[KYHAM] War Imminent? What About Ham Radio???

[Ron Dodson]

>From all appearances, I would say that a confrontation with
Iraq ia imminent.  At this time I encourage all amateur
radio operators to check your equipment whether you are a
regular ARES member/supporter or whatever type operator
(NTS, DX etc.) you consider yourself. The days ahead may not
be hard on anyone except those with loved ones in the
conflict.  However there is also a possibility that
al-Quaeda or even Iraqi operatives may attempt to create
some sort of infrastructure disruptions stateside in an
effort to make us "feel" what the Iraqi nation is feeling. 
Likewise message traffic may need to be passed for a variety
of reasons.

For those fearing that war may close down amateur radio, I
remind you that the war powers act is greatly changed from
what it was in earlier war-time scenarios like WWI, WWII and
the cold war era.  This was passed on to me by WA4SWF from
our neighbor to the east in W.Va. 

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Thanks to Gail AB8S for this:

Will ham radio be shut down if war is declared? Some 
amateurs have been wondering if the FCC will shut down 
Amateur Radio in the event that war breaks out in the 
Middle East. The short answer is "no." Just prior to the 
Gulf War, �214.4(b)(4) of Title 47 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations was deleted. This section had mandated the 
closing of all Amateur Radio stations except Radio Amateur 
Civil Emergency Service (RACES) stations in the event that 
the president proclaimed a war or national emergency. The 
last time Amateur Radio was shut down was during World War 
II. While the Amateur Radio Service will not automatically 
be shut down if the president invokes the War Powers Act, 
Amateur Radio licensees must continue to observe any 
directives the FCC may issue in the interests of national 
security and of making spectrum available for government 
use. The FCC is directed to work in coordination with the 
National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) to issue "appropriate rules, 
regulations, orders and instructions" for use of the 
spectrum "as may be necessary to ensure the effective use 
of those portions of the radio spectrum shared by 
government and non-government users." Amateurs share most 
UHF spectrum with the US government. 

Mac McMillian, W8XF
ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator
West Virginia Section
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Couldn't have said it better myself!  Thanks folks, Everyone
stay alert and stay ready in the days ahead in the event
amateur radio must be activated in any of its many forms.

73, 
Ron Dodson, KA4MAP
SEC Ky.