The State of South Carolina is a member of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS). MARS is a Department of Defense sponsored program that supports movement of information over radio frequencies that are an adjunct to normal day to day communication channels. During an emergency, when normal communications channels fail, MARS along with Amateur Radio provides an alternate means for essential communication. In South Carolina, select agencies are authorized to use MARS communication capabilities during emergencies. The State holds US Army MARS station licenses and trains agency personnel and volunteer amateur radio operators to supplement communication capability. The Division of State Information Technology provides program guidance and issues operating permits to individuals. The permit grants the individual authority to operate under State MARS license and use State owned MARS equipment for a period of 10 years. The permit is only valid for operation on agency owned equipment.
As a volunteer in the SC Agency MARS program, you can become actively involved in the state’s emergency communications program. Volunteers must hold a valid FCC Amateur Radio License to participate. Training is free. You have maximum flexibility in the hours you participate during the year. During the next emergency, you will be ready to help support the state provide essential communication services for its citizens.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the South Carolina Agency MARS Program, please select the Volunteers link in the banner.