https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN37507-AR_25-6-001-WEB-3.pdf
UNCLASSIFIED
Army Regulation 25 – 6
Information Management
Military
Auxiliary
Radio System
and Amateur
Radio
Program
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
9 October 2019
SUMMARY of CHANGE
AR 25 – 6
Military Auxiliary Radio System and Amateur Radio Program
This administrative revision, dated 16 February 2023—
o Changes proponency from CIO/G –6 to the Chief Information Officer (title page).
This major revision, dated 9 October 2019—
o Revises Military Auxiliary Radio System administration (chap 3).
o Clarifies membership requirements (para 3 – 1).
o Revises information on the policies and management responsibilities for the Army Military Auxiliary Radio
System (throughout).
o Revises policies, missions, and responsibilities (throughout).
*This regulation supersedes AR 25-6, dated 3 January 2014.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019
UNCLASSIFIED
i
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
*Army Regulation 25 – 6
9 October 2019 Effective 9 November 2019
Information Management
Military Auxiliary Radio System and Amateur Radio Program
History. This publication is an adminis-
trative revision. The portions affected by
this administrative revision are listed in
the summary of change.
Summary. This regulation implements
DODI 4650.02, establishes policy and
management responsibilities for the Army
Military Auxiliary Radio System, estab-
lishes the Global High Frequency Enter-
prise Radio Network, and incorporates
policy on amateur radio operations. It de-
scribes a program that organizes and
trains the best, licensed amateur radio vol-
unteers to operate in military radio net-
works to support tasked requirements
establishing high frequency radio contin-
gency communications.
Applicability. This regulation applies
to the Regular Army, the Army National
Guard/Army National Guard of the
United States, and the U.S. Army Re-
serve, unless otherwise stated. During
mobilization, procedures in this regula-
tion can be modified to support policy
changes as necessary.
Proponent and exception authority.
The proponent of this regulation is the
Chief Information Officer. The proponent
has the authority to approve exceptions or
waivers to this regulation that are con-
sistent with controlling law and regula-
tions. The proponent may delegate this
approval authority, in writing, to a divi-
sion chief within the proponent agency or
its direct reporting unit or field operating
agency, in the grade of colonel or the ci-
vilian equivalent. Activities may request a
waiver to this regulation by providing jus-
tification that includes a full analysis of
the expected benefits and must include
formal review by the activity’s senior le-
gal officer. All waiver requests will be en-
dorsed by the commander or senior leader
of the requesting activity and forwarded
through their higher headquarters to the
policy proponent. Refer to AR 25 – 30 for
specific guidance.
Army internal control process.
This regulation contains internal control
provisions in accordance with AR 11 – 2
and identifies key internal controls that
must be evaluated (see appendix B).
Supplementation. Supplementation
of this regulation and establishment of
command and local forms are prohibited
without prior approval from the Chief In-
formation Officer (SAIS – PRG), 107
Army Pentagon, Washington, DC
20310 – 0107.
Suggested improvements. Users
are invited to send comments and sug-
gested improvements on DA Form 2028
(Recommended Changes to Publications
and Blank Forms) via email to
usarmy.pentagon.hqda-cio.mbx.policy-
inbox@army.mil.
Distribution. This regulation is availa-
ble in electronic media only and is in-
tended for the Regular Army, the Army
National Guard/Army National Guard of
the United States, and the U.S. Army Re-
serve.
Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)
Chapter 1
Introduction, page 1
Purpose • 1 –1, page 1
References and forms • 1 – 2, page 1
Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1 – 3, page 1
Responsibilities • 1 –4, page 1
Records management (recordkeeping) requirements • 1 –5, page 4
Relationships • 1 –6, page 4
Chapter 2
Military Auxiliary Radio System Mission, page 4
Mission • 2 –1, page 4
Funding and manpower • 2 – 2, page 5
Mailing policy • 2 –3, page 5
Authority to operate certificates • 2 – 4, page 5
Contents—Continued
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 ii
Military Auxiliary Radio System insignia • 2 –5, page 5
Chapter 3
Military Auxiliary Radio System Administration, page 5
Membership • 3 – 1, page 5
Participation requirements • 3 – 2, page 6
Member suspensions • 3 – 3, page 6
Member terminations • 3 – 4, page 7
Member reinstatement • 3 – 5, page 7
Chapter 4
Amateur Radio Operations, page 7
General • 4 –1, page 7
Authority • 4 –2, page 7
Appendixes
A. References, page 8
B. Internal Control Evaluation, page 10
Figure List
Figure 1 – 1: Army Military Auxiliary Radio System Organization Chart, page 3
Glossary
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
1–1. Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) operates within the
parameters of established information assurance (IA), operations security (OPSEC) policies, the National Telecom-
munications Information Administration (NTIA) Manual of Regulations, Military Standard (MIL – STD)– 188 – 141,
MIL – STD – 188–110, and Allied Communications publications as applicable. It establishes a high frequency (HF)
radio network and a pool of specially-trained volunteer operators available to support U.S. military units during indi-
vidual Soldier training, unit mission training at home stations and during deployments, and to support Department of
Defense (DOD)-tasked missions.
1–2. References and forms
See appendix A.
1–3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms
See the glossary.
1–4. Responsibilities
The Army MARS Program is managed by Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) through U.S. Army Cyber
Command (ARCYBER) in accordance with AR 25 –1 and is comprised of Department of the Army (DA) Civilian and
contract personnel who train and oversee a pool of volunteers in order to provide contingency communications to the
DOD and Services.
a. U.S. Army Cyber Command. The ARCYBER will—
(1) Manage and direct the Army MARS Program and the Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Network.
(2) Plan, program, and budget for requirements.
(3) Allocate resources supporting Army MARS and the Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Network, which
includes personnel administration, risk management, logistics, training, maintenance, and operations in accordance
with the planning, programming, budget system cycle, and applicable regulations.
(4) Appoint a DA Civilian to serve as Chief, Army MARS to execute the HQDA responsibilities in accordance
with DODI 4650.02.
(5) Operate and maintain HF gateway stations at Fort Huachuca, Fort Detrick, Schofield Barracks, and Okinawa
in support of DOD and Service communication requirements. Follow property accountability according to AR 750 –1.
b. Chief, Army Military Auxiliary Radio System. The Chief, Army MARS will—
(1) Develop, coordinate, and disseminate guidance and standing operating procedures concerning administrative,
operational, and training for the Army MARS Program.
(2) Manage and direct the Army MARS Program.
(3) Liaise with U.S. Government regulatory agencies, other applicable Federal agencies, and nationally-recognized
U.S. amateur radio organizations on matters concerning the Army MARS and Amateur Radio Service.
(4) Represent the Army’s interest in HF radio at DOD and Service contingency communications workgroups and
meetings.
(5) Assess the operational status and capability of the Army MARS Program.
(6) Appoint, assign responsibilities to, and train Army MARS staff personnel (paid and volunteer staff) ensuring
compliance with inherently governmental functions.
(7) Assign call signs and manage the Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Network frequency resources in
conjunction with the Army Frequency Management Office in order to maximize support to military exercises and unit
training.
(8) Appoint volunteer Region Directors and State Army MARS Directors within the scope of inherently govern-
mental functions as required to lead and manage volunteer Army MARS members at the region, State, and local levels
(see fig 1 – 1).
(9) Establish working groups consisting of Army MARS leadership to exchange information, ideas, and advice to
improve the functioning of the Army MARS Program.
(10) Develop and execute an Army MARS membership recruiting program to ensure the long-term viability of the
Army MARS Program.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 2
(11) Process and issue invitational travel orders in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations as necessary to
conduct all levels of Army MARS support.
(12) Promulgate the use of MIL – STD – 6040, Allied Communications Publications, MIL – STD – 188– 110,
MIL – STD – 188–141, as adapted for MARS and Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Network use.
(13) Establish and enforce OPSEC standards, develop and train members on the use of applicable encryption ca-
pabilities, authentication tables as required, and conform to IA standards applicable to radio communication systems
owned and operated by volunteer, civilian auxiliarists, in accordance with DODI 8582.01.
(14) Establish tasks, conditions, and minimum performance standards for all MARS members that include but are
not limited to the basic radio network tasks described in paragraph 1–4f(4). Establish procedures to evaluate individual
MARS members annually, in order to assist members to meet the standard.
