed one year but may be renewed upon approval by need.

1.7.13. Non-Billeted Duties and Responsibilities.

In addition to the justification, the request to activate the non-billeted appointment shall contain

specific duties and responsibilities for the activity and/or assignment.

2.1. Scope.

Because emergencies and contingencies are not restricted geographically, there is a

requirement to establish MARS communication nets configured to support a wide spectrum

of potential applications over a wide range of territory, Region HF nets, the Mission Support

Net, and TRANSGLOBAL HF voice and digital traffic systems are the backbone of the

AFMARS HF communication network. With the exception of the National Phone Patch

Net and the Mission Support Net, most AFMARS traffic is passed on these nets. Support

of these nets depends on recruiting HF-capable amateur radio operators. In recognition of

the fact that many AFMARS high frequencies are not located near the amateur bands,

members with continuous 3 to 30 MHz capabilities should be actively recruited to satisfy system

requirements.

2.2. MARS Station Categories.

2.2.1. IAW DoDI 4650.02.

MARS stations may include military MARS stations, civil agency MARS stations, MARS club

stations, and individual MARS stations.

2.2.2. Station Association.

Military, civil agency or club MARS stations may associate with more than one MARS Service.

Individual MARS stations may associate with only one MARS Service.

2.2.3. Civilian Volunteer Minimum Eligibility.

All individual civilian volunteer MARS must meet minimum eligibility criteria for membership

in AFMARS as outlined below. Because AFMARS is a dynamic volunteer organization with

the mission of supporting multiple agencies and organizations through the Department of

Defense, specific membership requirements may be amended at any time to better position

AFMARS to meet its mission responsibilities.

2.2.4. Eligibility Requirements Grandfathering.

Except for adjustments to minimum participation requirements, any additional membership

requirements imposed on AFMARS members that go beyond what is contained in this MOI

shall be applied to new members entering the AFMARS program and shall not be imposed

retroactively on active members in good standing.

Chapter 2.0.

MEMBER APPLICATION, ASSIGNMENTS AND TRAINING


2.3. Eligibility Criteria.

2.3.1. Age.

2.3.1.1. Minimum age of members is 18 years.

2.3.1.2. In order to maintain a healthy flow of new members into AFMARS, working

relationships with well-established youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl

Scouts of America, and other such programs, should be developed. These relationships

should be based on offering amateur radio and MARS exposure to these youth organizations.

All contacts with the organizations shall be in accordance with those organizations’ rules

and regulations.

2.3.2. Citizenship.

Applicants and/or current members must be citizens of the United States, or lawfully admitted

to the United States for permanent residency under the provisions of Title 8, United States Code,

Chapter 12 (as revised), and reside within the borders of the United States, its territories, or

possessions. This applies to alien residents who are U.S. military members stationed overseas

under an overseas military command's jurisdiction.

2.3.3. FCC License Class.

Applicants and/or current members must hold a valid amateur radio operator's license issued

by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

2.3.4. Station Requirements.

2.3.4.1. Applicants and/or current members must have an operational HF radio station prior

to acceptance into the AFMARS program.

2.3.4.2. HF stations must be capable of operating on MARS frequencies, assigned by Region

AFMARS officials.

2.3.4.3. New HF stations must have the capability of operating voice and digital modes

specified by HQ USAF MARS. Digital mode is defined as any computer-generated signal

other than continuous wave (CW).

2.3.4.4. Unless specifically exempted from this requirement, all HF radio equipment must

have a frequency stability and tolerance of +/- 20 Hz as set by the NTIA.

2.3.5. VHF Requirements. See Section 16.0 for more information on VHF operations.

2.3.5.1. If VHF is used, it shall be used to complement the HF station, providing critical

“first mile/last mile” connectivity.


2.3.5.2. Unless specifically exempted from the NTIA requirement, all VHF equipment must

not exceed a frequency deviation of +/- 2.5 kHz, and have a channel spacing of 12.5 kHz (or

less).

2.3.6. Contact Information.

2.3.6.1. Members are charged with the responsibility to ensure that email addresses,

telephone numbers, and members’ mailing address is kept up to date by prompt notification

to the State MARS Director (SMD).

2.3.6.2. Email is the basic vehicle for all administrative actions and correspondence in

AFMARS. For that reason it is mandatory that a current Email address be provided and that

members ensure this information is kept up to date, and read frequently. Access to the

Internet is required for membership, although use of the Internet at a public venue such as

the local public library for email and document downloading is acceptable.

2.4. Net Control Station.

All new AFMARS members are required to participate in Net Control Station (NCS) training,

as these skills may be required in the event of an actual incident. Members in NCS training

shall work with the respective National, or Region Training Manager to complete NCS training.

2.5. Deployment Requirements.

2.5.1. Willing and Able.

AFMARS members willing and able to deploy on-site to provide communications support in

the event of an emergency or incident where such support is requested must be certified as

knowledgeable in the Incident Command System (ICS). This requires successful completion of

FEMA courses IS-100b, IS-200b, IS-700a, and IS-800b. Successful completion of FEMA

course IS-802 is also encouraged but is not mandatory. Whether or not members volunteer for

deployment all AFMARS members are encouraged to complete these FEMA courses, which

can be taken on line at the FEMA Emergency Management Institute website:

(http://training.fema.gov/is/nims.asp).

2.5.2. Course Completion AF Form 3661.

2.5.2.1. Members who complete the FEMA IS-100b, IS-200b, IS-700a, and IS-800b courses

shall provide a copy of the FEMA course completion certificate to the members’ SMD. Upon

completion of all four courses the SMD shall issue an AF Form 3661 indicating the course

numbers competed and the date of each certificate. This shall become part of the member's

personnel record. Based on the AF Form 3661, the National Records Manager shall annotate

the national register.

http://training.fema.gov/is/nims.asp)


2.5.2.2. A copy of the AF Form 3661 shall be distributed to the NRM, RRM, RMD, and the

individual.

2.6. Individual Responsibilities.

2.6.1. Individual membership applications shall be made using the membership application

form.

2.6.2. Each new applicant shall be provided a copy of the AFMARS application form, as well

as the contact information of the appropriate SMD.

2.6.3. The new applicant shall send the completed application form to the SMD. The SMD shall

review the application for completeness, accuracy, eligibility, and verification of FCC license,

and then forward it to the RMD for processing.

2.6.4. The RMD shall assign an “AFT#xx” call sign, enter the information into the AFMARS

database program, initiate an AF Form 3661 assigning the individual to the Region training net.

The AF Form 3661 shall be the authorization for the individual to operate on the AFMARS

training nets. A MARS training status “AFT” AF Form 3666 MARS Station License and ID

Card will be issued to the trainee to show MARS affiliation during the training period.

2.6.5. The RMD shall distribute AF Form 3661 to the applicant, RMD, RTM, RRM, SMD, and

the NRM.

2.6.6. After successful completion of the training, the RTM shall notify the RMD, SMD, and

individual. The RMD shall create a new AF Form 3661 to change the call sign by changing

of the “AFT” prefix to “AFA” prefix call sign and include an initial primary assignment.

2.6.7. Unless otherwise specified, “Primary Assignment” shown on the member’s AF Form

3661, can be one of State, Region, or National AFMARS HF traffic nets. Members may be

assigned to the Phone Patch, Mission Support, TRANSGLOBAL networks, or a Base Support

Team, as their primary assignment.

2.6.8. The RMD shall forward the new AF Form 3661 assigning the station its call sign, initial

primary net assignment, and notification of successful completion of training to the Chief USAF

MARS shall issue AF Form 3666. These documents shall be distributed to Chief, USAF MARS,

NRM, RMD, RTM, RRM, SMD, and individual.

2.6.9. Except as otherwise stated in this MOI, the SMD is responsible for initiating and

distributing as appropriate an AF Form 3661 to reflect any changes in the individual member’s

primary net assignment, station capabilities, or operating status. If any PII information is

included on the AF Form 3661 the data must be encrypted for transmission only (EFTO), else

the use of the individual’s generic call sign is sufficient and does not need to be EFTO.


2.6.10. Initial member training must be completed within one hundred eighty (180) days of the

issuance of AF Form 3661 by the RMD. Returning MARS members, following a break in

service exceeding six months, must attend the training course.

2.6.11. An extension to initial member training may be approved by the RMD upon good cause

and prior request by the trainee and the SMD. If the extension to initial member training is

approved by the RMD, the RMD shall prepare and distribute AF Form 3661 back to the trainee,

RMD, RTM, RRM, SMD, and NRM.

2.6.12. No waivers for the training requirement shall be allowed with the exception of active

duty or Reserve personnel. Personnel transferred from other MARS services, however, or with

prior AFMARS membership, may be evaluated for waiver of the training requirement on a

case-by-case basis by the RMD.

2.6.13. Trainees shall be provided Initial Net Control Station training in conformance with the

AFMARS National Training Manual.

2.6.14. For new members in training a certificate of completion of security web training listed

in Section 6.4 is required prior to issuance of the individual “AFA#xx” call sign.

2.6.15. The establishment of a BBS, ALE, MSN, or a Phone Patch Station is not authorized

while in training status.

2.7. Training Material.

All training and training materials shall be based upon this MOI and the following publications:

2.7.1. ACP-121 (I) Allied Communications Publication “Communications Instructions

General” (October, 2010)

2.7.2. ACP-125 (G) Allied Communications Publication “Communications Instructions

Radiotelephone Procedures” (November 2016)

2.7.3. ACP-126 (C) Allied Communications Publication “Communications Instructions

Teletypewriter (Teleprinter) Procedures” (May, 1989)

2.7.4. ACP-127 (G) Allied Communications Publication “Communications Instructions Tape

Relay Procedures” (November, 1988)

2.7.5. ACP-127 (G) U. S. Supp-1 (K) supplement to ACP-127 (G) (November, 2007)

2.7.6. ACP-131 (F) Allied Communications Publication “Communications Instructions -

Operating Signals” (April, 2009)

2.7.7. Message Nr. 014, Chief AFMARS, 082025 Sep 2014 (“AFMARS Way Ahead”)


2.7.8. Message Nr. 014, Chief AFMARS, 132100Z Oct 2015 (rescinding joint MARS SOP)

2.7.9. Message Nr. 001, Chief AFMARS, 151800Z Jan 2015 (authorizing abbreviated call

signs)

2.7.10. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6241.04C “Policy and Procedures

for Management and Use of USMTF” (20 APR 2012)

2.7.11. Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4650-02 (23 DEC 2009)

2.7.12. MOI, 2016

2.7.13. Air Force MARS National Training Manual, (NTM)

2.7.14. Air Force MARS Messaging Manual, (MMM)

2.7.15. Air Force MARS Messaging Manual Annex I, (FOUO)

2.7.16. Additional material as deemed appropriate by the Chief, USAF MARS, and the NTM.

2.7.17. Regions may write supplements to the AFMARS National Training Manual and

the AFMARS Emergency Communications Plan. These supplements shall not change the basic

content, but should provide additional information that is specific to the Region.

2.8. FCC License Renewal Procedures.

2.8.1. Since MARS membership requires members to possess a current FCC amateur radio

license, the term of MARS membership ends on the FCC license expiration date.

2.8.2. Upon receiving the renewed FCC license the member shall notify the SMD. This

provides the SMD with current member contact information along with new FCC license

expiration date. A reference copy of the applicant’s amateur radio license downloaded from the

FCC’s on-line database is acceptable. The SMD shall initiate an AF Form 3661 indicating the

member's renewal and noting the new FCC amateur license expiration date. Distribution shall

be to the individual member, SMD, RMD, RRM, and NRM.

2.8.3. Chief, USAF MARS, upon receipt of the AF Form 3661 shall issue a new AFMARS

Form 3666, to the individual member. A copy shall also be sent to the, RMD, RRM, SMD and

NRM.

3.1. Scope.

This chapter provides guidance in reporting participation time. In addition, it provides guidance

to members for completing and retention of station logs. For the purposes of this MOI a “log”

shall be defined as a record of activity either by manual (paper copy) or the preferred method

of electronic records.

3.2. Member Activity Time.

In order to provide an accurate database for management of the AFMARS system, individual

member activity shall be recorded. Member activity is documented for many areas of MARS

support. This Section identifies activities for which participation time may be credited and

establishes participation reporting procedures.

3.2.1. Total Active MARS Service Date.

For purposes of determining longevity within AFMARS an individual member’s total active

AFMARS service date shall be computed as all MARS service regardless of which branch in which

it was performed, less any breaks in service.

3.2.2. Self-Reporting.

Members shall self-report their participation on a monthly basis in accordance with

procedures specified herein.

3.2.3. Time Reporting.

Members are ultimately responsible to ensure that their participation time is accurately reported

within the organization. The final goal is to ensure that all members’ time, on a program-wide

basis, is accurately accounted for. CAFM uses this data for a number of administrative purposes;

consequently, the reported data shall be accurate and verifiable.

3.2.4. Members Inactive Status.

Members on Inactive Status are exempt from reporting requirements for the duration of that status.

3.2.5. Members Return To Active Status.

Members on inactive status may return to active status with a written request (letter or email) to

the SMD. The SMD will then respond to the member (email or letter) with instructions and/or

acceptance.

Chapter 3.0.

PARTICIPATION, REPORTING, AND LOGGING


3.3. Participation Time Requirements.

3.3.1. Minimum Time Requirement.

A minimum of twelve (12) hours of on-air participation is required from each member per

calendar quarter. Logging for different activities are shown in the following table.

ACTIVITY TIME TO BE LOGGED

ALE Members shall log 1 hour of On-Air participation credit for each 24-hour period

their station scanned ALE channels. Figured to the nearest whole hour.

VHF Members shall log 1 hour of On-Air participation credit for each 24-hour period

their VHF station is operational. Figured to the nearest whole hour.

RMS Station Members shall log 1 hour of On-Air participation credit for each 24-hour period

their RMS station is operational. Figured to the nearest whole hour.

PPN See Phone Patch Procedures Manual.

NCS Members fulfilling the role of NCS on any net shall log double time for On-Air

participation credit for the time of that net.

ANCS Members fulfilling the role of ANCS on any net shall log double time for On-

Air participation credit for the time of that net.

MSN

Refer to the Mission Support Network Procedures Manual.

Members shall log On-Air participation credit for the actual time spent on each

net.

SHARES Members shall log On-Air participation credit for the actual time spent on each

net.

Joint Nets Members shall log On-Air participation credit for the actual time spent on each

net.

Message

Preparation

& Handling

Members shall log [an extra hour or half hour] of On-Air participation credit

for sending formal traffic during a scheduled net. Credit for this activity should

be 0.5 hr.

Message via

RMS/Winlink

RF only

Members are allowed to claim an additional 15 minutes of ON-AIR time for

each message sent via a MARS radio gateway (HF or VHF) to the WinLink

system.

BST Members shall receive On-Air participation credit for the actual time spent

supporting the BST.

Table 3.3.1-1: Activity Participation Times

3.3.2. Accuracy and Timeliness.

Members shall accurately document, record and report their individual activities. The member

shall retain records required for the purposes of station activity logging, for a minimum period

of one year from time of final entry. Members are encouraged to use electronic means.


3.3.3. Right to Audit.

Member’s records are subject to audit. This paragraph establishes the authority for the SMD,

RMD, or CAFM to request and receive copies of the member’s logs for the purposes of auditing

upon written request. When such request is made, members shall provide the requested

information to the requestor within ten (10) working days by paper, scanned or electronic

format. Such audits may be random or specific to a study, trend analysis or other matter.

Members shall not consider such a request as an investigation of wrongdoing.

3.4. Failure to Keep Records or Fraudulent Activity.

If a member fails to keep accurate records as required, it shall be regarded as a violation of

AFMARS policy. Further, fraudulent activity, in the form of falsification of entries, falsification

of time reported, misrepresentation of reported information, intentional obfuscation shall

constitute fraudulent and unethical behavior on behalf of the member. Such activity by a member

shall subject that member to termination from the program in accordance with the standard

termination procedure. Members terminated for fraudulent or unethical activity shall not eligible

for reentry into the program.

3.5. Member Participation Time.

Members may accrue participation time as described in the following subsections.

