AIR FORCE MARS: Providing the Reins of Command--in Emergencies

Page Last updated on Wednesday, 21-May-2008 09:54:58 EDT

The primary mission of the Frequency Measuring and Monitoring Program (FYMON) is to provide a self policing capability for USAF MARS frequencies. Self policing should minimize the number of infraction reports issued by international monitoring stations as a result of on-the-air violations by MARS stations, provide an accurate means of setting frequencies for networks, and foster compliance with operating directives. Each designated FYMON station shall have the ability to observe and measure basic signal parameters, report instances of below standard operation, and assist in the correction of these discrepencies.

The Region MARS Director (RMD) in each MARS region is responsible for the establishment and support of a FYMON program. A Chief FYMON will be appointed by each RMD, who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the FYMON program in his/her region.

The Chief FYMON will appoint frequency monitors, provide training, and insure that state of the art techniques for frequency measuring and monitoring are employed. Individual Frequency Monitors are responsible for meeting net assignments, maintaining equipment within required tolerance, and providing reports as required

Region 3 USAF MARS members wishing to be appointed as FYMONs should contact the Region 3 MARS Chief FYMON. The requesting station must have a transceiver with the high stability option installed. An accurate frequency counter is another requirement. Most Region 3 FYMONs use the "voice color" method which is to listen for the correct tone of voice. This works well for those FYMONs who have been in the program long enough to be familiar with the voice of most members.

The following Region 3 stations currently hold an appointment as a FYMON station: