In article , "Dee D. Flint"
writes:

Newcomers with any gumption can have some HF if they choose to pass the
code.

Hoops. Jump through the hoops like good little doggies. Arf, arf.

As a newcomer to HF 51 years ago, I got on HF without needing one bit
of morse code knowledge, skill, or anything else.

HF propagation hasn't changed since then. Solar cycles are still cycling.

The only difference is that hams have solid-state toys now instead of
glass, metal, and vacuum active devices. Some still insist on ON-OFF
keying of their carriers, even with sophisticated radios that can do much
more.

Tech study guide and test does include some very basic questions on
HF propagation, procedures, rules, etc. Unfortunately too many instructors
ignore the HF side of things and don't bother to give much encouragement to
go after the code so then the students end up on VHF/UHF only.

52 years ago I had good instructors at Fort Monmouth. Spent seven
months there before being assigned to the 71st Sig Svc Bn in Tokyo.
Only time us students had a code key was a one-afternoon hands-on
class that had two-tube MOPA HF transmitters...to learn how basic HF
technology was...and, in ham radio, still exists over a half century later.
The code key was needed solely for "turning on transmitter's emission."

None of the students had to use any morse code for any purpose later.
In Tokyo, army station ADA had 42 transmitters ranging in RF power
output from 1 to 40 KW. Absolutely no on-off keying CW used then,
wasn't used in 1978 when the HF facility was disbanded and returned to
the Japanese.

My
instructor, many moons ago, really emphasized going for the "complete" Tech
license (Novice written + Tech written + code). I'm glad he did.

Wow, yeah, full hoop set. Good for you.

Now, if someone invents a time machine, you can hop back to 1953 and
serve your country doing "radio" just like they did back then. Except the
VHF, UHF, and microwave stuff, of course.

LHA / WMD