3.5.1. On-Air Participation Time.

On-Air Participation time is defined as all actual on-air time spent supporting the MARS

mission (includes AFMARS, Army MARS, SHARES, and Joint Nets). Questions regarding

what constitutes On-Air participation should be directed to individual SMD. Some examples of

On Air participation are listed below.

3.5.1.1. Members’ participation time shall be computed as the actual time checked in to the

net.

3.5.1.2. Participation credit shall be given to member stations that have full transmitting and

receiving capabilities.

3.5.1.3. Participation credit for stations acting as NCS or ANCS shall be twice the scheduled

time for that net.

NOTE: Monitoring only shall not count for participation credit, with the exception noted

for ECOM events.


3.5.2. Non On-Air Participation Time.

Non on-air Participation time is defined as all off-air time spent supporting the MARS mission.

Questions regarding what constitutes non on-air participation should be directed to individual

SMD. Some examples of non-On-Air participation are listed below.

3.5.2.1. Billeted members count time spent on the off-air aspects of billet duties as “non-On-

Air”.

3.5.2.2. Work on MARS special projects assigned by the Technical Services Manager,

RMD, or SMD shall be credited as “non-On-Air” by the member based on the actual time

spent.

3.5.2.3. Support of actual or training emergency and/or contingency operations shall be

credited as “non-On-Air” based on the actual time spent.

3.5.2.4. Attendance at a formally organized MARS meeting or conference, travel hours and

actual attendance time shall be credited as “non-On-Air”.

3.5.2.5. Members attending a formally organized Region, or State conference are entitled to

full participation credit for one quarter. The member may choose which quarter to apply the

credit to up to one year after the conference.

3.6. Reporting Procedure and Methodology.

Member’s individual reports are monthly. All reports to the NRM are quarterly. Quarters begin

the first day of January, April, July, and October. Note that reports are due the day after the end

of each cycle but shall be submitted on or before the not later than (NLT) date. Reports arriving

after the NLT date shall not be included in the final report, but may be “rolled into” the

following cycle’s report, at the discretion of the appropriate recording official.

Figure 3.6-1: Participation Summary Reports

Roll-up Due Dates


3.6.1. Member Monthly Report.

Members who have no activity for the month shall submit a “no activity” report to the SMD.

Members who are on inactive status are exempt from this reporting for the duration of their inactive

status.

3.6.1.1. Member Monthly Report Content.

Each Member station shall provide the following information to their respective SMD prior to the

5th of each month.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Call Sign All On-Air

Hours

All Non On-Air

Hours

BST

Hours

All

Messages

Month

(##)

Year

(##)

Table 3.6.1-1: Member Monthly Participation Report version 1

Figure 3.6.1-1: Member Monthly Participation Report version 2

3.6.1.2. Message and Report Formant.

There are two recommended ways to email you reports to the SMD. They are as follows:

3.6.1.2.1 Copy-Paste Table 3.5.1-1 into the body of a word processor (e.g. MS word),

complete and save a copy for your records, attach the document to an email and send it

to your SMD.

3.6.1.2.2 Or alternatively, type the information in Table 3.5.1-2 into the body of an email

message and send to your SMD.

3.6.1.2.3 Email message should be addressed as follows:

3.6.1.2.2.1 TO: [SMD email address]


3.6.1.2.2.2 SUBJECT: [Member’s Call Sign: Member Participation Report mm/yyyy]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Call Sign All On-Air

Hours

All Non On-Air

Hours

BST

Hours

All

Messages

Month

(##)

Year

(##)

AGA5C 20 15 5 10 06 17

Table 3.6.1-2: Member Monthly Participation Report version 1 example

3.6.2. Member Base Support Team (BST).

Time. BST time is included as a category on the member's report, and will be included as part

of the Non On-Air Time summary in the SMD roll up. The BST time is available per member

at the SMD level and reported in the Non On-Air time in the SMD's roll up.

3.6.3. State MARS Directors Quarterly Report Content.

Each SMD shall provide the following information to their respective RMD not earlier than

(NET) the 5th day after the end of quarter and NLT the 10th Day after the end of the Quarter.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Call Sign State Name All On-Air

Hours All Non-Air

hours All

Messages Quarter

Table 3.6.3-1: State MARS Directors Quarterly State Participation Report

3.6.4. Region MARS Directors Quarterly Feedback Report.

The Region MARS Directors shall ensure that the quarterly feedback report is shared with the

respective SMD. Members are entitled to review their participation levels and may query the

SMD for the members quarterly report information. The Region report is a single line, three

number report. The SMD is going to send a single line, three number report for the state to the

region. The Region in turn submits a single line, three number report to NRM, consisting of the

totals for all of the states in each area.

3.6.5. RMD Quarterly Feedback Report Content.

Each RMD shall provide the following information to the NRM not earlier than (NET) the 10th

day after the end of quarter and NLT the 15th Day after the end of the Quarter.


1 2 3 4 5 6

Call Sign Region All On-Air

Hours All Non-Air

hours All

Messages Quarter

Table 3.6.5-1: Region MARS Directors Quarterly Region Participation Report

3.6.6. National Records Manager Quarterly Report.

The National Records Manager shall compile and transmit to CAFM a quarterly AFMARS

Participation Report by the 25th day of the new quarter. The NRM quarterly report shall consist

of the following information for each quarter:

3.6.6.1. Total on-air time.

3.6.6.2. Total non-on-air time.

3.6.6.3. Total Traffic handled system-wide.

3.6.7. Additional Reporting.

In addition to the above participation time reporting to CAFM, each RMD shall include the

following reports:

3.6.7.1. Exercises/Actual events where AFMARS played a role.

3.6.7.2. Public recognition of AFMARS.

3.6.7.3. Status of projects as assigned by RMD, SMD, or any other official.

3.6.7.4. Status of new MARS trainees.

3.6.7.5. Names and Call signs of members who have left, joined, or have become silent key

from the AFMARS Program.

3.6.8. Member Station Logs.

All MARS members shall maintain a log of the events of their station. All logs are subject to

review. Members are highly encouraged to utilize electronic means for recording required

information in lieu of paper records. Station Logs shall include at a minimum:

3.6.8.1. MARS station call sign, net name, frequency designator, date, and time logged on

and off the net using Zulu time.


3.6.8.2. Message number and date-time group (DTG).

3.6.8.3. Whom the message traffic is destined for and where it is originating.

3.6.8.4. Any other significant events that occurred during the station operation.

3.6.8.5. Each member shall retain his or her MARS station logs, for a minimum of one year

from the date of the final entry of the log.

NOTE: A Region may have developed a suggested or standard log format for member

station use, to assist member stations with an organized capture of information, as

required. Enquire of your SMD if your Region has a preferred format.

NOTE: For clarity when a net operates across the Zulu day, i.e., begins before 2359Z

and ends after 0001Z, the starting calendar day will be used on the log. Example: 10S1, a

two hour net, begins on 28 SEP 2015 at 2300Z and ends at 0159Z. The net date will remain

28 SEP 2015.

4.1. Scope.

As a military auxiliary organization, MARS has a system of assigning members to various nets

and positions of responsibility. The system also provides for documentation of authorized

inactivity and termination of membership.

4.2. Releasing Officials.

Any appointed official may be removed from office by the person who appointed them (or by

the Chief, USAF MARS) for:

4.2.1. Failure to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position.

4.2.2. Failure to comply with instructions furnished by HQ USAF MARS.

4.2.3. Any action deemed by the appointing authority to be detrimental to the AFMARS

program.

4.3. Resignations.

Resignation from any position may be submitted at any time without prejudice.

4.4. Member Terminations.

Individual members may be terminated for:

4.4.1. Bringing discredit upon themselves, MARS or another MARS member(s).

4.4.2. Failure to abide by the publications and rules governing MARS.

4.4.3. Failure to complete required MARS training.

4.4.4. Failure to maintain minimum quarterly participation on established MARS radio nets as

instructed by published management guidelines.

4.4.5. Failure to maintain a current FCC amateur radio license.

4.4.6. Failure to notify appropriate authorities of a change in contact information, including

mailing address, e-mail address, contact telephone number and physical address of the station

location.

4.4.7. Repeated infractions caused from improper or inappropriate radio operations.

Chapter 4.0.

PERSONNEL ACTIONS


4.4.8. Failure to respond to official correspondence by US Mail, email, or telephone.

4.5. Member Transfers.

When relocating to a new Region, members shall request their membership be transferred to the

new Region. The process for completing this action is as follows:

4.5.1. Member notifies their SMD of the pending relocation and requests their membership be

transferred to the gaining Region. The loosing SMD shall forward the transferring members

file to the gaining SMD.

4.5.2. The gaining SMD shall request a new call sign from the RMD for the transferring

member.

4.5.3. The gaining RMD shall assign a new call sign for that Region; prepare a new AF Form

3661 relinquishing the old Region call sign and assigning the transferee to the appropriate

Region net.

4.5.4. Distribution of copies shall include all current State and Region Officials as appropriate,

the old Region/State officials as appropriate with information copies to the National Records

Manager and to the Chief, USAF MARS for issuance of a new MARS license.

4.5.5. Email will be used if possible; all transmitted items will be encrypted.

4.6. Reinstatement Waiting Periods.

The following time periods have been established for reinstating previous MARS members

wishing to re-enter active membership:

4.6.1. Members who are terminated from the AFMARS program shall not be allowed to reapply

for consideration for new membership in AFMARS for a minimum period of two (2) years.

4.6.2. Members who resign must wait one (1) year before re-applying for membership. (Waiting

period may be waived for members resigning specifically to transfer to another service's MARS

program or to relocate.)

4.6.3. Members terminated for extreme cause (for example, unbecoming conduct) shall be

prohibited from consideration for new membership for a minimum period of five (5) years.

4.6.4. The Chief, USAF MARS may wave reinstatement time lines on a case-by-case basis.

4.7. Extenuating Circumstances.

The Chief, USAF MARS:


4.7.1. May grant termination waivers of members for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-

case basis.

4.7.2. May grant periods of inactive status to MARS members, in excess of the 180 day inactive

status period approved by the SMD and the additional 180 day inactive status approved by the

RMD, when requested by the individual member, on a case-by-case basis.

Table 4.8-1: AF Form 3661 Actions and Responsibilities

Required Action Requester

Initiation

&

Approval

Distribution

Appointment of RMD or SMD CAFM CAFM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Appointment of National Manager CAFM CAFM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Appointment of Special Assistant and other

Key non-regional/state official CAFM CAFM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Appointment of Region Staff officials other

than RMD RMD RMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, DRM SMD, Individual

Phone Patch Network Assignment SMD NPPNM CAFM, NRM, DRM, RMD, SMD, Individual

Mission Support Network Assignment SMD NMSNM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network SMD DDTDO CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network SMD DDTDO CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

HF RMS / Winlink Station SMD DDTDO CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

TRANSGLOBAL Automatic Link

Establishment Net Member DDALEO CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Initial Primary Assignment Upon Completion

of Training SMD RMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Appointment of MARS Member Volunteer

Official/State Level SMD SMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Appointment of Base Support Team Leader

or Member IMD SMD

CAFM, NRM, RMD, SMD, BST Leader,

Individual

180-Day Inactive Member (PCS, Illness,

Equipment Failure, etc.) SMD SMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Extension of Inactive Status RMD RMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, SMD, Individual

Return To Active Status Member SMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, SMD, Individual

Cancellation of Net Assignments SMD CAFM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Termination SMD CAFM CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Resignation SMD SMD NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Silent Key SMD SMD CAFM, NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

FCC License Renewal SMD SMD NRM, RMD, RRM, SMD, Individual

Transfer Region SMD SMD NRM, RMD, RRM, Gaining SMD, Loosing

SMD, Individual


4.8. Assignment Actions Requiring AF Form 3661 Preparation.

4.8.1. AFMARS Personnel Action Notification (AF FORM 3661).

The AF Form 3661, AFMARS Personnel Action Notification, is employed to document

MARS personnel actions. All personnel actions involving an AF Form 3661 and containing

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) shall be treated as “unclassified for official use only”

and encrypted when transmitted as an Email attachment.

4.8.2. AF Form 3661 Content.

AF Form 3661 must contain certain specific information in each element.

4.8.2.1. The “TO” block must contain the members name and address including the postal

ZIP+4 postal ZIP Code. In addition the appropriate MARS call sign must be included for

any actions involving current members.

4.8.2.2. AF Form 3661 Comments section must contain a minimum amount of information

pertinent to the action being taken.

4.8.2.3. For official billet appointments, the AF Form 3661 Comments section must contain

language describing the billet and position, call sign, and appointment term at a minimum,

for example: “In accordance with (indicate the appropriate MOI Section number) you are

appointed the billet (insert the exact title of the billet from the MOI). This appointment

authorizes the use of the billet call sign (insert the billet call sign). This call sign is authorized

on AFMARS networks only. This assignment is for two years and ends on (insert date). The

appointing official reserves the right of reappointment with your concurrence.”

AF Form 3661

(Required Information)

Generic

Call

Billet

Call

AFT

Call

FCC

Call

Date FCC

Expiration

AF 3661

Start Date

AF 3661 End

Date

Primary Assignment

Training Assignment

Post Training

BST Assignment

FCC License Renewal

Billet Assignment

Billet Termination

Member Resignation

NOTE: The length statement may be modified for assignments that have no directed

ending date: “The length of this assignment is at the pleasure of the appointing official.”


Table 4.8.2.3-1: AF Form 3661 Comments Section Required Elements

4.8.2.4. Table 4.8.2.3-1 provides an outline of minimum required information.

4.8.3. AF Form 3661 Preparation Instructions.

The following guidelines shall be used in the preparation of AF Form 3661 Personnel Action:

4.8.3.1. Table 4.2.-1 shows the MARS officials authorized to prepare AF Form 3661, the

situations under which the form is required to be initiated, the individual responsible to

initiate, and the authorized approving official. All AF Forms 3661 shall be completed IAW

with this table. A copy of each AF Form 3661 must be emailed to the NRM.

4.8.3.2. When a member successfully completes the required training, the RTM shall notify

the RMD, and the respective SMD. The RMD shall complete the process transitioning the

member in training Section 2.6(f). Except as otherwise provided in this MOI, after the above

action, the SMD shall initiate and sign AF Form 3661 on the individuals in that state to

include, resignations, deaths, and transfers, while terminations shall be initiated by the SMD

and signed by the Chief, USAF MARS. The SMD shall forward a copy of AF Form 3661

to the Chief, USAF MARS and the RMD for distribution. Only the Chief, USAF MARS

shall sign AF Form 3661 terminating a member for cause. Any terminated member may

appeal to the Chief, USAF MARS for reinstatement.

4.8.3.3. All RMD, SMD, and Special Net Managers (NPPNM, NMSNM, DDTNO,

DDTDO) are authorized to originate AF Form 3661 involving individual members. RMD

level authority for originating and authenticating AF Form 3661 shall only be used to

preclude unreasonable delays in processing member assignments.

4.8.3.4. Computer generated substitutes for AF Form 3661 as authorized are encouraged,

but must include all required data.

4.8.3.5. Each SMD is empowered to approve requests for inactive status for periods not to

exceed 180 days. The SMD may also approve a temporary waiver of the HF requirement

for up to 180 days for members wishing to remain active but temporarily without HF

capability (e.g., equipment failure or repair). Members on inactive status are exempt from

participation and participation reporting. The SMD shall initiate AF Form 3661 indicating

the start and end date, with copies to the individual, RMD, and National Records Manager

(NRM). A RMD may grant an additional six-months, upon request and based on special

Member Termination

Member Inactive

Member Return From

Inactive

Member Deceased

Change of Location

MARS Call Change


consideration with full justification, such as nursing home resident, etc. AF Form 3661 shall

be initiated for the extension indicating the beginning and ending dates with distribution to

the individual, SMD, RMD, and NRM. This authority must be used judiciously. The Chief,

USAF MARS, may grant waivers beyond one year.

4.8.3.6. The SMD shall initiate all AF Form 3661 actions for terminations, resignations, and

“Silent Keys”. The SMD shall sign all of the foregoing actions except terminations for cause,

which must be forwarded to the Chief, USAF MARS for signature.

The SMD shall maintain a separate personnel file for each MARS member. Files for former

members shall be archived and maintained for a period of two (2) years. Paper files shall not be

treated as trash or recycled, but must be destroyed in some manner, such as shredding. Electronic

files and backups are encouraged in lieu of actual paper files.

