Len Over 21 wrote:

Way back in 1958 any U.S. civilian could get on HF without any
code test or ANY other test. :-) Been that way ever since.

If playing in the Citizen's Band sandbox is what appeals to you,
Leonard, then on with your fun.

SGC's SG-2020 HF transceiver is sold to private boat owners who
don't have to take any morse test to operate it legally on HF. Not
even if they buy power amplifiers to boost 20 W output to 400 W.

If buying a boat in order to be able to operate marine radio equipment
as a secondary hobby is what turns you on, go for it.

Many, many, many government and military personnel operate on
HF quite legally every day without having to take any morse test
to "prove their technical ability" to be a "skilled radio operator."

You're a little old to re-up, Leonard but if you can obtain an age
waiver, I'm sure the military folks won't mind if you want to work some
military DX or chew the fat with a military station in Germany. Have a
blast.

Nope...in the US of A radio amateurs aren't "real" hams until they
pass that archaic morse test...sez the "amateur community."

One thing is for certain. Military ops, boat owners, CBer's and the
like aren't radio amateurs until they pass an amateur radio license
exam. Those others folks aren't a part of that "amateur radio
community" unless or until they do so. You should have that drill down
by now.

Dave K8MN