Why Every Prepper Should Secure Their Ham License Before the SHTF

Or "I don't need no stinkin' LICENSE!"

Apr 22, 2025

I want to address something here regarding Amateur Radio Licensing. I’ve been involved in radios, engineering, and both professional and amateur communications for the majority of my life. I entered into Amateur Radio as a Kid, but took the “easy way out” and went into Citizen’s Band first, because “it was easier”. I had a terrible time learning Morse Code as a kid. Oh, I KNEW Morse Code, from learning dots and dashes on a piece of paper and sending code with flash lights.

It wasn’t until the 90s when I finally learned code sufficiently to pass the Code test for my license. Before my wife passed away last year, we had lived on a ship, we kept our home ready for disasters, and SHTF scenarios. Guns, Money, Food, Water, Radios, emergency power, everything but lawyers (who needs them anyway)…

We could feed our clan of seven at home in Colorado for months without external assistance if necessary. Over time and after 9-11 we changed our lives and downsized, moved to the ship and though we no longer had our clan with us, they’d all moved out and grew up, we still did prepping.

One thing I did was ensured we were licensed correctly for every circumstance. We each had our “Restricted Radio Operators License” (which is required in foreign countries to operation Marine radios if you’re out side the US). We had our Ship’s License for operating HF in the Marine bands. We both had our ham licenses as well.

We were involved in many forums on the Internet, and offline, about prepping, about survival material and so on.

Consistently, there was always (and still is) a small group of people within the prepper community who claim that having a license is more of a liability than it is a saving grace. They have plenty of excuses as to why NOT have a license, none of them are particularly valid either. I can see their logic, but disagree because what-ifs happen, and what-if we never have a disaster, or SHTF scenario?

Things aren’t going to get worse because you get a license. But let’s address the reasons you SHOULD get one. Survival and prepping isn’t a collection of stuff, it’s skill, knowledge and the ability to carry on when you literally have almost nothing to help you.

In an increasingly uncertain world, self-reliance is more than just stockpiling supplies—it’s about ensuring you have the skills, knowledge, and legal authority to operate critical communication systems when traditional infrastructure fails. For preppers, obtaining an amateur radio (ham) license isn’t merely a hobbyist’s pastime; it’s an essential step in preparedness. Below, we explore the key reasons why earning your ham ticket before the “SHTF” scenario is one of the most vital moves you can make.

1. Legal Authorization and Compliance

Operating on amateur radio frequencies without a license is illegal and can lead to hefty fines or equipment confiscation. Before disaster strikes, you’ll want to:

Avoid unintentional interference with public service or military communications.
Ensure you’re protected from potential legal repercussions when the FCC or other authorities resume normal operations.
Demonstrate credibility to neighbors and local officials that you’re a trained operator, not someone simply blasting across the airwaves.

By obtaining your Technician (or higher) class license, you gain lawful access to designated VHF/UHF bands—essential for local and regional communication in emergency nets.

2. Technical Proficiency and Confidence

The ham licensing process imparts foundational knowledge in radio theory, electronics, and operating procedures. This training equips preppers to:

Build, maintain, and troubleshoot your own radio equipment when parts are scarce.
Optimize antenna setups for maximum range and clarity, even under adverse conditions.
Understand propagation and frequency selection to avoid dead zones and maximize reach.

Without formal study, a prepper might not recognize issues like mismatched impedances or power supply failures until it’s too late. A ham license curriculum ensures you’re prepared to diagnose and resolve problems in the field.

3. Expanded Communication Privileges

Licensed hams enjoy privileges that far exceed those of unlicensed operators or short-range devices:

HF Bands (after General class): Communicate across continents when local infrastructure collapses.
Digital Modes: Use protocols like Winlink to transmit emails over radio, bypassing the Internet entirely.
Emergency Power Operation: License rules explicitly permit off-grid power sources—solar panels, batteries, or generators—to run your stations.

These capabilities mean you can coordinate with distant family members, relief organizations, or remote communities, even when cell towers and Internet backbones are down.