4.9. Maintenance of Records.

SMD shall ensure a copy of each AF Form 3661 pertinent to a member is in the member's personnel

file, and that a current AF Form 3661 is on hand for each member.

4.10. Public Records Information.

In keeping with the Privacy Act, only certain information regarding AFMARS members can be

released as “public information”. This includes MARS call sign, city, state, and billet title, if

any.

4.11. DoD Benefits Procedure.

Procedures for allowing members to be considered for benefits associated with DoD civilian

service, such as access to DoD morale, welfare, and recreation Category C recreational facilities,

credit unions associated with the Department of Defense, and military ceremonies are addressed

in Section 10. These procedures do not require an AF Form 3661 action.

4.12. Reserve Points Procedure.

Procedures for granting military members Reserve points based on service in MARS and, in certain

cases, weight exemptions for transportation of MARS communication equipment are also

addressed in Section 10 and do not require an AF Form 3661 action.

5.1. Scope.

The purpose of this Section is to establish uniform procedures, policy, and standards for operation

between AFMARS and Army MARS at the National, Regional and State levels, as well as other

authorized agencies and organizations. MARS is effectively a single contingency communications

system, with two cooperating branches. Organizational differences shall not impede the providing

communications services when and where needed.

5.2. Interoperability - Army MARS.

AFMARS, both as an organization and individual stations shall facilitate and participate in all

authorized communications, unless otherwise restricted in this Section. AFMARS

interoperability is authorized on a global basis subject to the following:

5.2.1. AFMARS station shall comply with any operational restriction placed on such operations

when not conducted on AFMARS frequencies by the frequency owner.

5.2.2. AFMARS stations are authorized to use any MARS VHF circuits for digital and voice

communications within the frequency owners established guidelines.

5.2.3. The provisions of interoperability, do not apply to AFMARS HF Phone Patch Nets and

Mission Support Nets.

5.2.4. AFMARS stations with a prefix of “AFT” designation are not authorized as NCS stations

on jointly operated nets between AFMARS and any other entity.

5.3. Interoperability other Government Organizations.

AFMARS, both as an organization and as individual stations, shall facilitate and participate in

all authorized communications, unless otherwise restricted in this Section with the following

Government Organizations.

5.3.1. Active duty/Reserve military stations/units.

Regardless of branch or location, to include:

5.3.1.1. Fixed assets.

Chapter 5.0.

INTEROPERABILITY

NOTE: The list provided herewith is not intended to be an exhaustive list, rather

a compendium of common example stations.


5.3.1.2. Airborne assets.

5.3.1.3. Mobile assets.

5.3.1.4. Seaborne assets.

5.3.2. National Guard stations/units.

Regardless of branch or location, to include:


5.3.2.2. Airborne assets


5.3.2.4. Seaborne assets.

5.3.3. Stations authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To include:

5.3.3.1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

5.3.3.2. FEMA Disaster Assistance.

5.3.3.3. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

5.3.3.4. U.S. Coast Guard & Auxiliary.

5.3.3.5. Community Emergency Readiness Team (CERT).

5.3.3.6. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

5.3.3.7. Secret Service.

5.3.3.8. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

5.3.3.9. SHARES HF Interoperability Working Group stations.

5.3.4. Civil Air Patrol stations/units, regardless of location, to include:


5.3.7.2. Airborne assets.



5.3.5. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

5.3.6. US Department of Agriculture.

5.3.7. US Department of Interior.

5.3.8. US Department of Energy.

5.3.9. US Department of Transportation.

5.3.10. US Department of Defense.

5.3.11. US Veterans Administration.

5.4. Interoperability - Non-Government Organizations (Ngo).

AFMARS, both as an organization and individual stations shall facilitate and participate in all

authorized communications, unless otherwise restricted in this Section with the following Non-

Governmental Organizations.

5.4.1. The American Red Cross (ARC).

5.4.2. American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

5.4.3. Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Net (SATERN).

5.4.4. Any state or state sponsored emergency operations center (EOC).

5.4.5. State sponsored Militia.

5.5. Special Authorizations.

In the case of special circumstances or exercise purposes the CAFM may from time authorize

operations with other stations or groups other that those listed herein. Such authorizations shall be

issued in writing or other electronic means to the Region MARS Director(s) of the affected

region(s).

NOTE: The list provided herewith is not intended to be an exhaustive list, rather a

compendium of common example stations.


5.6. Joint-Service Interoperability Net (JSIN).

To promote and facilitate enhanced interoperability between MARS branches, each Region MARS

Director may authorize Joint Service Interoperability Net (JSIN) on an “as needed” basis without

further authority.

5.6.1. The JSIN.

5.6.1.1. JSIN shall operate on a schedule and frequency agreed upon by the MARS Directors

of the two MARS branches.

5.6.1.2. JSIN NCS duties shall be mutually shared between Army and Air Force MARS

branches.

5.6.1.3. JSIN nets may be established on HF and/or VHF and may operate utilizing all

approved operational modes (i.e., multi-mode).

5.6.1.4. JSIN procedures shall be established by the Region MARS Directors to ensure

proper participation credit is granted to participating MARS stations by their respective

MARS branch.

5.6.2. Net Control Stations.

The host Net Control Station is the governing authority on all procedures during the operation

of the net. Participants should be cognizant of the fact that individual net control stations may

not necessarily operate any given net exactly alike. Participating AFMARS stations are required

to be flexible in order to accommodate such individual differences.

5.7. Policy Guidance for Message Traffic.

Unless otherwise directed, the following policy is provided concerning voice or digital message

traffic:

5.7.1. Precedence.

Message precedence shall not be changed.

5.7.2. Service’s Policy.

Messages entered into another service’s network must comply with that Service’s policies.

Under no circumstances shall the text of any message be altered, except by the originator.


5.7.3. Encryption.

Encrypted messages shall be handled in accordance with encryption policies found elsewhere

in this document.

5.7.4. Policy Compliance.

All other message traffic policies shall be complied in accordance with relevant controlling

documents in use.

5.8. Phone Patch Network.

The AFMARS Phone Patch Network shall honor phone patch requests from units of any military

branches and any other such authorized users. The AFMARS Phone Patch Network shall be

operated in a manner transparent to any particular authorized user, regardless of service origin.

NOTE: The Allied Communications Publications provide the foundation for MARS

radio operations, however minor procedural variations are authorized to meet

customer/mission requirements.

6.1. Scope. MARS Communication Protection Guidance.

6.1.1. As a DoD-sponsored auxiliary, MARS provides contingency communications support to

U.S. government operations in accordance with DoDI 4650.02. Consequently, there may be

times when message traffic or other information containing sensitive information must be

transmitted or relayed via either open radio circuits or unprotected electronic media such as

email.

6.1.2. MARS does not handle classified information. However, DoD and other federal entities

routinely handle unclassified information containing data that must be protected from

unauthorized public disclosure. These entities may share such information with MARS or may

rely on MARS to transmit or re-transmit such information.

6.1.3. AFMARS operators will ensure that all necessary and appropriate measures are taken to

protect sensitive information against unauthorized disclosure, theft, or loss. This includes data

containing “Personally Identifiable Information (PII)” as well as information marked “Sensitive

But Unclassified (SBU)” or “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)” which includes “For

Official Use Only (FOUO)” information.

6.1.4. Whenever possible, messages or information requiring protection from disclosure will be

encrypted for transmission on open radio circuits on unsecured electronic media. AFMARS

stations will use the best level of privacy available, e.g., Encryption Wizard software

(EWPublic) or Off-Line TRANSEC program for encryption and decryption purposes.

6.2. For Official Use Only (FOUO).

6.2.1. MARS Communication Protection Guidance.

FOUO is not a classification. Rather, it is a dissemination control marking applied by DoD to

unclassified information when disclosure to the public would reasonably be expected to cause

harm (for details see DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 4, “DoD Information Security Program:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)”). FOUO falls under the heading established for

CUI instituted in Executive Order 13556. If released to the public, information such as

movement, personnel rosters, readiness data, and operational orders could cause harm to

missions or personnel. This information should be properly safeguarded and only disseminated

to MARS members and government/military personnel who have a need to know because of an

operational requirement.

Chapter 6.0.

PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION


6.2.2. FOUO Documents.

When a document is marked with the words “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY”, or abbreviation

U//FOUO or FOUO, on the header and footer, all material on that page is considered FOUO.

One exception is the use of portion markings on a page, usually at the beginning of a paragraph.

Portion markings identify specific areas of text in the document with the notations (U) or

(U//FOUO).

6.2.3. FOUO Transmittal.

AFI 33-332, Change 1, 17 November 2016 “ Exercise caution before transmitting personal

information via e-mail to ensure the message is adequately safeguarded. Some information may

be so sensitive and personal that e-mail may not be the appropriate means of transmitting. ”

“When transmitting personal information over e-mail, encrypt and add "For Official Use Only"

("FOUO") to the beginning of the subject line and apply the following statement at the

beginning of the e-mail:

"This e-mail contains FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (FOUO) information which must be

protected under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) and/or the Privacy Act of 1974

(5 U.S.C. 552a). Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of this PERSONAL INFORMATION may

result in disciplinary action, criminal and/or civil penalties. Further distribution is prohibited

without the approval of the author of this message unless the recipient has a need-to-know in

the performance of official duties. If you have received this message in error, please notify the

sender and delete all copies of this message."

6.3. Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

The Office of Management and Budget Memorandum 07-16, Safeguarding Against and Responding

to PII Breach defines PII as the “Personally Identifiable Information is defined as information

which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as their name, social security

number, biometric records, etc. alone, or when combined with other personal or identifying

information which is linked or linkable to a specific individual, such as date and place of birth,

mother’s maiden name, etc.”

6.4. Amateur Call Sign.

Your amateur radio call sign and your AFMARS call sign are not PII elements. Under FCC

regulations, your amateur license information is public. However, linking FCC and MARS call

signs may easily identify the owner/operator or the specific location of the station, which is often

a private residence. Carefully consider the privacy implications should you associate your amateur

call sign with your MARS call sign. To help preserve the anonymity of individual MARS

members, it is recommended that MARS call signs not be used in any public venue, including

email addresses and signature lines.


6.5. Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

6.5.1. Access to CUI.

Reasonable steps shall be taken at all times to minimize the risk of access to CUI by

unauthorized personnel (e.g., not reading, discussing, or leaving FOUO information unattended

where unauthorized personnel are present). AFMARS members shall never disclose FOUO or

other sensitive information received via the MARS program to anyone other than US

Government employees or other MARS members who have a need-to-know for official MARS

purposes. In addition, AFMARS members shall immediately report any unauthorized

disclosure, theft, or loss of FOUO or other sensitive information to your State MARS Director

and shall properly destroy all FOUO or other sensitive information when no longer required

for MARS operations.

6.5.2. Securing CUI.

Adequate security must also be provided for all unclassified DoD information on non DoD

information systems. This information must be minimally safeguarded per the procedures

listed in Enclosure 3 of DoD Instruction 8582.01, “Security of Unclassified DoD Information

on Non-DoD Information Systems”.

6.6. Security Training.

6.6.1. CUI Training.

All AFMARS members shall familiarize themselves with the requirements for protecting CUI as

outlined in the aforementioned DoD Manual, DoD Directive, and DoD Instruction.

AFMARS members are required to complete the following training courses at least once.

Refresher training will be accomplished on a 24 month training cycle. Forward the completion

certificate to your SMD.

6.6.2. PII Training.

Identifying and Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Version 2.0 or latest,

available via: http://iatraining.disa.mil/eta/piiv2/launchPage.htm

6.6.3. Cyber Training.

Cyber Awareness Challenge, Federal version, available via:

http://iatraining.disa.mil/eta/cyberchallenge/launchpage.htm

NOTE: Additional information on properly safeguarding CUI may be found in

Enclosure 3 of the aforementioned DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 4, on “DoD

Information Security Program: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)”.

http://iatraining.disa.mil/eta/piiv2/launchPage.htm

http://iatraining.disa.mil/eta/cyberchallenge/launchpage.htm


NOTE: If AF MARS members complete any Cyber Security/Awareness training as part of

their business duties or continuing education, they may use that training and certificate to

satisfy the reoccurring training requirement. There is no official list of approved training

courses that meet this reoccurring awareness training. Please use acumen and intellect

when submitting your substitute training to meet the reoccurring training requirement.)

7.1. General.

It is every member's responsibility to use proper channels for corresponding with HQ USAF

MARS and staff. When an item of correspondence is generated, that item shall be processed

in the swiftest manner available. Member questions, comments, concerns, or other issues

directed to HQ USAF MARS shall be handled as expeditiously as possible. Whenever possible,

issues shall be addressed at the lowest level within the member’s chain of command before

elevating the issue to higher authority or contacting HQ USAF MARS directly.

7.2. Proper Channels.

The following circumstances are the only provisions by which the proper channels may be bypassed

when communicating with HQ USAF MARS or staff:

7.2.1. Criticality.

When information in the correspondence is such that delays will adversely affect the mission

being performed.

7.2.2. Personal or sensitive nature.

When the information being conveyed may reflect unfavorably upon anyone in the proper

channel, or is of a personal or sensitive nature.

7.3. Written Correspondence.

Written correspondence generated by a member to solicit a response from the HQ USAF MARS

or staff shall normally be sent to the next person in the member’s Chain of Command.

7.3.1. Endorsement.

As the correspondence progresses, each recipient shall either add statements to the material or

endorse it prior to forwarding. This can be done by adding onto the bottom of the

correspondence, or by drafting a letter to be attached to the original document. If an attached

letter is used, it shall not be removed before reaching HQ USAF MARS.

7.3.2. Concurrence.

If no comments are necessary, an endorsement shall still be needed to signify concurrence

or non-concurrence with the correspondence.

7.3.3. Responses.

Chapter 7.0.

CORRESPONDENCE


Likewise, responses prepared by the AFMARS staff shall be returned direct to the originator

with info copies provided for each intermediary.

7.3.4. Application.

These procedures apply equally to e-mail correspondence and ordinary mail.

7.4. On The Air or Email.

Information may be sent on the air, via written correspondence, or by Internet e-mail. On- the-air

discussions, however, shall not adversely reflect upon another MARS member or bring discredit

upon the MARS program.

7.5. U.S. MAIL.

All mail forwarded by members via U.S. mail shall bear the return address of the sender, per United

States Postal Service (USPS) regulation. A slant bar (/) and the member’s call sign shall be

included on the first line of the return address.

8.1. Scope.

MARS conferences and meetings are vital to the MARS program. Conferences and Meetings afford

individual members and managers the opportunity to exchange information, discuss procedures,

and clarify policy.

8.2. Annual Conference.

Each Region and State may schedule an annual MARS conference convened by the respective

RMD and/or SMD. The participants shall be individual members and appointed Region and/or

State officials, and invited guests. Region and/or State conferences are to be funded primarily by

the individual members. A registration fee may be charged to help defray conference costs

(military are not exempt). When a registration fee is charged, it shall be computed to cover only

the costs of conference facilities, refreshments, and other incidentals, without making a profit.

Excess funds shall be returned to the members in a form determined by the conference committee

and the appropriate RMD or SMD.

8.3. State Meetings.

State MARS Directors may hold periodic meetings. State meetings held in cities where it is not

practical for the SMD to attend must be coordinated with the SMD to ensure current information

is obtained. Members are responsible for any expenses.

8.4. General Conferences.

General items to be considered for conducting a successful conference are as follows:

8.4.1. Planning.

Conferences and meetings should be well planned. The number of attendees should be

determined far enough in advance to find a suitable facility. The RMD, or SMD may appoint

a conference committee to work out the details for the conference. An agenda should be

prepared so the proceedings will be effectively conducted. All such conferences are conducted

at no cost to the government.

8.4.2. Committee.

A conference committee may be established to handle all conference administrative details.

The conference committee may consist of a conference chairperson, treasurer, recorder, and

publicity manager.

Chapter 8.0.

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS


8.4.3. Scheduling.

When practical, conferences should be scheduled to occur on weekends to maximize member

participation. An officials meeting may be scheduled during the conference.

