What We Do

Our purpose as a trained pool of operators in case of National Emergency has changed very little over the years.  However, the way we do it has changed dramatically.  We have moved from using Morse Code (CW), to voice and expanded into the digital realm using both radio and the internet to move information that is essential to the Department of Defense (DoD). 

While we move no classified information, we do originate and relay EEI (Essential Elements of Information) reports that tell the DoD about local weather, road conditions and the general status of a locality after a natural, or other, disaster.  EEI reports allow the DoD to plan the best way to get aid to the affected area and what aid is required.

One way we practice is to send Health and Welfare messages, or MARSGRAMS, to and from servicemen and women serving overseas.  We have supported many recent operations in this manner, including operations in Somalia, Croatia, and many others.

If you have a family member or friend serving overseas and you would like to send them a short message, you may use the MARSGRAM link to the left. 

Training is an ongoing thing for Army MARS and CWAM with two training nets being conducted each week in CWAM, and several other nets held at various times of day virtually every day of the week.  Radio protocol and technique is stressed highly with Army MARS radio operators being some of the best trained emergency communications operators in the world.

EEI reports allow the DoD to plan the best way to get aid to the affected area and what aid is required.

AAR8GF's mobile communications center, Vinnie VanGo. 

Vinnie has HF, VHF, and UHF capabilities in both voice and digital modes, and radio links directly to local area law enforcement agencies on both VHF and UHF frequencies