Obviously, the MARS mission is being carried out efficiently and effectively by the MARS volunteers. The year 2000 has already seen a stream of EEIs forwarded to DOMS giving them the firsthand, often eye witness, information that they and other federal agencies need in order to function in times of need. This continuing mission utilizes a wide variety of technologies that have been adapted to the MARS mission. MARS members are not limited to radio only traffic transmission. Messages and information are passed by the most efficient and speediest means available.
Radio continues to be a mainstay, however, since other technologies can fail.
This was emphasized to me and the local ARES group with which I work when the FBI team that was alerted for Y2K needs met later with the Kingman Police Department. The FBI advised the Kingman Police Department to not dismantle the ARES radio communications team because those Amateurs manage to stay on the air no matter what happens. This applies equally well to the Amateurs who are the MARS volunteers. Proud, Professional, and Ready.