(15) Establish a cap on the number of available Army MARS memberships and develop selection criteria to iden-
tify individuals best qualified for membership.
(16) Coordinate training and support activities with the combatant commands, Army service component com-
mands, National Guard Bureau, and Chief Information Officer/G –6.
(17) Ensure membership records are handled according to Privacy Act requirements.
(18) Establish and implement a MARS volunteer awards program to recognized select MARS members for out-
standing achievement.
c. Network Enterprise Technology Command. The NETCOM subordinate commanders will—
(1) Operate and maintain HF gateway stations at Ft Detrick, Schofield Barracks, and Okinawa in support of DOD
and Service communications requirements. Follow property accountability according to AR 750 –1.
(2) Operate and maintain tactical communications capabilities in Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Net-
work as required for DOD and Service communications requirements.
(3) Plan, program, and budget for requirements.
(4) Implement Army service component command and NETCOM guidance to use gateway and tactical communi-
cations capabilities in support of humanitarian assistance-disaster relief, Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)
planning and operations, and specific contingency communications responsibilities as assigned.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 3
Figure 1 – 1. Army Military Auxiliary Radio System Organization Chart
d. Commanders. The garrison and/or installation commanders, State Adjutants General, and/or other designated
officers in charge and other direct reporting elements will—
(1) Operate and maintain tactical communications capabilities in Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Net-
work as required for DOD and Service communications interoperability requirements.
(2) Obtain frequencies, and call signs if necessary, to be used for Global High Frequency Enterprise Radio Network
operations through the Office of the Chief, Army MARS.
(3) Support amateur radio operations on installations in accordance with chapter 4 of this regulation.
e. Region and/or State Army Military Auxiliary Radio System Directors. The Region and/or State Army MARS
Directors will—
(1) Manage, direct, and operate the Army MARS within their assigned geographic area of responsibility (see fig
1 – 1).
(2) Manage the Army MARS frequency resources assigned by Chief, Army MARS for their geographic areas of
responsibility, and establish Army MARS networks at the region level in support of the MARS global network.
(3) Appoint subordinate leaders and staff as required.
(4) Lead and manage volunteer members in their area of responsibility.
(5) Develop and execute an Army MARS member recruiting program to support Chief, Army MARS membership
initiatives.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 4
(6) Establish relationships with supporting Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and amateur radio
organizations and clubs in their regions to develop mission support relationships.
(7) Recommend to the Office of the Chief, Army MARS all administrative actions for members in their areas of
responsibility.
(8) Interview prospective new members and applicants, and determine their suitability for membership.
(9) Evaluate performance of the MARS members on an annual basis.
(10) Process membership renewal actions in conjunction with annual membership database reconciliation.
f. Army Military Auxiliary Radio System members. Army MARS members will—
(1) Comply with Army MARS rules, regulations, procedures, and directives.
(2) Use DOD radio frequencies for official Army MARS business only.
(3) Maintain on file for one year a radio station log documenting all on-air participation. Submit a monthly partic-
ipation report documenting all Army MARS participation, and maintain for one year. Provide copies of the station log
and participation reports as may be requested by Army MARS leadership.
(4) Perform basic radio network task such as: check into MARS radio nets; call MARS radio nets when requested
or directed by MARS leadership; load and change encryption keys; maintain and update software; code and decode
messages; transmit, receive, and relay messages efficiently and effectively using voice and MIL – STD data modes;
gather information locally and from amateur radio stations; originate, relay, and/or distribute messages to authorized
recipients such as Army MARS members, Army MARS leadership, DOD, and authorized civil authority personnel in
accordance with Army MARS documents, DOD, and supported agency agreements.
(5) Demonstrate proficiency within the first six months of basic (level 1) performance tasks.
(6) Comply with participation requirements identified in paragraph 3 –2.
(7) Follow the Army MARS chain of command as defined in this regulation and associated Army MARS standard
operating procedures in the conduct of official Army MARS business.
(8) Comply with local installation policies and procedures for radio operations when operating on military instal-
lations.