8.4.4. Discussion Items.

Items for discussion should be solicited from the general membership through management

channels. Selected subjects will be listed on the conference schedule with an assigned time

limit. The conference schedule should begin with opening remarks and pertinent introductions

by the convening authority, followed by reports from appropriate officials. Presentations should

be scheduled to allow sufficient time for any questions and answers. The remainder of the

schedule will consist of agenda items. If time permits, seminars or special presentations may be

scheduled.

8.4.5. Social Events.

A social event, such as a banquet or dinner, may be incorporated, with expenses borne by

attendees.

8.4.6. Agenda Coordination.

Each Region conference agenda shall be coordinated with the Chief, USAF MARS. Each RMD

should be informed of State conferences.

8.4.7. Chairperson Duties.

The conference chairperson shall control conference events. If agenda items are covered well

and kept within the allotted time, the conference will run smoothly. Appropriate recognition,

such as certificates, plaques, and/or other awards, may be presented at the conference. Any

costs associated with awards shall be borne by the membership.

8.4.8. Attendance Participation.

Full quarter participation time shall be credited for Region or State conference attendees.

8.4.9. FOUO Restrictions.

FOUO type information should not be presented nor discussed in meetings with non- MARS

members. A separate closed session, of MARS only members; to discuss FOUO type

information may be required.

8.5. General Meetings.

General items to be considered for conducting a successful meeting are as follows:


8.5.1. Meeting Outline.

MARS meetings are conducted more informally than a conference, however, meetings should

be planned with an outline for discussion.

8.5.2. Discussion Content.

Current information should be obtained from the SMD or IMD for dissemination to members.

8.5.3. Award Presentation.

Awards may be presented with the concurrence of the SMD or IMD, as appropriate.

8.5.4. Attendance Participation.

At least three (3) hours of participation time shall be given for local and/or state meetings,

taking into account the length of the meeting and the travel time required by attending members.

In no case shall participation credit exceed the length of the meeting. This participation credit

shall be recorded as Non On-Air Time.

9.1. Scope.

The DoD MARS Disaster Support ID card (DD form 2350) is to identify that the bearer is a MARS

operator and upon authorization from a competent on-scene authority may be granted access to

provide communications for the situation at hand. This identification card does not grant

permission to access any military installation. The USAF MARS Chief or a designated

representative shall accomplish the following:

9.2. DD Form 2350 Issue and Control.

Control, safeguard, and account for all issued and non-issued DoD MARS Disaster Support

Identification Cards for all AFMARS members.

9.3. ID Control Log.

Establish a control log containing at minimum:

9.3.1. Numbering.

The inclusive numbers of the initial supply of ID cards and the date received, i.e., “ID Card

Numbers A04000 through A04100 received 15 Nov 1994.”

9.3.2. Log Data.

Subsequent issue of ID cards shall be logged in Microsoft Excel in sequential order (lowest

number first) with the following information: Recipient Name, AFMARS Call Sign, Date of

Issue, Date of Expiration, and AFMARS ID Control Number.

9.3.3. Log Retention.

The DoD MARS Disaster Support Identification Card (DD 2350) Issue and Control Log shall

be retained for a minimum five (5) years.

9.4. ID Recovery.

Recover all the expired and cancelled DD2350 ID cards. Expired and cancelled DD2350 ID cards

will be returned to HQ USAF MARS for destruction.

9.5. ID Security.

Safeguard all ID cards not yet issued in a secure container.

Chapter 9.0.

MARS IDENTIFICATION CARDS


9.6. ID Processing.

In order to ensure proper handling the following procedures shall be followed:

9.6.1. Prepare ID card transmittal letter.

9.6.2. Mail (e-mail) transmittal letter to the member.

9.6.3. The member shall sign the transmittal letter and return via mail or scanned as an Adobe

.pdf and send to Chief, USAF MARS via e-mail (e-mail address listed on transmittal letter).

The member will provide the Chief, USAF MARS with a high quality digital head/shoulders

photograph against a neutral background in .jpg/.jpeg file format for the ID photo.

9.6.4. Upon receipt of the transmittal letter and digital photo from the member, the Chief, USAF

MARS shall match the member’s signature on the transmittal letter to the signature found on

the AFMARS Application Form.

9.6.5. The Chief, USAF MARS shall generate the ID card and send the ID card to the member.

9.6.6. The transmittal letter shall be filed in the member’s personnel file.

9.7. ID Expiration.

The ID card is valid for the term of MARS members FCC license. The DD Form 2350 ID card is

valid only, while the member issued the card is still active in the capacity requiring the ID card.

Once the member is no longer active in AF AMRS, or upon termination/resignation of the member,

the member shall send the ID card back to the HQ USAF MARS.

9.8. Limited Issuance.

The issuance of the DD Form 2350 shall be limited to personnel who have successfully completed

FEMA courses ICS-100b, ICS-200b, ICS-700a, and ICS-800b. Members shall submit a narrative

justification with their request for a MARS ID to Chief, USAF MARS.

NOTE: If an AFMARS Application Form is not on file at HQ USAF MARS, the member

requesting the ID card shall fill out an application and forward it to the Chief, USAF MARS.

A digital signature is not acceptable.


DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 38TH CYBERSPACE READINESS SQUADRON (AFSPC) SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE ILLINOIS

DD/MM/YYYY

MEMORANDUM FOR

FROM: 38 CYRS/SCM

203 W. Losey St Scott AFB,

IL 62225

SUBJECT: US DoD MARS ID Card, DD2350 Transmittal

1. The DD Form 2350, MARS Disaster Support ID Card, Control Number: XXXXXX will be

forwarded to: Name Here upon signature of this transmittal letter. This card expires on:

DD/MM/YYYY.

2. Verify the accuracy of the information in the first endorsement section of this letter.

3. Sign and date the first endorsement section of this letter then return this letter to: 38 CYRS/SCM

(AF MARS).

1st Endorsement

TO: 38 CYRS/SCM (AF MARS)

1. I acknowledge receipt of the transmittal letter, Control Number: XXXXXX.

2. I understand the DD Form 2350 will not guarantee me access to any emergency or disaster area.

I further understand the DD Form 2350 will not allow access to any military installation, unless

approved by the Installation Commander under provisions set by the Installation Commander.

3. I will not duplicate the DD Form 2350 in any form.

4. Upon termination/resignation of my MARS membership or expiration of the DD Form 2350,

whichever comes first, I will return DD Form 2350 to: 38 CYRS/SCM (AF MARS)

Signature: Date signed:

______________________________________________________________________________

Figure 9.8-1: DD Form 2350 MARS ID card Transmittal Sheet

XD A V ID J . S T A P C H U K , C IV , D A F

C H IE F , A F M A R S

10.1. Scope.

In accordance with DoDI 4650.02, all AFMARS members are entitled to a number of benefits

associated with DoD civilian service that accrue as a direct result of that members MARS

membership.

10.2. Eligible Members.

AFMARS member participation in military morale, welfare, and recreation programs shall be

governed by DoD Instruction 1015.10, “Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)

Programs,” and the associated DoD Issuances it references.

10.3. Eligibility.

Members of the Air Force Guard and Reserve Components are eligible to receive Service credit

toward retirement as a result of membership in the AFMARS program. Credit shall be granted in

accordance with DoD Instruction 1215.07, “Service Credit for Reserve Retirement.”

10.4. Additional Benefits.

Additional benefits, as applicable, shall be determined on the basis of other DoD documentation

and guidance.

10.4.1. MARS members seeking specific benefits or information on specific benefits not

covered by the above references shall contact the members’ SMD for further information or to

request clarification of procedures necessary to obtain such benefits.

10.4.2. Each SMD is encouraged to engage the normal chain of command for assistance in

answering inquiries regarding additional benefits or procedures not addressed above or in the

above-referenced documentation.

Chapter 10.0.

MILITARY MORALE, WELFARE, AND RECREATION PROGRAM

11.1. Scope.

AFMARS call signs are issued from a block of internationally recognized call signs allocated to

the AF by NTIA. The call sign block assigned to the Department of the Air Force is AFA through

AKZ (FCC Regulation, Part 2, Title 47, §2:302). AFMARS member call sign issuance is delegated

to the RMD.

11.2. Issuing Authority.

Headquarters USAF MARS, issues all military unit MARS call signs. Military unit call signs are

multi-operator MARS station call signs, and requests for a military unit call sign shall be submitted

through appropriate military channels to Headquarters, USAF MARS.

11.3. Regions and States.

Call signs contain a number, which denotes the region in which the station is located. The

following table shows the Regions and the States located within them. Under the Region column,

some customers to refer to the AFMARS numeric Region numbers as Roman numerals.

Region STATES (2-Letter USPS abbreviation)

I - 1 CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT

II - 2 NJ, NY

III - 3 DE, MD (Including DC), PA, VA, WV

IV - 4 AL, FL (Including PR & VI), GA, KY,

MS, NC, SC, TN V - 5 IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI

VI - 6 AR, LA, NM, OK, TX

VII - 7 IA, KS, MO, NE

VIII - 8 CO, MT, ND, SD, WY, UT

IX - 9 AZ, CA, NV, HI, Guam, and Pacific

Islands X - 0 AK, ID, OR, WA

Table 11.3-1: Regions and States

11.4. MARS Call Sign Suffixes.

11.4.1. AFMARS call signs shall not be suffixed except as authorized in this MOI.

11.4.2. Military Unit MARS Base Stations may use the suffix Unit 1, Unit 2, etc., to denote

deployed sub-unit MARS stations of the parent organization.

11.4.3. MARS member stations may use the terms “Mobile”, “Transportable”, “Remote”, or

“Portable” as suffixes during MARS net check in to designate special operational status.

Chapter 11.0.

CALL SIGNS


11.5. MARS Call Sign Use Outside Of Home Area.

When stations check into the net that are outside of the member stations’ home areas, the Net

Control Station may find it prudent to ask operational status: e.g., mobile, maritime-mobile, in

transit, portable at a fixed location, on a military installation, or using emergency power. Most

stations that are not at home stations check into nets from vehicles and are not normally able to

receive traffic. Net logs shall be annotated as appropriate.

11.6. Military Base Station Call Signs Prefix “AGA”.

11.6.1. Military unit base station call signs consist of the letters “AGA”, followed by a number

“0” through “9”, denoting the region where the base is located, followed by two alphabetic

characters normally derived from the first two letters of the base name (e.g., “AGA4PA” --

Patrick AFB, FL).

11.6.2. Multiple Base MARS Stations where there is a military base with two MARS stations

call signs are as follows:

11.6.2.1 The call sign suffix for the First MARS station will normally be the first two letters

of the single word base name and the call sign suffix of the second MARS base station call

sign will be two other letters associated with base name (e.g., “AGA6EL” - 447th Comm

Squadron, Ellington AFB, Houston, TX and “AGA6EO” - 447th Comm Squadron, Ellington

AFB, Houston, TX).

11.6.2.2 The first initial of each name in a dual-named base is normally used (e.g.,

“AGA1SP” -South Portland ANG Base, ME; “AGA9DM” -- Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ).

11.7. MARS Member Call Signs Prefix. “AFA”.

MARS member station call sign assignments are delegated to the RMD. These are single-operator

6-character station call signs consisting of the letters “AFA”, a number “0” through “9” for the

region in which the member is located, and finally, two letters “AA” through “ZZ”, except for the

two-letter United States Postal Service (USPS) digraphs denoting states and territories. State and

Territory digraph suffixes shall not be used for personal MARS call signs.

11.8. MARS Member Call Signs In Training Prefix “AFT”.

11.8.1. A call sign with “AFT” prefix indicates that the member is in training to become a fully

qualified AFMARS operator. The “AFT” will be replaced with “AFA” upon successful

completion of the initial training program.

NOTE: Members already issued the “/T” shall continue to use “AFA#xx/T” until the

training is completed.


11.8.2. Initial training of the MARS member trainee must be completed within one hundred

eighty (180) days from the issuance of the AF Form 3661 by the RMD assigning the trainee

call sign.

11.8.3. After the initial training status change to remove the “AFT” prefix for the “AFA” prefix,

the member’s designated personal call sign suffix will not change unless the member moves to

another AFMARS Region.

11.9. Billet Call Signs.

Billet call signs are assigned in addition to a member’s generic call signs to indicate that the

members is filling a specialized position.

11.9.1. National, TRANSGLOBAL, MSN, PPN, Region, and State billet call signs remain with

the specific official billet position.

11.9.2. Members appointed to official Staff billet positions shall be appointed by AF Form 3661

Personnel Action.

11.9.3. Official Staff stations with billet calls may check into AFMARS HF and VHF nets using

assigned billet call signs.

11.10. National Level Billet Call Signs.

The Chief, USAF MARS, issues all billet call signs for National Staff, Region MARS Directors,

and State MARS Directors. Requests for additional or modified billet call signs may be submitted

through appropriate channels to the Chief, USAF MARS. Table 11.10.-1contains the National

Billet Call Sign, the Abbreviated National Billet Call Sign in {} brackets, the Billet Title, and

Issuing Authority.

Call Sign {CS Abbr} National Billet Title Issuing Authority

AFN#A {N#A} National Administrative Assistant (NAA) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#G {N#G} National Director, TRANSGLOBAL Operations

(NDTO) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#H {D#H} Deputy Director, TRANSGLOBAL Network

Operations (DDTNO)

National Director,

TRANSGLOBAL HF

Operations

AFD#D {D#D} Deputy Director, TRANSGLOBAL Digital

Operations (DDTDO)

National Director,

TRANSGLOBAL HF

Operations

AFD#L {D#L} Deputy Director, Automatic Link Establishment

(ALE) Operations (DDALEO)

National Director,

TRANSGLOBAL HF

Operations

AFD#R {D#R} Deputy Director, TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay

(DDTRRO)

National Director,

TRANSGLOBAL HF

Operations


AFN#E {N#E} National Emergency Coordinator (NEC) Deputy Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#E {D#E} National Emergency Coordinator(DNEC)

National

National Emergency

Coordinator

AFN#F {N#F} Military Liaison (NML) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#O {N#O} National Operations Director (NOD) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#I {N#I} National Public Information Officer(NPIO) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#W {N#W} National Planning Coordinator (NPC) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#P {N#P} National Phone Patch Network Manager

(NPPNM) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#P {D#P} Deputy National Phone Patch Network Manager

(DNPPNM)

National Phone Patch

Network Manager

AFN#N {N#N} National Records Manager (NRM) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#T {N#T} National Training Manager (NTM) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#T {D#T} Deputy National Training Manager (DNTM) National Training

Manager

AFN#S {N#S} National Mission Support Network Manager

(NMSNM) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#S {D#S} Deputy National Mission Support Network

Manager (DNMSNM)

National Mission Support

Network Manager

AFN#M {N#M} National Technical Services Manager (NTSM) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#V {N#V} National VHF Coordinator (NVC) Chief, USAF MARS

AFN#X {N#X} National Exercise Coordinator (NXC) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#X {D#X} Deputy National Exercise Coordinator (DNXC) National Exercise

Coordinator

Table 11.10-1: National Billet Appointments

11.10.1. “AFN” Prefix National officials, Region MARS Directors and National Managers

shall have a 5- character call sign consisting of, the call sign prefix “AFN”, followed by the

numeric designator for the Region where the person lives, followed by a single letter

designating the specific appointment.

11.10.2. “AFD” Prefix Deputies of National Staff Directors, Managers or Coordinators, and

Deputy Region MARS Directors, shall have a 5-character call sign, consisting of the call sign

prefix “AFD”, followed by the numeric designator for the Region where the person lives,

followed by a single letter designating the specific appointment.

11.11. Region Level Billet Call Signs.

11.11.1. Region MARS Director, Deputy Region MARS Director, and Region Emergency

Coordinator billet call signs are shown in the following table. Table 11.11.1 contains the Region

Billet Call Sign, the Abbreviated Region Billet Call Sign in {} brackets, the Region Billet Title,

and Issuing Authority.


Table 11.11-1: Region Staff Appointments

11.11.2. Region Staff members shall have a 5-character billet call sign consisting of the call

sign prefix “AFR”, a Region number indicating the Region of residence, and a single-letter

suffix for the Staff position held.

11.12. State Level Billet Call Signs.

State MARS Director, Deputy State MARS Director, and State Emergency Coordinator Billet call

signs are shown in the following table. Table 11.12.1 contains the State Billet Call Sign, the

Abbreviated State Billet Call Sign in {} brackets, the State Billet Title, and Approval Officer.

