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20 or so people in there, half of them under 30 going for their technician. I was one of 2 in there to upgrade to general, and one showed up for the highest class, amateur extra. Anyways, I ask this kid (22-25yo) "Why are you getting into ham radio"? He matter-of-factly said, "For the upcoming zombie apocalypse". I laughed and half the room turned around, glad to proclaim the same, hell even bragging about it! A couple more admitted that they were embarrased to say that but essentially that is why they were there. I found out with a little...

Freepers: Due to last night's storms in Central Arkansas, our family found out the HARD WAY just how important communications (commo) is when the power goes out, telephone lines get blown down, the cell towers are destroyed, and we are left in the dark with multiple tornados inbound.Anyways, I wanted to solicit Freepers help on unconventional communications with family such as Citizen Band (CB), FRS, GMRS, etc. I am going to attend our Central Arkansas Ham Radio meeting next month and see about going "one step further" to get my ham radio license. Please read below for my situational needs.

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq , July 18, 2008 – Army Sgt. Jason Ruckman had a desire to be part of something that would make a difference. Six years ago, he joined the Army to whet his appetite for adventure, and he has never looked back. Army Sgt. Jason Ruckman, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, pulls security while on a mission in Yusifiyah, about 30 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 21, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jodi Krippel  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “Since I was in middle school, I’ve always wanted...

AL-ASAD, Iraq — Communication and data exchange are vital tools in the war on terrorism. The United States’ ability to have a sustained strategic battlefield and base-to-base communication system provides all service members an advantage in everyday operations. Marine Wing Communication Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provides the vital communication link between several bases operating in western Anbar Province and with units back in the states. “We are a centralized communication unit that provides 24-hour continual service to support all operations and facilitate the movement of all information on and off the base,”...

AMERICAN peace activist Scott Parkin arrived back in the US today under guard after Australian authorities detained him in a Melbourne jail for five days for being a "national security risk". The 36-year-old Texan history teacher was also given a bill for almost $11,700 after his brush with Australian authorities. Mr Parkin said he was made to feel like a terrorist and a criminal and remains baffled as to why six police officers "snatched him off the street" as he left a Melbourne cafe last Saturday. He said he was interrogated and spent the next five days in solitary confinement...

THE deportation of US activist Scott Parkin has taken place, with the Department of Immigration confirming he was put on a plane out of the country this morning. Peace protesters had gathered at Melbourne Airport early today in anticipation that he was about to be kicked out. Waving signs saying "Thanks for your non-violence, Scott" and "Peace is the Word", the protesters had hoped to get access to Mr Parkin before he was forced to leave. A supporter, Iain Murray, said it was ludicrous that Mr Parkin, a 36-year-old history teacher, was considered a threat to Australia. "The only threat...