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What Is the MARS Modification?

Originally, MARS stood for Military Amateur Radio System -- and subsequently Military Affiliate Radio System -- but, since 2009, it stands for Military Auxiliary Radio System. MARS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and consists of a network of amateur radio operators who provide emergency communications locally, nationally or internationally. The MARS modification is one that must be made to some radio sets to allow them to operate on the appropriate MARS frequencies.

Frequency
- MARS operates in the high-frequency range of the radio spectrum, between 2 and 30 megahertz. Many of the MARS frequencies are close to, but not in, the frequency bands used as the standard by amateur radio operators, so radio sets often require the MARS modification.
Modification
- In some cases, the MARS modification can be as simple as removing the cover from a radio set, locating the appropriate surface-mounted resistor, or jumper, on the printed circuit board, removing the solder from the resistor and prying it from the board, or simply cutting and removing the jumper wire. However, if you̵7;re unfamiliar with the internal workings of a radio set, you should leave the MARS modification to a qualified service technician.
Qualifying Criteria
- To join the MARS program, you must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or resident, and possess a valid amateur radio license from the Federal Communications Commission or a similar body. If you don̵7;t know whether your radio set requires the MARS modification, you̵7;ll typically be asked to provide this information when you apply to join MARS. You̵7;re not authorized to operate on out-of-band high frequencies unless you join MARS.
Licensing
- If you satisfy the conditions for joining MARS, but you currently have a radio set that operates in the very high frequency band, between 30 and 300 megahertz, you̵7;ll be able to use it initially on MARS training networks, where they exist. You will, however, be expected to modify your set to operate in the high-frequency band within 12 months of joining MARS. Furthermore, within six months of receiving your initial temporary MARS license from the Department of the Army, you̵7;ll be expected to complete an examination and demonstrate your ability to operate MARS. Once you do so, you̵7;ll be issued with a permanent MARS license and you̵7;ll be expected to participate on the MARS network for a minimum number of hours -- typically 18 hours -- every three months.

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