(9) Update personal contact information to include email address, phone number, physical location description if
using a post office box, and U.S. Postal Service mailing address when information changes a nd verify annually with
Region and State leadership.
(10) Protect sensitive but unclassified information and comply with all OPSEC standards as directed by Chief,
Army MARS.
(11) Meet all performance standards established by Chief, Army MARS.
(12) Maintain unrestricted access to radio station capabilities identified in paragraph 3–1a(1)(f).
1–5. Records management (recordkeeping) requirements
The records management requirement for all record numbers, associated forms, and reports required by this regulation
are addressed in the Army Records Retention Schedule-Army (RRS – A). Detailed information for all related record
numbers, forms, and reports are located in Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS)/RRS – A at
https://www.arims.army.mil. If any record numbers, forms, and reports are not current, addressed, and/or published
correctly in ARIMS/RRS – A, see DA Pam 25 – 403 for guidance.
1–6. Relationships
a. The MARS is a worldwide program sponsored by DOD and supported by HQDA in which military installations,
military units, clubs, volunteers, and licensed U.S. amateur radio stations and operators participate and contribute to
the mission of HQDA as discussed in paragraph 2 –1.
b. The DOD Chief Information Officer provides overall policy guidance and advice to the Services in matters
relating to the administration and operation of their MARS programs.
c. The Chief, Army MARS meets with the Chief of Air Force MARS, DOD, the Services, the Department of
Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and recognized U.S. amateur radio organizations as needed to assist in
developing and implementing DOD MARS Program policies and procedures.
Chapter 2
Military Auxiliary Radio System Mission
2–1. Mission
The Army MARS mission is to—
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 5
a. Provide contingency HF communications as tasked in support of DOD and Service communication require-
ments.
b. Provide communications support to civil authorities in accordance with DSCA policy specified in DODD
3025.18.
c. Assist in effecting normal communications under emergency conditions as directed or requested.
d. Establish programs to create civilian interest, recruit the best qualified amateur radio volunteers, and provide
training in military communications, techniques, and procedures.
e. Improve HF and very high frequency (VHF) radio operating techniques and technology through training, exper-
imentation, and testing.
f. Plan and conduct relevant exercises and competitions for Regular Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National
Guard, as well as the amateur radio community including the RACES.
g. Develop highly skilled volunteer personnel trained in radio communication techniques and procedures in order
to support military training, real-world missions, and DSCA as directed.
2–2. Funding and manpower
The HQDA appropriated funds, including those of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard, are authorized
to be expended to support the Army MARS mission. The military unit sponsoring the contingency HF radio activity
is responsible for funding the operations and maintenance of the radio station. Operation and maintenance of stations
may be accomplished by military, DA Civilians, or contract personnel.
2–3. Mailing policy
All Army MARS Headquarters correspondence are official communications and are authorized mailing privileges in
accordance with AR 25 –51.
2–4. Authority to operate certificates
Upon acceptance into the Army MARS Program and following completion of initial training requirements, members
will receive their MARS authorization to operate certificate by electronic media. This certificate will only be used as
necessary to validate the MARS operator is trained and certified to operate on designated DOD radio frequencies.
2–5. Military Auxiliary Radio System insignia
The distinctive MARS logo—in decal, pin, patch, button, badge, or other format—is authorized for use only by Army
MARS members. The MARS insignia is not authorized for wear on military uniforms.
Chapter 3
Military Auxiliary Radio System Administration
3–1. Membership
a. Individual membership.
(1) Individual membership is open to those who meet the requirements in paragraph 3–1a(1)(a) through 3–
1a(1)(n). Such individuals may apply for consideration to be selected for MARS membership. Candidates must—
(a) Be eighteen years of age or older.
(b) Be citizens of the United States or individuals who have been lawfully admitted to the United States for per-
manent residence under Title 8, United States Code, Chapter 12 (8 USC Chapter 12).
(c) Hold a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio license.
(d) Agree to operate per the regulations prescribed for participating in the Army MARS Program.
(e) Have no prior record of being terminated for cause by another Service MARS Program (may be waived by the
Chief, Army MARS, upon review of mitigating information and consultation with the other Service).