Call Sign {CS Abbr} State Billet Title Issuing Authority

AFS#ss {Sss} State MARS Director (SMD) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#ss {Dss} Deputy State MARS Director (DSMD) State MARS Director

AFE#ss {Ess} State Emergency Coordinator (SEC) State MARS Director

Table 11.12-1: State Staff Appointments

State Staff members shall have billet call signs consisting of a 6-character call sign, consisting of,

the call sign prefix (i.e., SMD prefix is “AFS”; DSMD prefix is “AFD”, and SEC prefix is “AFE”)

indicating the position held, a number indicating the Region of residence, and a two- letter suffix

for the USPS state digraph abbreviation.

Call Sign {CS

Abbr} Region Billet Title Issuing Authority

AFR#C {R#C} Region MARS Director (RMD) (Regions

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0) Chief, USAF MARS

AFD#C {D#C} Deputy Region MARS Director (DRMD) Region MARS Director

AFR#E {R#E} Region Emergency Coordinator (REC) Region MARS Director

AFR#N {R#N} Region Records Manager (RRM) Region MARS Director

AFR#T {R#T} Region Training Manager (RTM) Region MARS Director

AFR#X {R#X} Region Exercise Coordinator (RXC) Region MARS Director

AFR#D {R#D} Region Digital Networks Manager (RDM) Region MARS Director

AFR#H {R#H} Region Voice Networks Manager (RVM) Region MARS Director

AFR#V {R#V} Region VHF Coordinator (RVC) Region MARS Director

AFR#M {R#M} Region Technical Services Manager (RTS) Region MARS Director


11.13. Digital Station Call Signs.

Special call signs for the TRANSGLOBAL PACTOR Network Primary Message Center (PMC)

stations and the USAF MARS Winlink Radio Message Server (RMS) Network stations are

described in the following subparagraphs.

11.13.1. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network PMC Stations.

11.13.1.1. Call signs for stations of the TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network Primary Message

Center Stations consist of the prefix “AFB” for the first Primary Message Center in a given

Region, or “AFC” for the second Primary Message Center in the same Region, or “AFG”

for the third Primary Message Center in the same Region; a number from “1” to “9” and “0”;

and the suffix letters “MC”.

11.13.1.2. Additional Primary Message Center Stations will use the stations generic MARS

Call Signs or a call sign approved by the Chief USAF MARS or his designee. Local and/or

Regional BBS Stations will use the stations generic MARS call signs.

Call Sign PMC Assignment

AFB#MC 1st National TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network PMC in a given region

AFC#MC 2nd National TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network PMC in a given

region AFG#MC 3rd National TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network PMC in a given

region Table 11.13.1.2-1: PMC Station Call Sign Assignment

11.13.2. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network RMS Stations.

Call signs for the AFMARS Radio Message Server (RMS) Stations in the Joint- MARS

WinLink Network consist of the prefix “AFB” for the first RMS in a given State, or “AFC” for

the second RMS in the same State, or “AFG” for the third RMS in the same State; a number

from “1” to “9” and “0”; and the two-letter USPS Digraph for the state where the RMS Stations

is located.

Call Sign RMS Assignment AFB#ss 1st RMS Station in a given state (ss denotes two-letter State abbreviation)

AFC#ss 2nd RMS Station in a given state (ss denotes two-letter State abbreviation)

AFG#ss 3rd RMS Station in a given state (ss denotes two-letter State abbreviation)

Table 11.13.2-1: RMS Station Call Sign Assignment

11.13.3. VHF Secondary Station Identifiers (SSID).

11.13.3.1. All VHF Packet BBS Stations, VHF Digital Repeaters, and VHF Digital Nodes

shall broadcast the call sign and SSID used to connect to and the location of the transmitter.

11.13.3.2. The Table contains a listing of the current Secondary Station Identifiers (SSID)

as applicable to VHF Packet Stations.


Table 11.13.3-1: Secondary Station Identifiers (SSID)

11.13.3.3. Changes regarding packet may be made upon approval from the National

TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations Manager. These changes shall also be coordinated

with the National VHF Coordinator.

11.14. Special Event Station Call Signs.

11.14.1. Requesting Special Event Call Signs.

11.14.1.1. Special Event Station call signs shall be requested through the AFMARS chain-

of- command to the Chief, USAF MARS, for approval and those AFMARS Special Event

Stations approved by the Chief shall be registered with the National Records Manager.

11.14.1.2. The Chief, USAF MARS or designee, shall appoint Trustees for any Annual

Special Event Station call signs. These appointments shall be made by AF Form 3661 and

registered with the National Records Manager with courtesy copies to the Chief, AFMARS;

the National Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations; the Trustee’s RMD; SMD; and the

individual Special Event call sign Trustee.

11.14.2. “AFM” Prefix.

Call signs for AFMARS Special Event Stations may consist of the call sign prefix “AFM”, a

Region digit where the AFMARS Special Event Station or Trustee is located, and a one, two,

or three-letter call sign suffix that signifies and/or identifies the Special Event.

11.15. Civil Agency and Air Force MARS Club Station Call Signs.

Civil Agency and MARS club stations currently licensed as Army MARS may participate on any

open Air Force MARS net utilizing their Army MARS call sign.

SSID: To Be Used By

None Standard Keyboard Operation from a MARS Member’s Home Station Location.

-1,-2,-3 Authorized Unattended Digipeaters (Simplex Digital Repeaters) and Packet Nodes.

-4 Authorized TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations Network HF BBS Stations with VHF

Packet Ports and Authorized VHF Packet BBS Stations with Interlinking to the

TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations Network via VHF. NOT TO BE USED BY

PERSONAL TNC BASED MAILBOXES! SEE “-15” BELOW.

-10 RMS Packet Stations and RMS HF Sound card mode stations (optional).

15 Personal BBS, such as those within a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) that do not

immediately store incoming messages on hard disk media. Third party or record traffic

shall not be auto-forwarded to this type of Mailbox System due to message volatility.


11.15.1. Club Station Association with AFMARS.

Civil club stations wishing to associate themselves as Air Force MARS stations may do so by

submitting an application to Headquarters Air Force MARS. The station trustee must possess

a current FCC amateur radio license. Qualification for Air Force MARS licensing will be on a

case- by-case basis and determined by the Chief Air Force MARS.

11.15.2. Approval of AFMARS Club Stations.

The following criteria shall be utilized for approval of AFMARS Club Stations:

11.16.2.1. Chief Air Force MARS will issue all Club Station call sign.

11.16.2.2. Club Stations will be assigned geographically.

11.16.2.3. The Club Station Air Force MARS license will expire on the same date as the

trustee's FCC amateur radio call sign.

11.16.2.4. Changes in trustee for Club Station requires the entity be relicensed. If or when a

trustee departs, the Air Force MARS the license is cancelled and must be renewed by

submission of an application showing the new trustee information.

11.16.1. “AFK” Prefix. The call sign convention for Club Stations will be the letters “AFK”

followed by the region number and two letters.

11.16. Net Nomenclature.

11.16.1. AFMARS Nomenclature.

Figure 11.16.1-1 presents an example of the new nomenclature for AFMARS Nets (Region 5,

Traffic Net, Mixed Mode, and First Net of the Day).

Figure 11.16.1-1: AFMARS Network Nomenclature Example

All AFMARS nets shall be designated as follows. The naming conventions to be used for Net

Designators are shown in the following table.

Net Type Mode Day Increment

M = Mission Support A - Administrative C - CW 1 = First Net of the Day

P = Phone Patch E - Emergency D - Digital 2 = Second Net of the Day

T = TRANSGLOBAL I - Instructional S - USB 3 = Third Net of the Day

1 = Region 1 J - Joint X - Mixed

Mode 4 = Fourth Net of the Day

Net Type Mode Day Increment

5 T X 1


2 = Region 2 S - Special F - FM 5 = Fifth Net of the Day

3 = Region 3 T - Traffic 6 = Sixth Net of the Day

4 = Region 4 7 = Seventh Net of the Day

5 = Region 5 8 = Eighth Net of the Day

6 = Region 6 9 = Ninth Net of the Day

7 = Region 7

8 = Region 8

9 = Region 9

0 = Region 10

### = Multi-Region

ss = State Nets

(See Note 1) (See Note 2) (See Note 3) (See Note 4)

Table 11.16.1-1: AFMARS NET Designator Construction Codes

11.16.2. Special Nets and Circumstances.

Under special circumstances and demonstrated needs, either USAF MARS Headquarters or the

cognizant RMD may authorize deviations from the standard nomenclature specified above.

Such deviations will normally be authorized for specified short periods of time, not exceed 90

days. Either USAF MARS HQ or RMD shall issue such authorization and the specific

operational terms and limitations in writing with the authorized designator, start and end times.

If there is one, and only one, net the Increment Number may be dropped from the net designator.

For example, FLAX1 is superfluous as there is only one FLAX net.

11.16.3. Exceptions.

The following nets are exempt from this naming convention: Joint TRANSGLOBAL Network

(J0G), TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network (TRR), Mission Support Network (MSN), and

Phone Patch Network (PPN).

NOTE 1: Net: When a net serves more than one region multiple numbers can be used.

‘ss’ denotes State USPS 2 letter digraph.

NOTE 2: Type: Joint Nets involve other services such as SHARES or Army may be set

up on a temporary basis for events / operations.

NOTE 3: Mode: Most nets are “X”. When another designation is specified the entire net

is conducted in the specified mode unless otherwise directed by the NCS.

NOTE 4: Increment: Nets with the same designation, which are held multiple times per Zulu

day, are incremented one step per occurrence beginning at 0001Z Radio Day (RADAY).


11.17. Special Recognition Status Prefix “AFZ”.

AFMARS Emeritus Status shall be granted to those members who have been faithful long standing

members of AFMARS who wish to continue to support AFMARS in a reduced capacity. Members

should refer to Section 18.0 of this document for further details on the Emeritus Program.

Members may request Emeritus Status through their SMD and have their call sign changed from

“AFA”<Region#>xx to “AFZ”<Region#>xx - keeping their original two letter suffix. This will

allow those stations to remain active and enable their continued participation to the extent possible

in AFMARS nets. The AFMARS organization appreciates members achieving Emeritus Status

through their dedication and service to the Mission of AFMARS and the experience they bring to

the membership.

NOTE: AFMARS Members who have reached a point where their stations are no longer fully

capable under current AFMARS policy, for example, digitally equipped, are potential

candidates for Emeritus Status.

12.1. Scope.

Each message sent by MARS must meet certain administrative requirements as well as satisfy the

rules established by international, national, and service agreements. All AFMARS radio and

message procedures shall comply with the requirements of all applicable Allied Communications

Procedures (ACPs). All MARS stations shall follow the directives from the Chief, USAF MARS,

Region MARS Directors, and Net Managers. Message preparation and handling shall be consistent

with the AFMARS Messaging Manual and Annex.

12.2. Message Acceptance.

Acceptance of messages for transmission over the MARS network is a responsibility that should

not be taken lightly. The operator receiving traffic for injection into the MARS system bears certain

responsibilities relative to that action. Foremost is the in-station 24-hour handling time limit. Once

a message is accepted into the system, it must continue to flow until it reaches its destination or

after a sufficient number of attempts have failed, whereby it is determined to be undeliverable. The

originating station operator is the individual who must utilize good judgment and the guidelines

presented herein relative to acceptance of messages.

Unclassified, For Official Use Only (FOUO) information and Personally Identifiable Information

(PII) may be sent by MARS but must be encrypted for transmission only (EFTO). Refer to Section

6, Protection of Sensitive Information for more detailed information.

12.3. Message Preparation.

For message preparation instructions and formats see the AFMARS Messaging Manual and Annex.

12.4. Unacceptable Message Categories.

The following categories of messages shall not be accepted for transmission via the MARS

network:

12.4.1. Initial notification of death. Unless specifically addressed to the Red Cross, the Chaplain

Service, or Commander, First Sergeant, etc. initial notifications of death are NOT accepted.

12.4.2. Messages in a foreign language. Otherwise, only individual words are allowed if

commonly used and understood. For example, a message shall not be refused because the sender

ends it with “Adios”.

12.4.3. Nonsensical or whimsical messages.

12.4.4. Obscene, derogatory, or demeaning messages.

Chapter 12.0.

MESSAGES


12.4.5. Messages bearing precedence higher than “Immediate (O)” (Exception: Military

stations).

12.4.6. Business transactions (messages to mail order houses, banks, or to business firms

requesting a product or service).

12.4.7. Official traffic, regardless of the mode used, shall not be entered into amateur nets for

further transmission or relay, except as directed by Chief USAF MARS.

12.4.8. Classified, Controlled but Unclassified Information (CUI), or Sensitive But

Unclassified (SBU) information. Refer to Section 6, Protection of Sensitive Information for

more detailed information.

12.5. Message Refusal.

Refusal to accept a message must be accomplished in a tactful and courteous manner. The offer must

be made to help the originator rewrite the message so it still conveys the writer's thoughts but

satisfies the guidelines established in this MOI. If the sender is displeased and wishes to address

this problem to a higher authority, the sender shall be advised to contact the USAF MARS

Headquarters in writing, outlining in detail the grievance.

13.1. Scope.

To establish and provide for the operation of HF networks for the provision of contingency radio

communications support to U.S. Government operations, in accordance with DoD Instruction

4650.02.

13.2. HF Purpose.

The purpose of all HF Networks is to pass traffic. All nets shall make the passage of traffic the

first priority. NCS upon beginning net operations shall call for traffic and accept any listed traffic.

National and Region Officials have a responsibility to ensure the applicable Major Relay, Minor

Relay, and Tributary stations are available to accept traffic.

13.2.1. TRANSGLOBAL HF Network.

The TRANSGLOBAL HF network is a joint network with ARMY MARS that covers the 48

contiguous states, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Europe and the

Pacific. TRANSGLOBAL HF network forms the backbone of the MARS HF radio system into

which traffic enters and is forwarded between Regions. Digital Traffic handled on the

TRANSGLOBAL network primary frequency shall use “M110A” only.

13.2.2. Region and State Networks.

Region and State networks serve the respective states and military installations within specified

geographic boundaries. Each AFMARS Region has separate traffic nets. These nets provide

intra-regional HF radio communications support.

13.2.3. Training Nets.

Net training shall be conducted in accordance with the current AFMARS National Training

Manual. In the event there is a discrepancy between the MOI and the NTM, the MOI shall be

the prevailing document.

13.3. General Traffic.

To expedite the flow of traffic, all messages shall be passed on a frequency designated by the NCS.

Traffic handling shall be done by the joint precedence system.

13.4. Net Control Station (NCS).

The NCS controls traffic flow and enforces circuit discipline. The NCS has full operational

authority for net operations during the period they are acting as NCS.

Chapter 13.0. HF NETWORK


13.4.1. The NCS shall open the net each day and shall keep a record of each station checking

in and out of the net. When traffic is listed, the NCS shall designate stations to receive the

messages. Traffic shall be handled ahead of any other business, when possible.

13.4.2. All station desiring to participate in the net shall contact the NCS to check into/out of

the net. If the NCS does not respond, other stations already checked into the net shall relay the

request.

13.4.3. All stations that have checked in and are active participants in the net shall comply with

operational instructions provided by the NCS whether in voice or digital operations. Stations

unable to comply with such operational instructions shall notify the NCS.

13.5. Alternate Net Control Station(S).

Duties and Responsibilities of Alternate Net Control Stations (ANCS). They are to support and

serve as backup to the Net Control Station by maintaining a duplicate log for the Net and, assist

the NCS, as required.

13.6. MARS Broadcast Messages.

Any recent MARS broadcast messages shall be transmitted by the NCS or another designated

station on TRANSGLOBAL and Region frequencies at least once per week per net session.

13.7. Encryption of Message Traffic.

Unless otherwise directed, message traffic shall be encrypted on all ad-hoc, state and regional nets,

including training. Additionally, message traffic on TRANSGLOBAL nets shall be encrypted for

transmission only (EFTO).

13.7.1. Training operations may be relieved of this requirement for the duration of the training

when necessary at the discretion of the training manager.

