MARS.NTS (8/89) Sending Traffic to the MARS Networks The message format for traffic sent into the MARS networks is the same as that for any NTS traffic, with the following exceptions: o MARS traffic must include an entry in the time filed field in UTC (zulu) time. The date must be in UTC time, as well. When a message enters the MARS system, it loses its Amateur message number. The only way a MARS station can service a message back, if necessary, is by its time filed and date in UTC time. MARS traffic handlers call this the Date Time Group. o Do not assume that the post locator or the receiving station can easily find the addressee. Include as complete an address (including a telephone number), as possible. Also be sure to include the addressee's service number in 3x2x4 format. For example, 555-55-5555. As with any radiogram, try to keep the word count down. APO Traffic When sending APO traffic, a geographic location is not needed. There are several APO areas: o APO New York covers all of Europe. o APO Miami covers the Panama Canal Zone, parts of South America, and Puerto Rico. o APO San Francisco covers Hawaii, Japan, Korea, The Philipines, Australia, and some of the Pacific Islands. o APO Seattle covers Alaska and parts of Japan. FPO Traffic Messages addressed to anyone aboard a U.S. Naval or Coast Guard vessel cannot be sent through the NTS or any MARS network. The sender should use a Class "E" message through Western Union. Western Union requires the following Information: o Rank/Rate of Individual o Full Name (No nicknames) and Branch of Service o Social Security Number o Name of Ship, Department, Division, Etc. o FPO and Zip Code of Ship There is a charge for this service. Western Union will relay this message to the nearest Naval Communications Station. All FPO Traffic must have a geographic location. For example FPO San Francisco 96602 is Marine Mobile Forces Pacific and that covers a very large area. Look at the following message for an example: 47 R W6NTS ARL 8 Podunk Corners, IA 0300Z Dec 23 Lance Corpal John Smith 555-55-5555 Company A 000th Enginers Battalion Guam Island FPO San Francisco Ca. 96602 BT ARL Fifty X ARL Sixty one X love BT (Signed) Val, Elmer, and Albert AR Emergency Traffic Emergency traffic, such as a death in the immediate family, serious illness, etc., can be sent through the American Red Cross. There is no charge for this service. If you are contacted to file MARS emergency traffic, it is suggested that you refer the sender to the American Red Cross. An Example Message Here is an example of what an NTS message looks like for an APO address: 47R W6NTS ARL5 Podunk Corners, IA 0300Z Dec 23 To: SFC John Smith 000th MI Company, Room 000B APO SF 96301 BT ARL fifty ARL sixty one BT (Signed) Val, Elmer, and Albert AR This is the same message refiled into the MARS system: DE AAV9EB NR 049 R 240300Z Dec 89 FM W6NTS Podunk Corners, IA 0300Z ) Dec 23/AAV9EB NORCAL TO SFC John Smith 555-55-5555 000TH MI Company Room 000B APO SF CA 96301 GR 10 BT UNCLAS ARL Fifty ARL Sixty One SGD Val Elmer and Albert BT EOF