This Emergency Amateur Radio group remains largely unknown and usually stumbled upon in the moment of crisis?

The use of MARS remains a largely unknown or niche capability, one that is usually stumbled upon by planners in the moment of crisis and then poorly implemented. Maj. Brian Kerg, USMC hopes to see changes in USA Defence Department with this largely unknown amateur radio group.

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is a Defense Department-sponsored civilian auxiliary of amateur radio operators that actively supports military operations. While the USA Defence Department will employ amateur radio operations and connect joint planners in critical operations. The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is a United States Department of Defence-sponsored program, established as a separately managed and operated program by the United States Army, and the United States Air Force. The United States Navy-Marine Corps program closed in 2015. The program is a civilian auxiliary consisting primarily of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a regional and national level when access to traditional forms of communication may no longer be available. The MARS programs also include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units; and Navy, Marine Corps units. MARS has a long history of providing worldwide auxiliary emergency communications during times of need. The combined two-service MARS programs (Army, and Air Force), a volunteer force of over 3,000 dedicated and skilled amateur radio operators provide the backbone of the MARS program.

The main benefit of MARS membership is enjoying the amateur radio hobby through an ever-expanding horizon of MARS service to the nation. MARS members work by the slogans “Proudly Serving Those Who Serve” and “Proud, Professional, and Ready.”

The Last Wire Podcast The Last Wire is a podcast that will profile and share these heroic stories of hams who have volunteered their amateur radio knowledge and equipment for communications duty when disaster strikes

Host John Bignell VE1JMB

John has been featured in and contributed to local and international publications, radio broadcasts, podcasts and has spoken at medical and business conferences throughout North America on various professional topics. I am an executive member of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club (H.A.R.C.VE1FQ), and Radio Amateur of Canada. He also services with the Halifax Auxiliary Telecommunications Service (HATS). Our show will give listeners in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most influential amateur radio hobbyists telling their stories from the world of emergency communications, severe weather events, to communication, breaks down.

The Last Wire is a podcast that will profile and share these heroic stories of hams who have volunteered their amateur radio knowledge and equipment for communications duty when disaster strikes. Got a show idea, or a story to share? The Last Wire Podcast wants to hear about your experiences with amateur radio when your radio was the last wire standing.

Email your stories: john@lastwire.ca


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