13.7.2. All message traffic, unless otherwise directed which is destined to outside nets / stations,

to include Army, and DOD shall be encrypted utilizing the current TRANSEC program and

appropriate keys.

13.7.3. Any traffic, which poses an operational security violation if sent in the clear, shall also

be encrypted.

13.8. Frequency Use.

MARS frequencies are government/military frequencies and those entities are the primary users.

Consequently, all MARS stations must provide any assistance requested by a military or federal

agency station on an Air Force MARS frequency, even if the identity of the requesting station

cannot be authenticated.


13.9. Verification.

AFMARS frequencies and circuits support SHARES, DoD and other federal agencies. All stations

should presume stations checking into a net or requesting assistance to be authorized users.

13.10. Reporting Suspicious Use.

All Net Control Stations should be aware of the possibility that unfamiliar though legitimate

stations may transmit on Air Force MARS frequencies at any time and should report any such

activity that appears suspicious or improper to National Operations Director (NOD) through their

chain of command.

13.11. Shared Resources High Frequency Radio Program.

Federal/Military SHARES stations are also authorized entry into the TRANSGLOBAL and MSN

nets. The SHAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency (HF) Radio Program uses existing HF

radio resources to coordinate communications supporting a network of Federal, State and industry

organizations worldwide to pass emergency messages when normal telecommunications

communications systems are destroyed or unavailable. Participation in SHARES is open to Federal

departments and agencies and MARS members on a voluntary basis and provides the Federal

emergency response community, as an Emergency Support Function Two (ESF 2,

Communications) component, with a single interagency emergency message handling and

frequency spectrum management system. Additionally, the SHARES HF Radio Program promotes

interoperability between HF radio systems used by Federal departments and agencies and monitors

applicable regulatory, procedural, and technical issues.

13.12. Authorized Modes Of Operation.

Mixed modes of communications are authorized to move traffic efficiently. The NCS of a net may

grant permission for traffic to be sent in various modes regardless of net designation. All

participants in any given net are required to comply with NCS operating instructions for that net.

Stations who are unable to comply due to operational limitations should notify the NCS.

13.12.1. Voice Modes.

Single sideband transmission shall be utilized for AFMARS operations. Upper sideband

(USB) shall be utilized unless otherwise directed by operating order or NCS.

13.12.2. Data Modes.

The following digital modes of operation are authorized on AFMARS frequencies: CW,

M110A, Olivia, MT-63, MFSK-16, or RTTY. Or any data mode negotiated between the

sending and receiving stations.

13.12.3. Primary Data Mode.


The most current released version of M110A shall be the primary mode of data operation when

AFMARS stations are participating in actual or exercise operations with Army, and other U.S.

Government stations. It is highly encouraged that M110A (encrypted) be utilized as the default

primary mode of data communication on state and regional nets as well, to encourage operator

proficiency and identify operational issues.

13.13. Required Capability and Proficiency.

All stations, unless exempted by “grandfathering” are required to have the operational capability

and maintain operator proficiency in at least the voice mode and the primary data mode as defined

above. A MARS member is considered “grandfathered” if they have been an active member of

AFMARS prior to CY 2009, and remain voice only.

13.14. Tactical Phone Patch.

If a MARS station is requested to provide a phone patch outside the Phone Patch network, the

station shall follow the procedures listed in the Phone Patch Procedures Manual.

13.15. Inappropriate Transmissions.

13.15.1. Inappropriate transmissions on MARS frequencies shall not be tolerated and are

grounds for termination from the MARS program. Inappropriate transmissions include:

13.15.1.1. Statements of a political nature.

13.15.1.2. Use of derogatory or profane language.

13.15.1.3. Statements detrimental to the MARS program.

13.15.1.4. Language that brings discredit upon the member or the MARS program.

13.15.1.5. Use of voice break in operation i.e., voice operated transmission (VOX), is NOT

authorized.

13.15.1.6. Speech compression is NOT authorized.

13.15.1.7. Inappropriate background noise, such as music, TV, and/or commercial radio

station audio, and computer “event sounds”.

13.15.2. Conversations on MARS frequencies shall be limited to MARS business at all times.

Informal discussions on personal issues or events unrelated to MARS are not appropriate on

frequencies, which have been made available for MARS use by military authorities.


13.15.3. It is important to remember that MARS frequencies are ALWAYS military frequencies

and transmissions on those frequencies must be in accordance with military rules, regulations,

and procedures and consistent with acceptable military practice.

13.16. HF Frequency Assignments, Special Stations and Interference.

Frequency assignments for HF operations are coordinated and authorized by the AFMARS

Spectrum Management Group (AFM-SMG) in accordance with prevailing DoD policy and

authority. This is a headquarters-operating group, under the auspices of AFMARS National

Operations and is responsible for the assignment of HF frequencies within the AFMARS system.

Additionally this group is charged with resolving interference complaints to/from AFMARS HF

operations, investigation of suspicious operations and coordination with other agencies and

services.

13.16.1. Spectrum Action Focal Point.

The AFM-SMG is the focal point for spectrum actions that require support from the DoD, AF

or AFMARS Mission Partners. Requests for HF Frequency Usage and Approval Criteria

13.16.1.1. Requests for changes in HF frequency assignments, modifications and related

matters shall be originated by an RMD.

13.16.1.2. The AFM-SMG will coordinate and assign all operating frequencies in

accordance with AFM authorized frequencies lists, operational and geographical

considerations

13.16.1.3. Most HF operations on assigned frequencies are on a secondary basis

13.16.1.4. All authorized HF frequencies are a shared resource with authorization to use

same, automatically extended to other authorized military / government users.

13.16.1.5. Every effort will be made to accommodate legitimate requests, however there are

limited frequency resources available.

13.16.1.6. Requests outside of the scope of authority defined here may require CAFM

approval.

13.16.2. Special Temporary Station Authority.

Upon written request, on the prescribed form, by an SMD or RMD, the AFM-SMG may issue

a license for “special temporary operating authority” (STA) for periods of up to 120 calendar

days to facilitate special circumstances, emergency operations and special events. Such license

NOTE: FOUO Statement - All frequency assignments, station locations and technical details

are considered FOUO material and could cause system wide harm if disclosed. Any

distribution of this data shall be encrypted IAW prevailing policy.

1.3.4.1.


will contain a call sign, operational limitations and expiration date. Call sign sequences

beginning with “AFX” will be used for this purpose.

13.16.3. Master Record Required, Updates / Changes.

The AFM-SMG shall keep an accurate record of authorized frequency assignments in the form

of an HF Frequency Matrix detailing the frequency assignments, operational modes, RF power

levels and limitations (if any). Updates will be issued as required basis.

13.16.4. Technical Requirements.

All equipment placed into service must be of sufficient technical capability to meet customary

spectral purity requirements and other good technical practices as to not cause interference to

other operations. Further it must not exceed RF power output authorizations for any given

frequency as further detailed in the frequency matrix.

13.16.5. Interference Reports/Technical Deficiencies/Suspicious Operations/Jamming.

Membership is urged to report interference, specific call sign technical issues, suspicious

operation and jamming to operations to the AFM-SMG so they may be cataloged and addressed.

Any supporting information should be included.

NOTE: During exercise operations, signal degradation techniques, jamming and similar

methodology may be utilized as part of the exercise. These are not reportable observations.

14.1. Scope.

The AFMARS Phone Patch Network, provides a service under the Department of Defense, for

Military, designated Federal or State agency units in flight or on the ground to make official

business patches, morale phone patches and radio checks via an authorized MARS phone patch

station.

14.2. Closed Net.

The AFMARS Phone Patch Network is a closed net requiring specific assignment by AF Form

3661 action. Member assignment to this network shall be made by the National Phone Patch

Network Manager (NPPNM), in response to a member's phone patch network application, or

forwarded from the member’s SMD. The member's SMD shall coordinate the member's

acceptance to the net with NPPNM. Assignment will be based on the needs of the net as determined

by the NPPNM. Air Force and Army MARS Members may be assigned to this net. Additionally

on a limited and as needed basis new applicants who meet membership requirements and the

special requirements detailed in section 14.3 of this MOI may apply for direct assignment to the

PPN. These applicants are vetted and approved by the NPPNM and coordinated through CAFM.

14.3. Special Requirements.

There are special requirements, which each individual member must meet prior to being assigned

to the Phone Patch Network.

14.3.1. Comply with the Phone Patch Network Procedures Manual.

14.3.2. Capability to operate on assigned network frequencies as designated by the NPPNM.

14.3.3. RF output power of at least 600 watts.

14.3.4. Rotatable directional antenna on primary and higher frequencies.

14.3.5. Minimum of 36 On-Air net hours per quarter participation is required.

14.3.6. Nationwide telephone (toll-free) capability.

14.3.7. Internet (email/browser) capability for internal communications and operation.

Chapter 14.0.

PHONE PATCH NETWORK (PPN)


14.4. Base Support Team PPN Participation.

Individual certified Base Support Team (BST) members, meeting the special requirements, can

participate in the phone patch net.

14.4.8. A BST station may be a member of the phone patch network as long as the phone patch

network manager has assigned the individual operators to the phone patch network with the

concurrence of the BST manager while operating the BST station.

14.4.9. The individual BST operators must have completed PPN training and are the only

operators of the BST authorized to participate in the phone patch network.

14.4.10. The Phone Patch Network Procedures Manual shall determine operation.

14.5. Phone Patch Network Participation.

Phone Patch Network has special reporting requirements:

14.5.1. Weekly PPN Participation Reporting.

All Phone Patch Network members shall forward a report by Tuesday of their activity for the

previous week including number of official patches, morale patches and other activity (i.e.,

radio checks. etc.) to the NPPNM.

14.5.2. Monthly PPN Participation Reporting.

Phone Patch Network participation shall be self-reported monthly to the individual member’s

SMD prior to the 5th of each month. The phone patch network member shall copy all monthly

reports to the NPPNM noting how many hours were spent on the phone patch net.

14.5.3. Phone Patch Network Procedures.

The MARS operator is responsible for proper operation and procedures of the phone patch net.

Specific procedures and operation instructions are contained in the Phone Patch Network

Procedures Manual.

14.5.4. Phone Patch Discussions.

Discussion of classified information during a MARS phone patch is not authorized. MARS

operators are not expected to determine the classified nature of phone patch conversations and

shall not terminate patches when suspected violations occur. The operator should bring the

information to the attention of the NCS. To preclude occurrences of this nature, the initiating

and receiving parties shall be briefed on the insecurity of AFMARS phone patch circuits prior

to the patch being initiated.

15.1. Scope

The mission of the Mission Support Network (MSN) is to provide contingency radio

communications support to the DoD Components and to support civil authorities in fulfillment of

DoD responsibilities under DoDI 4650.02 and DoDD 5111.13. The MSN is an authorized 24 hour,

7 days a week HF Emergency communications on-the-air point-of-contact for MSN Users, who

are unable to make contact on other frequencies, telephone, etc. due to propagation, or other

reasons.

The MSN provides common operating frequencies, knowledgeable Net Control and member

stations ready to assist with training, exercises and actual events with assets available to the U.S.

military and civilian government agencies (under the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities

protocol).

15.2. MSN National Network.

The MSN is a national network and shall not be merged or combined with the TRANSGLOBAL

or any Region or State MARS nets. The MSN shall not be assigned shared frequencies with these,

ALE, PACTOR or any other digital nets. ALE is NOT authorized nor approved for use on MSN

frequencies.

15.2.1. National MSN Manager (NMSNM).

The National MSN Manager is the Primary Net Control on MSN frequencies.

15.2.2. MSN Net Control Station.

The scheduled MSN Net Control Station (NCS), or if none is scheduled, the MSN NCS on any

MSN calling frequency in use is in charge of and coordinates on-the-air assignment of all

assigned MSN frequencies for stations calling into the net. No station shall use any MSN

frequency without requesting permission from the MSN NCS.

15.2.2.1. The MSN NCS knows when the other assigned frequencies are being used and

therefore will not send other stations to those frequencies to pass traffic.

Chapter 15.0.

MISSION SUPPORT NETWORK (MSN)

NOTE: For purposes of this Section, the term “MSN User(s)” is defined as any U.S. Military,

Active duty; Reserve, National Guard Units, SHARES, or other authorized civilian Government

agency station(s).

1.3.4.2.


15.2.2.2. The MSN NCS is not required to monitor any MSN frequency other than the calling

frequency currently being used.

15.2.2.3. The MSN NCS may assign another station as NCS on another MSN frequency to

conduct additional nets. The additional NCS is secondary to the MSN NCS who maintains

full control over all assigned MSN frequencies at all times.

15.3. MSN Frequency Management.

15.3.1. Approve Required Frequencies Uses.

Although not a normal use of MSN frequencies, usage can be requested if it is determine that

additional frequencies are required.

15.3.1.1. Exercise nets, training nets, etc.

15.3.1.2. One-time use or duration of a multi-day exercise or training net.

15.3.1.3. Required to cover multiple Regions and frequencies are not available elsewhere.

15.3.2. MSN Frequency Use Authorization Requests.

Under normal circumstances, the SMD shall coordinate with the Region MARS Director, who

shall request approval and coordinate usage of MSN frequencies and nets with the NMSNM at

least 5 days in advance of the projected activity. Requests for usage of MSN frequencies and

nets shall be evaluated by the NMSNM on a case-by-case and non-interference basis (NIB).

Approval is based on the known and projected operational and mission requirements of the

MSN. This authorization can be revoked at any time by the NMSNM based on the changing

MSN operational and mission requirements. Authorization for frequency usage is limited and

shall not exceed 30 days, unless required for actual incident.

15.3.3. MSN Emergency Frequency Coordination.

In times of emergency or disaster (earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, wild fire, etc.) the

NEC, Region, or State MARS Director(s) shall contact the NMSNM directly to request and

coordinate usage of MSN frequencies and net support for a one-time use, or duration of the

emergency or disaster.

15.3.4. Prior Use Coordination/Notification.

Operations on MSN frequencies when approved by the NMSNM, the authorized station, or

designated representative shall do the following:

15.3.4.1. Contact the MSN NCS on the calling frequency in use immediately prior to

commencing operations. If unable to contact the NCS, send the NMSNM an email advising

operation commencing.


15.3.4.2. Advise the authorized frequency designator, start and projected ending time and

date.

15.3.4.3. Advise the MSN NCS when operations are completed. If unable to contact the

NCS, send the NMSNM an email advising operation terminated.

15.3.5. Report of Activities.

After operations of MSN frequencies by non-MSN stations, or additional operations by MSN

stations, a report of activities occurring on said frequencies shall be sent to the NMSNM within

ten (10) days. At a minimum, the report shall contain the following:

15.3.5.1. Designator(s) of the MSN frequencies used.

15.3.5.2. Date, start and end times.

15.3.5.3. Nature of net activity (training, EMCOM, exercise, communications support of…

etc.)

15.3.5.4. Number of stations checked into the net.

15.3.5.5. Total amount (i.e., number messages) of traffic passed.

15.3.5.6. Point of Contact (POC) information.

15.3.5.7. Any comments or information deemed necessary by the POC.

15.4. MSN Administrative Net.

The MSN Administrative Net is the only MSN net that is open to all stations except “AFT” prefix

stations to check in for the duration of that net.

15.5. MSN Phone Patch.

Requests from MSN Users for phone patches shall be referred to the AFMARS Phone Patch

Network, except when providing communications support when handling emergency traffic. Any

MSN station providing phone patches shall follow the phone patch procedures as specified in the

Phone Patch Network Procedures Manual.

15.6. MSN Assignment.

The MSN requires specific assignment by AF Form 3661.

15.6.1. Assignment Authority.


Assignment to the MSN shall be made by the National Mission Support Network Manager

based on a member’s MSN application with specific recommendation from the applicant’s

SMD for acceptance into the MSN.

15.6.2. SMD Recommendation.

The SMD’s personal recommendation should be based on the applicant’s demonstrated

communications net discipline, professional conduct, ability to properly maintain personally

owned equipment to produce strong and distortion-free signals, and the ability to maintain

composure in emergency situations when communicating with U.S. military, SHARES, and

civilian government officials.

15.6.3. Mission Support Network Designation.

Shall be designated as an applicant’s primary net assignment if the applicant requests it;

otherwise it is a secondary assignment.

