About this Unit
The US Army Communications Command (USACC) - MARS Stations played a pivotal role in military communications from the 1970s through the 1980s. As part of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), these stations provided critical backup and morale-boosting radio communications between deployed soldiers and their families, as well as support for emergency and contingency operations. USACC MARS Stations operated worldwide, using amateur radio frequencies and skilled operators to ensure reliable communication during both peacetime and crises. The legacy of USACC MARS continues today, supporting homeland defense and disaster response missions.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: The roots of US Army Communications Command (USACC) trace back to World War II, when the US military recognized the strategic importance of reliable long-distance radio communications for command and control.
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Formation in 1973: USACC was officially activated on 1 October 1973, consolidating various Army communications and signal organizations under a single command headquartered at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
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MARS Stations Integration: USACC oversaw Army MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) stations, which provided crucial backup communications using civilian amateur radio operators during emergencies and natural disasters.
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Vietnam War Support: USACC and MARS played a vital role during the Vietnam War, enabling soldiers to send "Marsgrams"—messages from deployed personnel to their families back home via radio relay networks.
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Cold War Preparedness: During the Cold War, USACC and its MARS stations formed an integral part of US military contingency plans, ensuring communications resilience in case of nuclear or electronic warfare.
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Global Reach: By the late 1970s, USACC managed communications infrastructure and MARS stations at over 200 locations worldwide, from Europe to the Pacific.
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Technological Innovation: USACC spearheaded the use of satellite communications, digital message switching, and computer networking, laying the groundwork for today’s Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).
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Humanitarian Assistance: MARS stations under USACC often provided emergency communications during natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, when civilian infrastructure was disrupted.
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Training and Certification: USACC was responsible for training soldiers and civilian volunteers in advanced communications techniques, including cryptography, radio operation, and troubleshooting, fostering a skilled communications workforce.
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Legacy and Reorganization: In the 1980s, USACC evolved into the US Army Information Systems Command (USAISC), but its legacy endures in today’s Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, with MARS continuing as a vital auxiliary communications asset.
