Ozarks Sustainment Radio Course

OSRC is an introductory course on handheld radio communications protocol in emergency or grid-down/SHTF scenarios.

Firstly, we will discuss a handful of frequency ranges, what they are called, and how you can utilize them.

Secondly, we will get familiar with our radios. For this course we will be using the Baofeng AR-5RM, the new and greatly improved version of the ubiquitous UV-5R which is used globally by enthusiasts and dissidents alike. These radios are highly capable, relatively easy to use, and inexpensive. Their ability to transmit on a vast range of frequencies, coupled with their 10 watts of power output, make them a perfect option for our purposes.

Thirdly, a disclaimer about FCC guidelines will need to take place. Our unelected overlords in the Federal Communications Commission have granted themselves dominion over the electromagnetic waves that surround us and have graciously decided to allow us citizens use a tiny fraction of them. A slightly larger fraction is granted with a $35 government permission slip after having passed a test containing 35 random question from a pool of several hundred questions.

To be very clear, many of the tactics discussed in the course are currently and technically in violation of FCC rules without an Amateur Radio Technician License. However, unlicensed usage of licensed frequencies is permissible in emergency situations (see here and here). It is also generally accepted that "test transmissions" need not necessitate a license.

Furthermore, rules are not laws, and the FCC is not a law enforcement agency – they cannot arrest you and they cannot criminally prosecute you. They can send you mean letters and they can "recommend" a forfeiture of assets (basically a fine), though for the latter they must ask the Department of Justice to enforce or collect it for them. If things get – and especially stay – really bad, the last thing you will need to worry about is a letter from the FCC.

In this course you will learn what rules can be broken with extremely low (but non-zero) risk of enforcement in present times. To quote Don Shift, author of Basic SHTF Radio:

"There are too many frequencies, too much country, and too few people to sit around and listen to everything."

Finally, we will conclude the course by making what is called a "band plan" for you and your squad to use for sustainment communication. Those of us comfortable with heading out into the forest to hazard some unauthorized transmissions are welcome to practically apply that which we have learned and to test out your squad's custom band plan. The course will take place out in the country and the likelihood of a federal agent intercepting and prosecuting our test transmissions is for you to consider. For what it's worth, I do have my Technician license and am willing to take heat from the feds if need be 🙂

Please see the Shopping List page for both required and recommended materials for the course.