The Application form (see link below) is used for requesting membership in Air Force MARS and to request administrative actions for current members. Current AF MARS members wishing to update their membership informaton, submit a change of address, etc, must submit a signed and dated Application Form to their SMD, indicating the action requsted. The form provided below is the current one for these administrative actions. If you are requesting a renewal MARS license please include two photocopies of your current amateur license.

For prospective members:

Thank you for your interest in Air Force MARS; our program has several prerequisites:

1. You must be a U.S. citizen and be a currently licensed amateur radio operator; any class of license. Note: A copy of your amateur license must accompany your application.

2. Posses the radio equipment to operate on at least two HF MARS frequencies (3 Mhz and 7 Mhz range).

3. The radio equipment must meet current NTIA frequency stability and band width standards, e.g., +/- 20Hz and 2.4Khz wide. Most all modern amateur radios meet the band width requirement and will meet the stability requirement standard if the TCXO or upgraded crystal oscillator has been installed; click on Technical Forum on the Main Page for more informaton.

4. You must have digital capability. This can be TNC or sound card.

5. And you must be able to meet the minimum participation requirement of 12 hours per quarter in MARS operation. Six hours have to be within your primary assignment, usually the regional HF net, the remainder in any of several activities.

Initially as a trainee, you will be assigned to our HF voice net, 1S1. While in training status you will not be able to handle traffic or operate on other MARS frequencies or modes, but this will provide you an opportunity to gain experience regarding how our nets operate. You will receive live training on one of our HF frequencies, usually two or three sessions of one to two hours followed by a multiple choice test. Your training status can last up to six months, but most of our members finish their training within a month of joining the program.

Air Force MARS operates a number of Area and nation wide HF networks on voice and digital modes, some running 24/7 and others operating on fixed schedules. You can look at how the Areas are laid out by clicking here.

To apply for membership, please complete the MARS application and mail the form, with two copies of your current amateur license (do not send the original) to your State MARS Director (SMD) using the address link below to obtain the address. Alternatively you can email a digitized copy of the application and amateur license to the SMD's email address. If you were a previous MARS member, please include a copy of your MARS license or assignment order. I’m sure you will find your experience in Air Force MARS rewarding and worthwhile.