15.6.4. Member’s Agreement.

When assigned to the MSN, each member shall certify (by signing and returning the designated

page of the MSN Procedures Manual) signifying that the member has read, understands and

agrees to follow the contents of the MSN Procedures Manual. An email response is acceptable.

This is a prerequisite for new members prior to participation in MSN operations.

15.6.5. MSM Procedures Manual.

All MSN members shall comply with the MSN Procedures Manual.

15.7. Station MSN Requirements.

There are essential requirements that each member station must meet prior to being assigned to

the Mission Support Network. These include:

15.7.2. Ability to operate on assigned network frequencies.

15.7.3. RF output and antennas capable of reliable communications with the Mission Support

Network NCS, ANCS and MSN User stations.

15.7.4. Willingness to dedicate time in excess of the minimum MARS activity requirement

when special training or actual event operations require prolonged support of MSN User

stations.


15.8. MSN Participation.

Mission Support Network participation shall be self-reported monthly to the individual members

SMD. MSN NCS shall submit the net participation report to the NMSNM at the end of each month,

but not later than (NLT) the 5th of the following month.

15.9. MSN Station Logs.

Mission Support Network stations shall maintain a log of all on-air time and activities in support

of MSN User stations as specified in the MSN Procedures Manual. MSN stations shall also

maintain a log of any Phone Patch activity IAW the Phone Patch Network Procedures Manual.

16.1. Scope.

AFMARS uses VHF voice or digital networks to augment HF networks and facilitate the passing

of traffic. Each AFMARS VHF operator must possess the capability to operate on HF region nets.

VHF may be used for local MARS training, local traffic handling, local area emergency support,

and to complement HF operations. All VHF frequency assignments to AFMARS are subject to US

Government bandwidth requirements.

16.2. VHF Operations.

VHF operations are under the purview of the SMD. On military installations where government

equipment is installed, the IMD shall control VHF operations. Linked and interstate repeaters and

digital network stations are managed by cooperation of each SMD involved. Inter- state VHF

operations for AFMARS are authorized where terrain and equipment permit. VHF Net Operations:

16.2.1. The SMD shall provide a net designator prior to establishing a VHF voice net.

16.2.2. Each VHF voice net shall have a Net Manager, appointed by the SMD. The SMD shall

certify the appointment on an AF Form 3661.

16.2.3. VHF Voice Net Managers shall ensure a NCS is designated for each net session.

16.2.4. Members who are already checked into the HF net may relay members operating on

MARS VHF nets into an HF net for participation credit.

16.3. VHF Network Equipment Operations Requests / Frequency Management.

Requests for installation, fixed operation and temporary installations are made utilizing the

prescribed application form. Completed applications shall be forwarded to the AFMARS Spectrum

Management Group (AFM-SMG) for processing. Follow the instructions contained on the form.

For coordinating purposes, the AFM-SMG is the sole point of contact with the Air Force Spectrum

Management Office. Members are not authorized and shall not contact that office directly.

16.3.1. Application Processing and Approval Criteria.

The following procedure shall be used:

16.3.1.1. Applications shall be made on the prescribed form, available through the AFM-

SMG. Electronic forms / applications and responses are encouraged.

Chapter 16.0.

VHF NETWORK


16.3.1.2. Applications are handled on a first come first serve basis.

16.3.1.3. Endorsement by the cognizant SMD and RMD is required to process an

application.

16.3.1.4. Requestor, as part of the process, must establish a need for the request.

16.3.1.5. The AFM-SMG will coordinate and assign all operating frequencies in accordance

with AFSMO authorized frequencies and geographical considerations.

16.3.1.6. Most VHF operations on assigned frequencies is on a secondary basis.

16.3.1.7. Once approved, a station operating license and call sign will be issued to the owner.

16.3.1.8. All licensed VHF stations are a shared resource with authorization to use same,

automatically extended to all authorized MARS stations or other authorized military /

government users.

16.3.2. Station Call Signs Prefix “AFV”.

The call sign format assigned shall be “AFV” for Repeater or Digital device (aka - digipeater)

or “AFX” in the case of a Temporary station, followed by the single digit Region number <0-

9>, then the assigned sequential license number <00-99>.

16.3.3. Station Identification.

16.3.3.1. A CW or voice announcement containing the call sign of the station must be

transmitted manually or automatically every 10 minutes of operation. Station identification

during idle times is not required.

16.3.3.2. In the case of a digital device, the appropriate identification methodology shall be

utilized. See MOI Sections 11.12 and 11.13 for guidance on digital station identification.

16.3.4. License Required.

16.3.4.1. Each AFMARS VHF repeater shall be licensed, with call sign, by the AFM-SMG.

Licenses are normally issued for 5 years and require annual re-verification of station /

operator information.

NOTE: Example - “AFV202” = Air Force Repeater, Region 2, Second repeater in the

region.

NOTE: For COMSEC considerations, references to station location, i.e., state, are no

longer used in call sign or station identification.


16.3.4.2. All licenses are subject to cancelation for technical reason, at the request of other

primary government users, failure to construct the station or repetitive noncompliance with

this section of the MOI.

16.3.5. Special Temporary Authority Prefix “AFX”.

Upon written request, on the prescribed form, by an SMD or RMD, the AFM-SMG may issue

a license for “special temporary operating authority” (STA) for periods of up to 120 calendar

days to facilitate special circumstances, emergency operations and special events. Such license

will contain a call sign, operational limitations and expiration date. Call sign sequences

beginning with “AFX” will be used for this purpose.

16.3.6. Applications and Operations on Active Military Installations.

Applications for coordination on military facilities require additional coordination. The request

shall be initially to the Installation Spectrum Manager and the appropriate MAJCOM Spectrum

Manager prior to processing by AFM-SMG.

16.3.7. Master Record Required, Updates / Changes.

The AFM-SMG shall keep an accurate record in the form of a system-wide database of all

licensed VHF voice repeater operations. Accordingly, any material changes shall be forwarded

to the AFM-SMG on the prescribed form at the time of update/change. This clause does not

apply to digital repeating devices. An annual update is required and will be sent in December

of each calendar year to registered repeater operators. Failure to update the master record shall

be cause for de-coordination and removal from service.

16.3.8. Technical Requirements.

All equipment placed into service after January 1, 2013 must meet NTIA narrowband

requirements (12.5 kHz). Additionally equipment must be FCC type approved or accepted.

16.3.9. Grandfather and Sunset Clause.

Wideband VHF systems (25 kHz) that were in service prior to January 1, 2013 may continue

to operate until December 31, 2018. After this date, all non-compliant equipment must be

removed from service.

16.3.10. Interference Reports / Technical Deficiencies.

Repeater operators and membership are urged to report interference to repeater or digital

operations to the AFM-SMG so they may be addressed. Any supporting information should be

included.


16.4. VHF Network Equipment Owners.

VHF Network Equipment owners shall draft and execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

between the VHF Network Equipment owner and the facilities manager (and/or other designated

individuals), if required. An MOA shall include (but not be limited to):

16.4.1. Written coordination with the appropriate personnel to ensure the proposed VHF

Network Equipment will not impact other operations within the area of the facility.

16.4.2. Identification of the party responsible for the maintenance, procurement, and cost

associated with the VHF Network Equipment and the facility. This also includes any cost that

could be incurred from the facilities manager.

16.4.3. Identification of who is responsible for the cost of any insurance or utility bills as

required by the facilities manager.

16.4.4. Applicant shall forward the application and MOA (if required) to the SMD, who shall

endorse and send application to the RMD who shall endorse the application and forward it to

HQ USAF MARS for approval. Forms requiring additional information or corrections will be

returned to the originator.

16.4.5. Approval to operate on AFMARS frequencies, by HQ USAF MARS, prior to using the

station.

16.4.6. A way of contacting the VHF Network Equipment owner in case of problems.

16.5. Terminating VHF Network Operation.

When a VHF Network Equipment requirement no longer exists, the repeater manager shall send a

request for termination of registration to HQ USAF MARS.

16.6. VHF Network Equipment Sharing.

Army MARS are authorized to share AF VHF MARS resources under any of the following

conditions:

16.6.1. For the express purpose of expediting delivery of MARS messages traffic when normal

in-service means are not readily available.

16.6.2. Where prior mutual agreements and coordination exist between Army, Air Force, State

MARS Directors and coordinators, as appropriate.

16.6.3. Shared use of other services' repeaters shall be on a non-interference basis (NIB).

NOTE: Recommend obtaining legal assistance when drafting an MOA.


16.7. VHF Network Equipment Identification.

See Chapter 11 regarding sending the identifying call sign for a digipeater.

16.8. VHF Network Equipment POC.

The responsible party for the VHF Network Equipment is the point of contact (POC) and is

responsible to the SMD. The SMD is responsible for users accessing the voice and digital

repeaters.

16.8.1. The SMD shall provide the above information to the RMD, who shall forward it to the

Region VHF Coordinator (RVC).

16.8.2. The RVC shall forward the information to the NVC who shall maintain a database of

all VHF stations.

16.8.3. The POC shall also include input information, frequencies, and modes. If the VHF

Network Equipment is linked, then information about all linking(s) shall be included. If the

VHF Network Equipment is networked, then all ports in and out shall be defined and included.

16.8.4. If VHF ports to Internet e-mail (such as, but not limited to, Winlink.org, or marsale.org),

indicate these ports and any HF porting.

16.8.5. The POC is responsible to inform the NVC of all port networks from the assimilated

information provided and questions, conflicts, or complaints should be resolved at the lowest

level possible.

17.1. Scope.

To establish policy, technical standards, and procedures for use of digital radio modes to access

automatic computer-based Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) arranged in a network. Automatic

message storage and forwarding are already developed to facilitate error-free automated message

handling without human operator intervention.

17.2. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network (TDN).

17.2.1. Digital Networks Call Sign Assignments.

The Deputy Director for TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations (DDTDO) is responsible for net

assignment of all Digital Network call signs.

17.2.2. TDN Spectrum Utilization.

Digital networks shall be primarily utilized on AFMARS HF Frequencies to support the

AFMARS mission. VHF digital networks may be utilized to enhance the HF digital networks.

The TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network is an open network, and available to all Service MARS

members and all military units. The DDTDO supervises TDN operations.

17.2.3. TDN Station Requirements.

A member of the TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network must be capable of operating and

maintaining the required stability on designated MARS frequencies. The member’s station must

be prepared to refile messages with other Region mixed-mode Networks in order to

expeditiously move incoming traffic toward its destination.

17.2.4. TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network Station.

TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network stations shall consist of the following categories: Primary

Message Centers (PMC), Region Message Centers (RMC), and Local Message Centers (LMC).

All Message Centers are established through the DDTDO. The stations shall be geographically

located throughout the CONUS and/or territories to provide optimum coverage.

17.2.4.1. Primary Message Center (PMC). The principal function of the PMC is to provide

fast and efficient forwarding, storage, and distribution of traffic to destinations within the

respective Regions; to other “out-of-area” PMC for forwarding, etc.; and to provide a

gateway to other services in compliance with the interoperability agreement.

Chapter 17.0.

DIGITAL NETWORKS


17.2.4.2. Hours of Operation. Each PMC shall be required to be operational and functional

24 hours per day 7 days a week (24x7).

17.2.4.3. PMC Monitoring. Each PMC shall be capable of scanning or monitoring two or

more of the designated TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network frequencies.

17.2.4.4. Region and Local Message Centers (RMC/LMC). The principal function of the

RMC and the LMC is to provide the “Last Mile” and “First Mile” forwarding, storage, and

distribution of traffic to/from Network Users (MARS members and/or clients, such as non-

Governmental organizations, etc.).

17.2.4.4.1 The RMC shall forward to LMC stations within the respective Regions.

17.2.4.4.2 The RMC shall provide an Alternate Traffic Routing Path for the PMC, as

needed or required.

17.2.4.4.3 Each RMC and LMC Station shall be required to be operational on a 24 hour

per day basis seven (7) days a week (24x7).

17.2.4.4.4 Each RMC and LMC shall be capable of scanning or monitoring one or more

of the designated network frequencies.

17.2.4.4.5 Each LMC is required to have the ability to link via RF to other LMC, RMC,

or PMC station(s).

17.2.5. Frequency Utilization.

Under the direction of and in coordination with the NDTO, the DDTDO shall allocate and

assign frequencies as equitably and efficiently as possible to optimize use within the TDN. The

frequency-sharing plan shall make use of one or more of the following methods:

17.2.5.1. Geographical Sharing. Use of the same frequency in more than one geographical

area.

17.2.5.2. Time Sharing. Require that stations operate on a forwarding schedule.

17.2.6. VHF/UHF Frequencies.

VHF/UHF Packet BBS stations, and Nodes may be employed and established by the Region

Digital Networks Managers (RDNM) to provide support and to interface with the

TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network. When advantageous for reasons of geography, distance,

and propagation, VHF/UHF links may operate across Region or State lines with no special

permission required beyond that of the relevant RMD and/or SMD. All VHF/UHF Linking BBS

stations must also provide some type of connection to the HF TDN.


17.2.7. Terminal Software.

Several types of terminal software are available to AFMARS operators. There is no prescribed

software for the individual member, and no single program that universally suits every member.

17.2.8. Network Integrity.

In order to preserve network integrity and afford network users appropriate routing information,

all Bulletin Board Systems must be registered with the DDTDO. The DDTDO shall forward a

list of registered BBS stations and Nodes to HQ USAF MARS. Stand-alone VHF stations are

to be properly licensed through HQ USAF MARS (see Section 16). There is no special

registration required for stations that merely connect to the BBS stations.

17.2.9. System Operators (SysOps).

Each System Operator (SysOp) shall be expected to check the BBS system, at least daily, to

ensure that traffic is flowing in an expeditious manner. Each SysOp shall be responsible for

readdressing any traffic not being so forwarded. The time for traffic to remain in-station shall

not exceed 24 hours, including the time required to re-file and retransmit on an alternate mode.

Traffic, which is not forwarded promptly, shall be removed from the BBS and re-filed into a

HF Voice or Manned Digital Net, or other network as applicable to that message's final

destination.

17.2.10. Operator and Call Sign Assignment.

Due to the commitment needed to operate a Primary Message Center on a 24-hour per day basis

seven days a week (24x7) operators can be assigned to the TPN as the primary net assignment;

such assignment action would be made by AF Form 3661 personnel action by the individual

member’s SMD.

17.3. TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network (TRR).

This Section establishes policy for keyboard-to-keyboard digital operations using software

designed for sound cards on AFMARS frequencies. The Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL

Radio Relay Operations (DDTRRO) manages this net.

17.3.1. TRR Digital Mode Software.

TRR operators shall use software, which is designed for use with sound cards, and which is

readily available for download from the Internet and may be used by MARS members for

sending message traffic. The various digital modes created for use with sound cards allows the

TRR to determine the best mode and frequency to enable the transfer of traffic under the most

adverse conditions.


17.3.2. TRR Special Net.

The TRR is a special net within the AFMARS program open to all military unit stations and

MARS members. The scheduling of TRR frequencies and operations shall be determined by

the DDTRRO and coordinated with the DDTDO.

17.3.3. TRR Structure.

The TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network is operated with a group of Net Control Station

operators structured with a DDTRRO who directs the day-to-day operations of the TRR Net.

17.3.4. TRR Assignment.

Due to the complexities of the software it is essential that the DDTRRO the Net Control Station

operators can be assigned to the TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network as the primary net

assignment; such assignment action would be made by AF Form 3661 personnel action by the

individual member’s SMD or DDTDO as required.

17.4. Joint MARS Service HF RMS/Winlink Network.

The primary purpose of the Winlink radio e-mail system is to provide inter-agency and inter-

service support for broken internet e-mail links; to provide command and control messaging

between MARS chains-of-command; to provide emergency communications (ECOM); to provide

morale and welfare messages on behalf of military personnel and their families; and to provide a

means of passing messages between individual MARS members.

17.4.1. Winlink Requirements.

The Winlink requirements include computer software compatible with the Winlink network. A

MARS member connecting to the RMS/Winlink network by any method shall trigger a

background process that registers the call sign and creates an e-mail address on the

RMS/Winlink system and the Winlink website (www.winlink.org). Specific software for

Winlink is available on the website or from DDTDO.

