ZCZC AX02
QST de W1AW?
Special Bulletin 2 ARLX002
From ARRL Headquarters?
Newington CT February 3, 2021
To all radio amateurs?
SB SPCL ARL ARLX002
ARLX002 MARS Announces Schedule of Dates for 60-Meter Interoperability?
The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) has announced dates in 2021 during which MARS members will operate on 60 meters for interoperability with the amateur radio community. Some dates coincide with quarterly Department of Defense Communications Exercises (COMEX).?
All exercises will begin on channel 1 as the initial calling channel and move to other 60-meter working channels as may be appropriate.?
"In addition to voice calls, I want to introduce passing ICS 213 messages in both voice and digital modes to enhance the overall interop experience," said US Army MARS Chief Paul English, WD8DBY.?
English continues, "Our exercises will yield the frequencies to other scheduled exercises or mission activations, which may be called by other agencies for interop support (e.g., hurricane, wildfire, etc). We regularly instruct MARS members to work cooperatively with the amateur radio community during the use of the 60-meter interop channels. We will continue to track our 60-meter usage and activities."?
English said he plans to provide a quarterly usage report of 60-meter interoperability activities.?
The interoperability schedule is as follows:?
February 23 - 27
Exercise: DOD COMEX 21-1
Location: CONUS?
March 1 - 7?
Exercise: Interop Outreach?
Location CONUS?
April 3 - 10
Exercise: Interop Outreach
Location CONUS?
April 30 - May 6?
Exercise: DOD COMEX 21-2?
May 7 - 8
Exercise: Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Test
Location: CONUS?
June 1 - 6
Exercise: Interop Outreach
Location CONUS?
July 5 - 10
Exercise: Interop Outreach
Location CONUS?
July 20 - 22
Exercise: DOD COMEX 21-3
Location: CONUS?
August 2 - 8
Exercise: Interop Outreach
Location CONUS?
September 1 - 6
Exercise: Interop Outreach
Location CONUS?
October 1 - 31
Exercise: DOD COMEX 21-4?
Location: CONUS
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/EX
Source:?W1AW Bulletin via the ARRL.
ND8W