In article , "Carl R. Stevenson"
writes:

"Dwight Stewart" wrote in message
. ..

It's not just a matter of national defense, Len. The pool of trained
operators concept also applies to civil defense, public service, and so
on.
As such, the concept is just as valid today.

True, but the paradigm has changed. When CW was the ONLY, or
even the DOMINANT mode of communication via radio, the need for
a pool of (CW) trained operators was legitimate.

You are right, but haven't pointed out that was a half century ago,
Carl. :-)

That is no longer the case. Trained ops, yes, but trained in what is
actually USED in modern day emergency communications, which is
overwhelmingly voice (VHF/UHF and HF SSB, and data modes).

It's no use trying to show reality in here, Carl. shrug

These folk are obediant servants of the Church of St. Hiram and all
things in amateur radio are as they were back before WW2. To
show reality and all the other radio services' modes and operations
is tantamount to heresy. Blasphemy, even...

LHA