Got Ham (Radio)? by Scipio

Most of us have gaps in our preps.  Some gaps are because of the time and money to get it completed, others because of lack of knowledge or training, simple neglect, or not just getting “round to it.”

For me, being ex-military and an Imjin Scout infantry sergeant, that part of training/experience was already done before I got started prepping.  As I began to take care of the water, food, shelter, bug out (bags & locations), weapons, ammo, medical, like minded community relationships, etc. and the associated training, it became obvious comms was a huge gap in my preps.

Early on I got some cheap FRS “walkie-talkie” radios aware of their limitations, but I didn’t want to go the studious Ham route or try GMRS, although that is a very good option. (That is going to be next on my bucket list BTW).

One day I was reading or listening (I don’t remember) to NC Scout talk about the benefits of Ham radios, and he inspired me to go for it.  That was four years ago!

We all have disruptions in our plans, and I did also. Six weeks ago, I said to myself, I have got to get this done.  I bought the updated study materials; the ones I bought four years ago were out of date!

I studied and took online tests before I took the FCC Technician test a week ago.  Despite not being a technical person, (a history major for crying out loud), being 79 years old, and battling Agent Orange caused diabetes and cancer, I scored 100 on the test, call sign KR4CUE.

You can do it to.  Don’t let time, expense, disruptions or discouragement stop you from attaining some form of adequate comms.