Actually around the time I was first licensed I remember reading about a 5 year old that passed his test, and this was when they required a 5 wpm code test and the answers to the tests were not made available beforehand

You will not be able to monitor most emergency communication with a scanner because much of it now is encrypted. Plus, you jumped all over ham radios based obviously on social media reports, or you would know that they can also be used to monitor (but not talk on) the same emergency frequencies for which you would pay much more to hear on a scanner.

Cahill, uh rah, check the ARRL website for local Amateur (HAM) clubs. Some clubs hold free classes for the 3 llicense levels. Also, ARRL sells the study guides for the different levels. There are APPs you can use to take practice test on line. Good luck. Semper Fi

Dr. Bill,

I have experience with long range radio in the USMC 1972-1976.
However I know almost nothing about Hamm operations. Where can I start to learn about HAMM Radio OPS?

Thank You Sir

I did 30 years as an EW guy in the military. I am also a FEMA instructor trainer (I train the instructors) in continuity of govt/disaster relief. What Hawkeyes said is pretty accurate.

For those of you worried about the govt “jamming” communications or tracking you, in a true SHTF scenario (which in an EMP event it will be) you give too much credit to the men in black helicopters. Jamming is highly environmentally and equipment sensitive. The military and fed govt just isn’t set up to try to disrupt people inside CONUS, nor would they want to. Instead, just like Katrina, they will rely upon the Ham network (if available) during a major event to back up or replace the regular comm lines.

If you haven’t done any research on Faraday cages and how to build them to protect your gear, you need to get started. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3844720/Are-risk-solar-storms-Map-reveals-Minnesota-worst-hit-blasts-knock-power-millions.html is a link to EMP data Here is a discussion on Faraday cages and a link on how to build small ones. You could use a 18 wheeler shipping container for a big one. http://modernsurvivalblog.com/emp-electro-magnetic-pulse/what-to-store-in-a-faraday-cage-for-emp-protection/

Or hand crank. I have a hand crank radio with a USB charger port

Get a kiddie pool and fill it with water. Then get an inflatable raft and sit in it and float in the kiddie pool with your VHF Marine setup. I would bet that technically this qualifies as a boat and keeps marine VHF legal on “land”.!