(f) Have unrestricted access to a radio system consisting of a transmitter and receiver (or transceiver), antenna,
modem, computer equipment, and associated software. This system must be capable of operating on all radio frequen-
cies between 2 and 30 MHz in accordance with NTIA Manual of Regulations technical standards with an output power
of at least 100 watts in order to communicate effectively over long distances. The system shall use singl e side band as
described in MIL – STD – 188 –141 and the serial phase key shifting data mode described in MIL – STD – 188–110A.
“Unrestricted access” means the individual may use the radio system on demand and as required to support MARS
activities without conditions.
(g) Be of good moral character (for example, trustworthy, honest, reliable, respects and upholds laws).
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 6
(h) Have no felony convictions, or under indictment in any court for a felony.
(i) Have no associations with known terrorist organizations.
(j) Not use illicit drugs.
(k) Not have been declared mentally incompetent.
(l) Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions.
(m) Be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement and submit to a background check. If information is discovered
on a background check that prevents the applicant from becoming a MARS operator, the individual may provide
mitigating information to the Office of the Chief, Army MARS, who will make a final determination on the applica-
tion.
(n) Be able to maintain radio and computer systems without assistance, including loading and configuring software
and operating systems, configuring and operating local area networks, and recover corrupted computer systems.
(2) Individual membership is granted for the period of one calendar year. Members who meet capability require-
ments, on-air training, and minimum performance standards defined by the Chief, Army MARS are eligible to renew
their membership for another year.
b. Membership affiliation. Individual MARS members may only affiliate with one Service MARS Program.
3–2. Participation requirements
a. All Army MARS members and stations are required to submit a monthly capabilities report. A report is required
even though a member or station has no activity for that month. On-air operational credit will be reported in hour
increments. Periods of on-the-air time totaling less than one hour are accrued in hour increments. Personal amateur
radio activity not associated with a MARS requirement will not be reported as participation for Army MARS.
b. A minimum of 72 hours per calendar year of HF radio operations on Army MARS radio nets is required to
renew membership. This should be divided into 18 hours of HF radio operation per q uarter in order to demonstrate
performance standards.
c. Participate in at least one Army MARS national-level exercise each year.
d. Chief, Army MARS or Region Directors may issue temporary exemptions to participation requirements and a
leave of absence on a case-by-case basis.
3–3. Member suspensions
a. Suspensions can be used as—
(1) A period to allow investigation of serious alleged infractions of policies and procedures and to allow an appeal
process for the member to respond to the allegations.
(2) As an alternative to termination, allowing the member a period to evaluate their commitment to the Army
MARS Program and willingness to follow established procedures.
b. Army MARS leadership may issue written suspensions of 30 to 60 days to members. Chief, Army MARS will
periodically review all suspension actions to determine if the violation has been corrected and the suspension can be
lifted, or if termination proceedings must be initiated.
c. Actions that justify suspensions are—
(1) Violations of paragraphs 1–4f, 3 – 1, and 3 –2 of this regulation and willful misconduct on the air or actions
causing embarrassment to, or which are not in the best interest of, the U.S. Government, the U.S. Army, or the Army
MARS Program. Examples of willful misconduct include, but are not limited to—
(a) Operating while under the influence of intoxicating substances.
(b) Using profane, obscene, or indecent language.
(c) Refusing to accept traffic without a valid reason or refusal to operate according to published Army MARS
policies and procedures.
(d) Knowingly operating on unauthorized frequencies.
(e) Using unauthorized wave forms.
(f) Failure to file a monthly report for three consecutive months.
(2) Deliberate misrepresentation of Army MARS directives, policies, or an individual’s responsibilities within the
Army MARS Program.
(3) False statements made verbally or in correspondence directed to members, management, or outside agencies.
(4) Failure to participate in dispute resolution or problem solving as required.
(5) Disruptive behavior or actions that affect the Army MARS mission or membership performance.
(6) Discrimination, including harassment, based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or
other impermissible basis.
