Jim,
Boy, you do know how to start a dog fight! <gg>
<< Which one has more members generally ? >>
For any given area Army MARS probably has more members on the books than Navy-Marine Corps MARS. How that translates to actual active members I don't know.
<< Which provides the best training ? >>
I would think the training programs are very similar. The real question is how good is the training in the area you live. I can't speak for Army MARS, but NAVMARCORMARS training in Pennsylvania is some of the best in the NorthEast.
<< Which has a more "real" emergency communications role? >>
The roles are identical for both services, actually for all three services. The primary mission for MARS now is support to DoD, state governments, local governments, and (occasionally) NGO served agencies, in that order.
<< I appeciate any guidance I have both applications ready to go and haven't decided which to submit. Thanks for any help you may give. >>
I'm sure Bill, NNN0GCP, the State Director for Pennsylvania, will be more than happy to talk to you and to receive your application. If you would like his email address, contact me and I'll be happy to supply it.
73
Lon, NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW ONE MDE
Proudly serving those who serve
PS - I feel sure you'll be hearing from the Army MARS guys, too.
