HAM Radio Course

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

08.27.2020

Story by Cpl. Menelik Collins 

II MEF Information Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2020)— Approximately 30 U.S. Marines with 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (II MIG), participated in one of three HAM Amateur Radio General Licensing Courses on base as part of the group’s High Frequency Auxiliary Initiative, Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2020.

The course places Marines in peer-to-peer contingencies to imitate real-world scenarios for the benefit of communication Marines within garrison and for those to be forward deployed.
The course, known as the technician’s course, teaches Marines about: HAM radio frequency and propagation theory, frequency band allocation, conventional and field-expedient antenna theory—in addition to basic HAM radio operations and control.

“It gives them another avenue to use in case things go wrong,” said Dave Wood, the lead instructor of the course.

HAM radios make for an effective, alternative communication method, because they rely on radio waves rather than satellites or internet.
Wood explained that U.S. Marines trained in HAM radios, while forward deployed, will be able to get a signal within a dead zone, where they normally wouldn’t be able to.

“The more you know the better off you are for the Marine Corps.” Wood said. “If you’re going to be in the communications section of the Marine Corps, it’s very advantageous [learning HAM Radios] because it will give additional training paths that they normally wouldn’t have.”

HAM radios, (also known as amateur radios) are commonly used as a hobby and depending how much an individual invests on equipment, a user can communicate across town or the world—without internet connection—but II MIG views them as potential lifelines in a highly-contested environment.
“Doing this [HAM Amateur Radio General Licensing Course] would help reinforce all the knowledge we have already gained,” said Cpl. Cole Scott, a crypto digital network operator with 2nd Radio Battalion, II MIG. “When all communication goes down, we still have HAM radios.”

The four-day course is entry level, but Marines can take two follow-on courses to increase their capabilities.

“We can use HAM radio operators to maintain communication and get reports from the area,” said Scott. “It’s critical for emergency response and promotes technical understanding.”

With an everchanging environment, Marines will adapt to newer and better technology to face near-peer adversaries. By utilizing HAM radios, Marines will remain a well-rounded force, capable of balancing the technology of yesterday and tomorrow.

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• Date Taken: 08.27.2020
• Date Posted: 09.04.2020 10:37
• Story ID: 377390
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US