MEMBERS

K 2 F T S

HOW TO GET STARTED

Why get started with Amateur ‘Ham” radio?

“You can communicate from the top of a mountain, your home, or behind the wheel of your car, all without relying on the Internet or a cell phone network You can take radio wherever you go! In times of disaster, when regular communications channels fail, hams can swing into action assisting emergency communications efforts and working with public service agencies. For instance, the Amateur Radio Service kept New York City agencies in touch with each other after their command center was destroyed during the 9/11 tragedy. Ham radio also came to the rescue during Hurricane Katrina, where all other communications failed, and the devastating flooding in Colorado in 2013.” -ARRL “What’s the Appeal of Ham Radio”

ARRl - What is ham radio KD2YAE - MIlitary amateur radio

Why get an Amateur Radio License in the Military?

In the Army alone, there are about 50 enlisted MOS’ that the FCC Amateur Radio Technician’s license is listed on the COOL page. What does this mean? Not only do they have knowledge to make you better at your job, but they will be counted as civilian certification which equals promotion points!!

Technician - 10pts
General - 10pts
Extra - 10pts

So Let’s Get Started!

Why Flag and Torch Society?

Not only can we guide you through the journey of certification from actual service members, but as a Nonprofit, 501(c)3 we offer volunteering opportunities. You can give back to the cause in various, modern ways like: become a mentor, create content of instruction, share tips and tricks, teach the community like Boy Scouts, Join ARES/RACES/SHARES programs, become an advocate and sponsor of the organization, or even ways we have not mentioned. Everyone has talents that we are open to discuss gaining volunteer hours for. When enough impact is achieved, we can provide your organization with a validation of volunteer hours and impact to support your Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) which is an award that could also gain you promotion points.

We recommend starting with an Elmer!

Sign up for our membership and indicate you’d like an Elmer. You will be contacted by someone relatable: an actual licensed service member that has been through the process already. We can walk you through military applicability, studying, licensing, and giving back to the community. 

BECOME A MEMBER AND GET A MENTOR

I don’t like people and I don’t want a mentor.

That’s okay and we understand that. Remember that we made this organization to guide you through the process. We have found that We can give you all the resources in the world, but if you don’t have a mentor shaping your path, clarifying the content, and building you into a great communicator, you will never take a test or challenge yourself. So please reconsider… we aren’t that weird.

If you still decide against a mentor, it’s 3 easy steps!

Study, Practice, Test

You find all of our study references in our learning center from buying the ARRL amateur radio books to watching video series online (Dave Casler, Ham Radio 2.0, Ham Radio Crash Course)

Practice material can also be found on our learning center and downloadable on the Quizlet platform or at external resources like Ham Study, ham radio exam, and many others. Be aware that some services may change for their mobile applications. Our Quizlet platform is free for you to use!

Lastly, schedule and take your test. Any local club can facilitate this and we recommend reaching out to them. Through our mentorship program we will align you with local clubs and military users to help you out, but if you chose to do it online the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG) will administer the examination for FREE with a DOD ID at the time of testing.

CLICK ME TO VISIT THE LEARNING CENTER