[MilCom] MARS Narrowband Equipment Status?

[Ken]

Does anyone know if the various MARS programs are going to have to meet the 
new VHF high band narrow band equipment standards (such as CAP does) by 
January 2008?   Since MARS membership is primarily made up of Amateur radio 
operators, who use their normal amateur equipment both for HF & VHF 
operations, will most opted not to get new equipment for VHF?

Also wondering how active VHF nets are in the various areas of the country. 
In my area, I've yet to hear anything formal. I think there's a Navy MARS 
repeater on 150.4 (input 148.4) CTCSS 131.8  about 20 miles west of me 
(actually found the input during the Westfield Barnes Airshow this year). 
There also seems to be data packet (digi repeater) on 143.95.   Don't see 
too many posts on MARS VHF nets.

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area