(7) Deliberate injection of false, forged, deceptive messages, signals, or identification in the Army MARS Program.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 7
3–4. Member terminations
a. Army MARS members may resign at any time by submitting a written request to their State or Region Director.
b. State and Region Directors may request to the Office of the Chief, Army MARS that an Army MARS member
be terminated for failure to comply with requirements in this regulation.
c. The Chief, Army MARS may terminate Army MARS membership based upon members not fulfilling require-
ments in this regulation.
d. A member who does not submit a capabilities report for three consecutive months and has no contact with MARS
leadership during that time will be considered to have abandoned their membership and will be automatically termi-
nated.
e. An Army MARS member may request their termination action be reconsidered by the Chief, Army Telecom-
munications Support Office, if they believe their membership termination was not justified and they provide substan-
tiating documentation.
3–5. Member reinstatement
a. Individuals whose membership has expired, or have voluntarily resigned, may reapply for membership consid-
eration after one year.
b. An individual terminated for cause by another Service MARS chief may be eligible to reapply for membership
if the member provides the Chief, Army MARS substantive documentation of mitigating circumstances for consider-
ation. Chief, Army MARS reserves the right to consult with the Chief, Air Force MARS for mitigating information
that may be relevant to the membership application request.
Chapter 4
Amateur Radio Operations
4–1. General
This chapter describes garrison- and installation-level support for amateur radio operations.
4–2. Authority
a. The FCC exercises authority over amateur radio operations within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and
the territories and possessions of the United States as defined in 47 CFR 97.
b. In accordance with AR 5 – 12, an amateur radio station may be located on a military installation or other real
estate under the direct control of an Army activity and may be subject to limitations imposed by the installation com-
mander. Limitations, if any, will be published in an installation regulation. The regulation must not impose limitations
so severe that they unnecessarily infringe on the rights of the individual to operate a radio according to FCC rules and
regulations. Amateur radio operators must coordinate with the installation spectrum manager.
c. U.S. amateur radio operations in foreign territories are subject to the applicable host nation reciprocal licensing
agreements. Information on amateur radio reciprocal agreements and the reciprocal application process can be ob-
tained from the American Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.
d. Amateur radio operating frequencies in the United States and its Possessions are controlled by the FCC under
47 CFR 97. Amateur radio operating frequencies in foreign territories are controlled by the host nation.
e. In the United States and its Possessions, the FCC issues amateur radio station call signs with operating privileges
based upon the operator’s class of license. In foreign territories, the host nation issues an amateur radio call sign based
upon the operator’s FCC license class and in accordance with the reciprocal licensing agreement.
f. Military commanders may suspend or revoke amateur station operations on military installations when FCC,
host nation, or installation regulations have been violated.
g. Military radio equipment is authorized to be used on the 60-meter interoperability channels while supporting
DSCA missions per DODD 3025.18. Additionally, military commanders may authorize the use of military radio
equipment on amateur radio frequencies under the following conditions:
(1) Equipment use will not jeopardize mission accomplishment.
(2) Operations do not violate unit OPSEC procedures per AR 530 –1.
(3) Radio operations on amateur radio frequencies are under the control of an FCC-licensed amateur radio control
operator.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 8
Appendix A
References
Section I
Required Publications
AR 5 – 12
Army Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (Cited in para 4–2b.)
AR 25 – 1
Army Information Technology (Cited in para 1 – 4.)
AR 25 – 51
Official Mail and Distribution Management (Cited in para 2 – 3.)
AR 530 –1
Operations Security (Cited in 4-2g(2).)
AR 750 –1
Army Materiel Maintenance Policy (Cited in 1-4a(5).)
DODD 3025.18
Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) (Cited in para 2–1b.)
DODI 4650.02
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) (Cited in title page.)
DODI 8582.01
Security of Unclassified DOD Information on Non-DOD Information Systems (Cited in para 1–4b(13).)
Section II
Related Publications
A related publication is a source of additional information. The user does not have to read it to understand this publi-
cation.
ADP 3 – 28
Defense Support of Civil Authorities
AR 11 – 2
Managers’ Internal Control Program
AR 25 – 30
Army Publishing Program
DA Pam 25 – 403
Guide to Recordkeeping in the Army
Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management
(Available at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/.)
MIL–STD – 188 –110
Interoperability and Performance Standards for Data Modems
MIL–STD – 6040
U.S. Message Text Format (USMTF) Description
8 CFR 316.10
Good Moral Character
47 CFR 97
Amateur Radio Service
8 USC Chapter 12
Immigration and Nationality
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 9
32 USC
National Guard
Section III
Prescribed Forms
This section contains no entries.
Section IV
Referenced Forms
Unless otherwise indicated, DA Forms are available on the APD website (https://armypubs.army.mil).
DA Form 11 – 2
Internal Control Evaluation Certification
DA Form 2028
Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 10
Appendix B
Internal Control Evaluation
B–1. Function
The functions covered by this checklist are Army MARS and amateur radio operations. They include key controls for
Army MARS missions, responsibilities, administration, and logistics.
B–2. Purpose
The purpose of this evaluation is to assist HQDA, field operating agencies, Army commands, Army service component
commands, direct reporting units, and installations in evaluating the key internal controls outlined below; it is intended
as a guide and does not cover all controls.
B–3. Instructions
Answers must be based on the actual testing of internal controls (such as document analysis, direct observation, sam-
pling, simulation). Answers that indicate deficiencies must be explained and corrective action indicated in supporting
documentation. These key internal controls must be formally evaluated at least once every five years. Certification
that this evaluation has been conducted must be accomplished on DA Form 11 – 2 (Internal Control Evaluation Certi-
fication).
B–4. Test questions
a. Has the Commanding General, NETCOM appointed, in writing, a Chief, Army MARS to carry out the HQDA
responsibility in accordance with AR 25 –6 and DODI 4650.02 for the management and direction of the Army MARS
and Amateur Radio Program?
b. Has the Chief, Army MARS analyzed the Army MARS mission and revised mission-related and administrative
work processes, as appropriate, relative to current requirements?
c. Has the Chief, Army MARS allocated resources in support of personnel administration, risk management, lo-
gistics, training, and maintenance planning of the Army MARS Program?
d. Is there a strategic plan and is it linked to the mission?
e. Has the Chief, Army MARS implemented a volunteer member award program?
f. Has the Chief, Army MARS established and promulgated minimum volunteer performance standards?
B–5. Supersession
This evaluation replaces the internal control evaluation previously published in AR 25 –6, dated 3 January 2014.
B–6. Comments
Help make this a better tool for evaluating internal controls. Submit comments t o Headquarters, Department of the
Army, 601 NETCOM (NETC – OPC), 2133 Cushing Street, Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613 –7070.
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 11
Glossary
Section I
Abbreviations
AR
Army regulation
ARCYBER
U.S. Army Cyber Command
ARIMS
Army Records Information Management System
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
DA
Department of the Army
DOD
Department of Defense
DODD
Department of Defense directive
DODI
Department of Defense instruction
DSCA
Defense Support of Civil Authorities
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
HF
high frequency
HQDA
Headquarters, Department of the Army
IA
information assurance
MARS
Military Auxiliary Radio System
MIL–STD
Military Standard
NETCOM
Network Enterprise Technology Command
NTIA
National Telecommunications Information Administration
OPSEC
operations security
RACES
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
RRS–A
Army Records Retention Schedule-Army
U.S.
United States
AR 25–6 • 9 October 2019 12
USC
United States Code
VHF
very high frequency
Section II
Terms
Chief, Army Military Auxiliary Radio System
An individual appointed as the responsible operating official for the worldwide Army MARS and Amateur Radio
Program.
Defense Support of Civil Authorities
Support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DOD Civilians, DOD contract personnel, DOD Component As sets,
and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Governors of the affected States,
elects and requests to use those forces in Title 32 USC status) in response to requests for assistance from civil author-
ities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or from qualifying entities for
special events. Also known as civil support. (DODD 3025.18)
HF Gateway Station
An HF station serving a major geographic area, command, region, or State through which incoming and outgoing
record traffic is processed.
Individual affiliate member
An individual holder of an FCC amateur license who has been granted membership in the Army MARS Program.
Military Auxiliary Radio System call sign
A distinctive set of letters and figures assigned to an individual MARS member or MARS station that is used as
identification when transmitting radio signals.
Military Auxiliary Radio System station
A privately owned HF and/or VHF radio station (licensed by the FCC and/or host authority) operated by an individual
who is affiliated with and licensed by Army MARS.
UNCLASSIFIED PIN 059753–000