AF Form 3666: MARS Station License & ID Card (Download)

AF Form 3666: MARS Station License & ID Card (Download) – AF Form 3666: Military Affiliate Radio System Station License and Identification Card is the official document issued to members of the U.S. Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (AFMARS or Air Force MARS). It serves as both a station license authorizing operation on MARS frequencies and a personal identification card for affiliates participating in this vital Department of Defense volunteer program.

Licensed amateur radio operators (hams) in the United States use AF Form 3666 to formally affiliate with Air Force MARS. The form confirms their authorization to support contingency HF radio communications for national security, emergency response, and military morale missions.

What Is the Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (AFMARS)?

AFMARS is a DoD-sponsored volunteer program under Air Combat Command (ACC). It organizes licensed amateur radio operators to provide high-frequency (HF) contingency communications when normal systems are unavailable or overloaded. Key missions include:

  • Supporting Department of Defense communications requirements
  • Providing phone patches and message traffic for deployed military personnel
  • Assisting in disaster response and emergency communications
  • Training members to operate effectively in military-style radio networks

Unlike a standard FCC amateur radio license, MARS affiliation allows operators to use specific military-authorized frequencies outside the normal amateur bands for official support tasks. Air Force MARS operates alongside Army MARS and other service components as part of the broader Military Auxiliary Radio System.

Purpose of AF Form 3666

AF Form 3666 functions as the member’s official proof of affiliation. It identifies the holder as a authorized MARS station operator and includes details such as:

  • Member’s name and call sign (often in the AFA#xx format for full members or AFT#xx during training)
  • Station information and capabilities
  • Authorization to operate on assigned MARS frequencies
  • Signature from the Chief, USAF MARS or designated authority

During the initial training phase, trainees may receive a training-status version of the form. Upon successful completion of training and assignment of a permanent call sign, the Chief, USAF MARS issues the full AF Form 3666. This card, paired with AF Form 3661 (Personnel Action Notification), documents membership status, net assignments, and operational authorizations.

The form is referenced in older Air Force instructions (such as AFI 33-106) and DoD materials related to materiel disposition and auxiliary programs, underscoring its role in identifying authorized MARS affiliates.

Who Needs AF Form 3666?

You need this form if you want to join Air Force MARS as a volunteer. Eligibility generally requires:

  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Valid FCC amateur radio license (any class; no specific class required for Air Force MARS)
  • Capability to operate an HF radio station (voice and digital modes on 2-30 MHz frequencies)
  • Willingness to complete required training and meet minimum participation hours (typically including quarterly on-air duty)
  • Agreement to abide by DoD and AFMARS rules and regulations

MARS is open to civilian hams, as well as active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel who hold an FCC amateur license. It is not limited to Air Force members—volunteers from any background can participate.

How to Obtain AF Form 3666?

  1. Submit a Membership Application — Use the current AFMARS Membership Application (Form 3660, revised as of January 2026). Email the completed form along with a copy of your FCC amateur radio license to the appropriate contact (e.g., [email protected] or a regional recruiter).
  2. Initial Processing — A State MARS Director (SMD) reviews the application, then forwards it to the Regional MARS Director (RMD). The RMD assigns a training call sign (AFT#xx) and issues AF Form 3661 for training net participation. A training-status AF Form 3666 may also be provided.
  3. Complete Training — Finish the required initial training (usually within 180 days), including net control station familiarization and security training. Trainees must demonstrate the ability to operate effectively on MARS nets.
  4. Full Membership — Upon successful completion, the RMD updates your assignment and call sign (typically to AFA#xx format). The Chief, USAF MARS then issues the permanent AF Form 3666 Station License and Identification Card.
  5. Download Official Form — The blank or reference version of AF Form 3666 is available through Air Force e-Publishing channels. Current links include physical PDF and EPUB formats hosted at static.e-publishing.af.mil.

Always verify the latest application process on the official Air Force MARS site (afmars.com) or the ACC AFMARS page, as procedures can be updated by leadership.

  • AF Form 3660 — Membership Application (current version as of 2026)
  • AF Form 3661 — Personnel Action Notification (used for call sign assignments, net changes, and status updates)
  • Other internal forms cover station modifications or additional capabilities

These forms work together to manage membership, training status, and operational assignments within the AFMARS database.

Why Join Air Force MARS?

Participating in MARS offers licensed hams a unique opportunity to:

  • Serve the nation by supporting military and contingency communications
  • Develop advanced HF operating skills in a structured environment
  • Participate in phone patch, message handling, and emergency comms nets
  • Connect with a dedicated community of skilled radio operators
  • Contribute during disasters or when military units need auxiliary support

The program has a long history, celebrating over 100 years of auxiliary radio support to U.S. forces.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • You must already possess an operational HF station capable of MARS frequencies before full acceptance in many cases.
  • Training is mandatory for new members (with limited exceptions for prior experience or active duty personnel).
  • Participation involves minimum time commitments on training and operational nets.
  • All operations must follow strict DoD and FCC rules regarding authorized frequencies and message content.

For the most current information, visit the official sources:

Download AF Form 3666 references here:

Always cross-check with afmars.com or official Air Force e-Publishing for the latest revisions, as forms and procedures evolve.

If you are a licensed amateur radio operator interested in serving through contingency communications, applying for Air Force MARS membership and receiving your AF Form 3666 is the first step toward becoming an authorized affiliate. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who help keep critical communication pathways open for America’s military.

This article is for informational purposes only. Contact official AFMARS channels for membership guidance and current requirements.