Hi y'all,

Is having my own handheld fm radio like the link below useful for GTM1, encamoment/ncsa staff, etc?

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-82-Two-Way-136-174MHz-400-520MHz/dp/B00E4KLY34/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1KLKNNB6KSU69&keywords=handheld+fm+radio+walkie+talkie&qid=1639590150&sprefix=handheld+fm+radio+wa%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-4

Thanks,
Yolo

I would say no for a couple of reasons:

- If you need a radio, you'll get issued one.  Adding a radio to the mix means adding more traffic to the net, which complicates things unnecessarily.

- There's issues and extra steps with programming personal radios with CAP info.  If it's not prohibited it's definitely regulated.

I'll defer to the actual comm folks for specifics.  I only know how to work a PTT button.

BaoFeng radios are not approved for CAP use.

If you're looking for something cheap and compliant, find a used HT1000,
however as indicated you'll still (probably) need assistance of a
Comm Officer to program it.

You'll also need an iCut.

Assuming you got something that supported it, NHQ prohibits encryption being loaded
on personally owned radios, so any mission that used encryption you'd be NORDO anyway.

There's no reason to use encryption at all during encampments, and little to none
during other missions, but there's always one Commo who insists on making life harder then it
needs to be.

Best bet is to save your money and use an issued one when it's required.

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/emergency-services/radio/communications/radios-radio-network

Besides the ancient HT1000, you can also find Motorola XTS2500, 3000, and 5000 that are fine for CAP use. Plus, there are EFJ 5100/51ES radios available on EvilBay.

As for being issued one if you need it, not always as there is not always a radio available. BTDT. I've been on missions/exercises/activities where there is 1 handheld available and 10 people who need them. The ISRs just didn't have the range.

Even National acknowledges the Table of Allowances does not provide for all the highest level needs, let alone the second tier needs. So, member owned radios will continue to be useful, some might argue needed, for the foreseeable future.

Very anecdotally, the replacement of the individually issued handhelds with the APX 4000 six-packs is helping a bit - the handhelds are no longer disappearing into wing staff / IC nightstands etc.

Quote from: arajca on December 15, 2021, 07:12:30 PMEven National acknowledges the Table of Allowances does not provide for all the highest level needs, let alone the second tier needs. So, member owned radios will continue to be useful, some might argue needed, for the foreseeable future.

NHQ is becoming increasingly hostile towards member-owned equipment being used on CAP frequencies. Lots of talk of OPSEC and secret squirrel missions that are very important but we aren't allowed to know about.

CAP OPSEC in action:

Quote from: NovemberWhiskey on December 15, 2021, 07:18:02 PMVery anecdotally, the replacement of the individually issued handhelds with the APX 4000 six-packs is helping a bit - the handhelds are no longer disappearing into wing staff / IC nightstands etc.

Yep, I've got 3 issued in my squadron alone (GTLs).