As if the average American has a license or a radio.
When the SHTF you won't need a stinkin license. You will of course need at least a firearm and ammo.
“As if the average American has a license or a radio.”
Maybe not, but there are enough ham radio operators with gear that every neighborhood should be able to have communications of some kind.
I consider myself average. I have both amateur and GMRS licenses and multiple portable radios for each. Generator, fuel, etc. I'll be able to listen in. Not sure I'd be too keen on transmitting much.
Actually for folks so inclined - get a radio or radios now. You do not need a license to own one, nor to listen in on anything. You only need the license if you plan on transmitting. If an "adversary" has radio direction finding equipment you probably don't want to transmit anyway. Besides, if we're at the point where we're exchanging info via localized amateur and GMRS radios because everything else is down then getting tagged for an FCC violation is going to be the least of your worries.
It’s not hard to get one. Even *mention* you are thinking of it and we will come out of the woodwork with advice and encouragement.
In an emergency, the license is not needed. Understanding the radios however, and having channels and comms set up for your family and MAG(mutual aid group) are needed and other than those who have taken an interest, will be too late for most.
Many do.