normal communications. The MARS programs also include active duty, reserve, and National Guard units; Navy, Marine Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ships, and Coast Guard cutters and shore stations . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militar...y_Radio_System USA Department of Defense (DoD) Directive Number: 4650.02 December 23, 2009 http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/c...df/465002p.pdf This directive changed the status of MARS