4. Integration into Established Emergency Networks

When “the grid goes dark,” official and volunteer organizations (e.g., ARES, RACES, Red Cross) turn to amateur radio operators to maintain communications. As a licensed ham, you can:

Join regular emergency nets, practicing protocols and building rapport long before a crisis.
Act as a liaison between isolated areas and emergency management agencies.
Relay vital information about medical needs, resource shortages, or safety alerts.

Participation in these networks during peacetime drills hones your skills and cements your role within the broader emergency communications ecosystem.

5. Community and Mutual Aid

Amateur radio is a global community built on cooperation. By earning your license, you’ll tap into:

Local radio clubs that offer mentorship, equipment loans, and antenna-site sharing.
Regional nets where operators routinely pass traffic—delivering greetings, news, and logistical updates.
Online forums and bulletin boards to crowdsource technical advice, parts scavenging tips, or gear recommendations.

A strong support network can mean the difference between being stranded without guidance and having dozens of experienced operators ready to assist.

6. Enhanced Situational Awareness

Licensed operators are often included in official alerting systems:

NOAA Weather Radio: While unlicensed listeners can receive, hams can rebroadcast critical weather bulletins on amateur frequencies.
SKYWARN Spotter Programs: Hams trained in severe weather spotting provide live updates to the National Weather Service.

This two-way flow of information ensures you’re among the first to know about impending threats—tornados, wildfires, or flash floods—and can warn neighbors or fellow preppers in real time.

7. Long-Term Value and Adaptability

Investing the time to study for and maintain your ham license pays dividends long after the initial crisis:

Lifelong learning: As technology evolves—digital voice, mesh networking, software-defined radios—licensed operators are the first to explore and implement new tools.
Portable operation: Knowledge of antenna tuning and power management allows you to set up in remote bug-out locations or vehicles.
Interoperability: You can easily adapt to peer-to-peer off-grid setups, linking with shortwave, MURS, FRS, or GMRS as needed.

By contrast, a prepper without licensing may find their investment in low-power or consumer‑grade radios severely limited when conflict or disaster disrupts standardized channels.

Common Excuses for Not Getting a License (and Why They Don’t Hold Up)

"I don't have time to study."
Reality: The Technician exam covers practical, real-world topics, and you can prepare in short sessions using study guides or mobile apps. Many preppers already dedicate time to skill-building—treat your license study the same way.
"It's too expensive."
Reality: Exam fees are typically under $35, and you can start on inexpensive entry-level gear or loaner radios from clubs. The cost of a fine or confiscated equipment far exceeds your upfront investment.
"I'll just use my phone or satellite messenger."
Reality: Cell networks and satellite services can fail, be jammed, or become prohibitively expensive. Ham radio works off-grid, with no monthly fees, and under license rules you can deploy alternative power sources.
"Amateur radio is too complicated."
Reality: The basics—how to key a mic, choose frequencies, and log contacts—are straightforward. Clubs offer hands-on training, and many resources exist to demystify technical jargon.
"I only plan to listen, not transmit."
Reality: While monitoring is valuable, transmitting lets you call for help, relay traffic, and participate in emergency nets. Listening without a license also leaves you unprepared for message formats and net procedures.
"I’ll get my license later—after a crisis."
Reality: Waiting means scrambling without foundational knowledge, risking legal issues, and missing the chance to network with other hams before disaster strikes.
"They’ll collect my personal information / privacy concerns."
Reality: While the FCC requires minimal personal details (name and address), your data is protected under federal privacy regulations. Many operators use PO boxes or club addresses to shield their home details. Ethical hams respect privacy, and the advantages of legal, reliable communication far outweigh these manageable concerns.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Disaster to Study

In the crucible of an emergency, communication is as critical as water or power. Delaying your ham license until after “the SHTF” means you’ll be scrambling—risking equipment missteps, legal violations, and missed opportunities to connect with vital networks.

Action Steps:

Enroll in a local ham radio class or use online resources to prepare for the Technician exam.
Join a radio club to get hands‑on practice with antennas and transceivers.
Participate in weekly nets to polish your operating skills.
Upgrade to General and Extra classes when ready, unlocking HF capabilities for wider reach.
Don’t fall prey to the mentality that taking time to learn and license are bad things.

By earning your ham license today, you secure your position as a capable, legal, and connected communicator—ready to serve yourself and your community when it matters most.

Until next time,

73 de N0NJY