The
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is a
United States Department of Defense sponsored program, established as a separately managed and operated program by the
United States Army,
Navy, and
Air Force. The program is a
civilian auxiliary consisting primarily of licensed
amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a local, national, and international basis as an adjunct to normal communications. The MARS programs also include active duty, reserve, and
National Guard units; Navy, Marine Corps, and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ships, and
Coast Guard cutters and
shore stations.