17.4.2. RMS Station Capabilities.

MARS members (end-users) are encouraged to assemble and operate stations capable of

connecting to existing RMS HF stations. A portable and/or deployable Winlink/RMS-capable

station is also desirable.

17.4.3. RMS HF Application.

Application to operate a Radio Message Server (RMS) is processed through the DDTDO.

Preference will be given to RMS Tri-Mode stations with PACTOR 2, or better, capability set

up for RF only backup operation (Hybrid stations). Only full time RMS HF stations capable of


at least PACTOR 2, will be issued RMS call signs (Section 11.12). All others will use generic

call signs or TDN message center call signs, if part of the TDN.

17.4.3.1. SysOps are always responsible for the lawful operation of their stations. RMS

gateways that remain off-line or do not report to Winlink Servers for extended periods, or

fail to operate with current software are automatically removed from the network first, and

then issues are worked out. Portable or temporary stations should be tested on a regular basis

to maintain readiness; otherwise inactive stations are automatically purged.

17.4.3.2. The DDTDO shall coordinate with the MARS RMS/Winlink System

Administrator. The proposed geographic location is then reviewed with the MARS

RMS/Winlink System Administrator to determine if the applicant’s location fits the needs

of the system.

17.4.3.3. The SysOps shall agree to the following guidelines:

17.4.3.3.1. Maintain stations both online and on-the-air 24x7x365.

17.4.3.3.2. Provide dedicated gateway equipment, preferably with emergency power.

Keep the gateway software current.

17.4.3.3.3. Report SysOp, station, service code, software version and frequency

information to Winlink servers through proper configuration of gateway software and

local network routers.

17.4.3.3.4. Subscribe to and stay current with the Winlink E-mail Reflectors For SysOps.

17.4.4. RMS HF Assignment.

Due to the commitment needed to operate an RMS HF on a 24 hour per day seven days a week

(24x7) basis, operators can be assigned to the RMS/Winlink as the primary net assignment;

such assignment action is made by AF Form 3661 personnel action by the individual member’s

SMD IAW Section 4.

17.4.5. VHF Packet Station.

VHF RMS Packet station operation is at the discretion of the MARS member; however,

coordination with SMD and RDNM is required, since operation of the station shall be on a VHF

Frequency under MARS members’ control. The setup of a VHF RMS Packet station also

requires registration and configuration through the MARS RMS/Winlink System

Administrator. A VHF RMS Packet station co-located with a RMS HF station is automatically

approved when the RMS HF station operation is approved.


17.4.6. VHF Station Coordination POC.

The DDTDO coordinates with the MARS Radio Message Server (RMS)/Winlink System

Administrator and the NDTO to:

17.4.6.1. Provide frequencies that are shared as part of the Joint MARS Service HF

RMS/Winlink Network.

17.4.6.2. Assign the correct call signs to AFMARS Stations in the Joint MARS Service HF

RMS/Winlink Network.

17.5. TRANSGLOBAL CW Telegraphy Network (TCN).

This Section is intended to establish policy, standards, and procedures for use of the

Radiotelegraph communications mode (known as continuous wave, or CW) on AFMARS

frequencies.

17.5.1. CW Use.

CW may be used on AFMARS frequencies to support the primary MARS mission of

emergency/contingency communications.

17.5.2. CW Network.

Within the AFMARS program, a special net, the TRANSGLOBAL CW Network (TCN), may

be established solely for CW use.

17.5.1.1. TCN shall be an open CW Net.

17.5.1.2. All military unit stations and MARS members shall be allowed to participate.

17.5.1.3. The TCN frequencies and schedule of operations shall be determined and

coordinated through both the Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations, and the

National Director TRANSGLOBAL HF Operations.

17.6. TRANSGLOBAL Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Network.

This Section establishes policy, standards, and procedures for operating on the

TRANSGLOBAL ALE Network.

17.6.1. ALE General.

The TRANSGLOBAL Automatic Link Establishment Network is an HF Net where

participating stations have radio equipment designed to ascertain automatically the highest

quality reliability of linking together two or more stations operating on the same frequency,


given a group of frequencies customarily in different bands, therefore accommodating changes

in day, night, and solar cycle propagation, and other propagation anomalies. The ALE function

is limited to this, and then the station operators select a mode of communication, voice Single

Side Band (SSB), or from various authorized data/digital modes, and communicate either

automatically or manually with each other and to send and receive messages.

17.6.2. ALE Special Net.

The Deputy Director for ALE Operations (DDALEO) determines the particular modes of data

protocol. Modes may be singular point to point, or grouped data or digital modes with

interactive automated functions. Grouped data may be networked automatically for message

forwarding and reverse forwarding. A dedicated routing backbone may be used, or a

randomized routing based upon active connections, where stations may manually or

automatically relay in a source origin to target delivery or posting configuration.

17.6.3. ALE Software.

ALE is available in either firmware manufactured radios, or ALE in software to function add-

on to other Computer Aided Tuning (CAT) capable manufactured radios. A special version of

this software was developed by the Joint MARS ALE Software Development Team (SDT),

which conforms to MIL-STD-188-141. The primary mode of ALE communications is

data/digital. The secondary communication mode is SSB.

17.6.4. ALE Identifier.

Each AFMARS member participating on ALE nets must submit a request for an ALE identifier

with the DDALEO prior to transmitting on the ALE nets.

18.1. Scope.

The purpose of this section is to provide guidance to members who wish to remain in the AFMARS

program, however, are no longer able to meet regular membership requirements 18.1 Definition –

An “Emeritus Member” (EM) is a member of the AFMARS program who shall be considered a

full member in good standing.

18.2. Duties.

An EM shall continue to use their best efforts to support and promote the AFMARS program to

the best of their abilities.

18.3. Participation requirements.

An EM is relieved of traditional participation requirements defined elsewhere in the MOI. There

is no specific HF air time or reporting required for the EM, however, the EM may check into any

net or participate otherwise as they are able.

18.4. Requirements for conversion from regular member to emeritus member.

Membership Period applicant must have been a member in good standing of any MARS program

for a combined period of at least 15 years.

18.5. Nomination Process.

18.5.1. Nomination Source.

Any AFMARS member may nominate another member for EM status.

18.5.2. Nomination Method.

An email or letter shall be generated by the nominator and sent to the nominators Region MARS

Director. The nomination statement shall include information about the nominee in sufficient

detail to allow authentication and adjudication of the member for EM status.

18.5.3. Processing.

18.5.3.1. The receiving RMD shall forward the application to the RMD of the nominee’s

region of residence, if it is different.

18.5.3.2. Cognizant RMD Actions.

Chapter 18.0.

EMERITUS MEMBERSHIP


18.5.3.2.1. Pre-Authorization RMD Actions. The cognizant RMD shall review the facts,

verify the information to the best extent possible and conduct necessary research to insure

the nominee is eligible pursuant to 18.3 to be afforded EM status. At such time, the RMD

is satisfied that the nominee meets EM requirements, a letter shall be transmitted to the

NOD requesting that the nominee be reclassified as an EM.

18.5.3.2.2. Post-Authorization RMD Actions. Following the approval of CAFM the

cognizant RMD shall, IAW standard process, generate an AF3661 changing the members

call sign to AFZ#XX. The “AFZ” designation is reserved only for EM.

18.5.3.3. National Operations Officer Actions. The NOD will review and endorse the

nomination and forward it to CAFM for approval.

18.5.3.4. Chief AF MARS Actions. Upon approval by CAFM the RMD and NRM are

notified.

18.5.3.5. National Records Manager Actions. The NRM shall update the national records

database accordingly and generate a new license for the member reflecting the change in call

sign. For census purposes an EM shall be classified as inactive.

18.6. Emeritus Member Status Duration.

The EM designation is a lifetime appointment.

Attachment 1

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Table A1.1: US, USAF, and DoD Documents

Document Version Title

5 United States Code, 522a Privacy Act of 1974

5 United States Code, 552 Freedom of Information Act

8, United States Code, Chapter 12 2011 Edition Title 8 - Aliens and Nationality

Chapter 12 - Immigration and Nationality

AFI 33-332 12 JAN 2015 Communications and Information

AF Privacy And Civil Liberties Program

AFI 17-220 16 MAR 2017 Spectrum Management

AFI 17-210 26 MAY 2016 Radio Management

DoD Directive 3025.18Incorporating

Change 1

29 DEC 2010

C1 21 SEP 12

Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)

DoD Directive 5111.13 16 JAN 2009

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland

Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs (ASD

(HD&ASA))

DoD Directive 5400.11 29 OCT 2014 DoD Privacy Program

DoD Manual 5200.1 24 FEB 2012 Volume 4, DoD Information Security Program:

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

DoD Instruction 1015.10 Change 1 06 MAY 2011 Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)

Programs

DoD Instruction 1215.07 Change 1 24 JAN 2013 Service Credit for Non-Regular Retirement

DoD Instruction 4650.02 23 DEC 2009 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)

DoD Instruction 8582.01 6 JUN 2012 Security of Unclassified DoD Information on Non-

DoD Information Systems

Executive Order 13556 NOV 2010 Controlled Unclassified Information

MIL-STD-188 Series of DoD Interface Standards

Table A1.2: Allied Communications Procedures

Document Version Title ACP 121 (I) OCT 2010 Communication Instructions General

ACP 125 (G) NOV 2016 Communication Instructions Radiotelephone

Procedures

ACP 126 (C) MAY 1989 Communications Instructions Teletypewriter

(Teleprinter) Procedures

ACP 127 (G) NOV 1988

Procedures

Communications Instructions Tape Relay

Table A1.3: AFMARS Documents


AFMARS National ECOM Plan FEB 2013 AFMARS National Emergency Communications Plan


AFMARS National Training Manual MAR 2016

AFMARS National Training Manual

AFMARS Messaging Manual &

Annex

22 SEP 2016

Rev A AFMARS National Training Manual

AFMARS MSN Procedures Manual 15 AUG 2015

Rev C Mission Support Network Procedures Manual

AFMARS PPN Operational Procedures 1 MAR 2016

Rev 2.2b

AFMARS Phone Patch Network Operational

Procedures

AFMARS Digital Network Procedures

Manual TBS AFMARS Digital Network Procedures Manual

AFMARS ALE Procedures Manual TBS AFMARS TRANSGLOBAL ALE Procedures

Manual

AFMARS TRR Procedures Manual TBS AFMARS TRANSGLOBAL TRR Procedures Manual

Table A1-4: Forms


AF Form 3661 JUN 09 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Personnel

Action Notification AF Form 3665 JAN 10 Certificate of Appointment

AFMARS Form 3666 JAN 09 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Station

License and Identification Card

DD Form 2350 OCT 2015 Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) Disaster

Support Identification Card

MARS Repeater/Digipeater

Application Form MARS application for VHF repeater

NOTE: In all cases, current release versions will supersede referenced documents.


Attachment 2

ACRONYMS

Acronym Meaning

a.k.a. also known as

AAR After Action Report

ACP Allied Communications Publication

AF Form

3661

MARS Personnel Actions Form

AF Form

3666

MARS Station License and Identification Card

AFMARS Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (the program)

AFB Air Force Base

AFB Prefix of call sign for Air Force MARS 1st in Region PMC/RMS Station

AFC Prefix of call sign for Air Force MARS 2nd in Region PMC/RMS Station

AFG Prefix of call sign for Air Force MARS 3rd in Region PMC/RMS Station

AFI Air Force Instruction

AFM Air Force Manual

AFM Prefix of call sign for Air Force MARS Special Event Station

AFM-SMG AFMARS Spectrum Management Group

AFSMO Air Force Spectrum Management Office

AFSPC Air Force Space Command

ALE Automatic Link Establishment

AMARS Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (the program)

ANCS Alternate Net Control Station

ANG Air National Guard

ARC American Red Cross

ARES Amateur Radio Emergency Service

ARRL Amateur Radio Relay League

ASD Assistant Secretary of Defense

BBS (Electronic) Bulletin Board System

BST Base Support Team (consists of volunteer MARS members)

CAC Common Access Card

CAFM Chief, Air Force MARS

CAT Computer Aided Tuning

CERT Community Emergency Readiness Team

COMEX Communications Exercise

CONUS Continental United States - The contiguous states, e.g., not including Alaska,

Hawaii and territories (See OCONUS)

CUI Controlled Unclassified Information

CY Calendar Year

dB decibel

DDALEO Deputy Director Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) Operations


Acronym Meaning

DDTDO Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Digital Operations

DDTNO Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Network Operations

DDTRRO Deputy Director TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Operations

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DNEC Deputy National Emergency Coordinator

DNMSNM Deputy National Mission Support Network Manager

DNPPNM Deputy National Phone Patch Network Manager

DNTM Deputy National Training Manager

DNXC Deputy National Exercise Coordinator

DoD Department of Defense

DoDD Department of Defense Directive

DoDI Department of Defense Instruction

DRMD Deputy Region MARS Director

DSCA Defense Support of Civil Authority

DSMD Deputy State MARS Director

DTG Date Time Group (DDMMMYYYY HHHHZ)

ECOM Emergency Communications

EOC Emergency Operations Center

ESF Emergency Support Function

FCC Federal Communications Commission

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FOUO For Official Use Only

HD&ASA Homeland Defense and America’s Security Affairs

HF High Frequency, e.g., 3.0 MHz through 30.0 MHz

HQ Headquarters

Hz Hertz

IAW in accordance with

ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICS Incident Command System

ID Identification

IMD Installation MARS Director, (POC for military base MARS activity)

individual

member

a.k.a. volunteer member; member

JSIN Joint Service Interoperability Net

kHz kilo Hertz (1000 Hertz)

MAJCOM Major Command (Military Element)

MARS Military Auxiliary Radio System

member a.k.a. volunteer member; individual member

MHz Mega Hertz

MOA Memorandum of Agreement

MOI MARS Operating Instruction

MRS Major Relay Station

MSCA Military Support to Civil Authorities

MSN Mission Support Network


Acronym Meaning

MTS MARS Technical Services

MWR Military Morale, Welfare and Recreation

NAA National Administrative Assistant

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCS Net Control Station

NDTO National Director TRANSGLOBAL Operations

NEC National Emergency Coordinator

NECN National Emergency Communications Network

NET Not Earlier Than

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations

NIB Non-interference basis

NLT Not Later Than

NML National Military Liaison

NMSNM National Mission Support Network Manager

NOD National Operations Director

NPC National Planning Coordinator

NPIO National Public Information Officer

NPPNM National Phone Patch Network Manager

NRM National Records Manager

NTIA National Telecommunications and Information Administration

NTM National Training Manager

NTM AFMARS National Training Manual

NTSM National Technical Services Manger

NVC National VHF Coordinator

NXC National Exercise Coordinator

OCONUS Outside the Continental United States, e.g., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico

and the Virgin Islands OPR Office of Primary Responsibility

OSD Office of the Secretary of Defense

PA Privacy Act

PCS Permanent Change of Station

PII Personally Identifiable Information

PMC Primary Message Center

POC Point Of Contact

PPN Phone Patch Network

RACES Radio Amateur Emergency Services

RADAY Radio Day

RDNM Region Digital Network Manager

REC Region Emergency Coordinator

Rm Room

RMD Region MARS Director

RMS Radio Message Server

RRM Region Records Manager

RTM Region Training Manager


Acronym Meaning

RTSM Region Technical Services Manager

RVC Region VHF Coordinator

RVNM Region Voice Network Manager

RXC Region Exercise Coordinator

SATERN Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Net

SBU Sensitive But Unclassified

SDT Software Development Team

SEC State Emergency Coordinator

SHARES SHAred RESources HF Radio Program

SMD State MARS Director

SME Subject Matter Expert

SNM Special Net Manager

SPOC Single Point of Contact

SSB Single Side Band

SSID Secondary Station Identifier

St Street

STA Special Temporary operating Authority

SysOp Systems Operator, e.g., individual operating electronic (radio) bulletin board

systems

TBS To Be Supplied at a later date

TCN TRANSGLOBAL CW Network

TDN TRANSGLOBAL Digital Network

TNC Terminal Node Controller

TRR TRANSGLOBAL Radio Relay Network

TSA Transportation Security Agency

U.S. United States

USAF United States Air Force

USPS United States Postal Service

VHF Very High Frequency, e.g., 30 MHz through 300 MHz

Volunteer a.k.a. member; individual member