Ham operators are understood to have a role in coordinating disaster communications but it's on a voluntary basis. They're no more or less subject to being drafted than anyone else. Your name and address does end up in a public database, however. (I'm talking about the United States. I have no idea about anywhere else.)
All you'll need to do is show up with a photo ID and take a written exam, but you will likely have trouble getting a photo ID without registering for selective service (if you're a male 18-25). That's how they got me, I refused to register because I believed the draft was unjust, but was pressured into getting a driver's license and had to sign my draft card to get it.
To be honest we've reached the end of my expertise but I think that would work. This thread from 2007 says it will work as long as you don't represent a foreign government.
Comments
Ham operators are understood to have a role in coordinating disaster communications but it's on a voluntary basis. They're no more or less subject to being drafted than anyone else. Your name and address does end up in a public database, however. (I'm talking about the United States. I have no idea about anywhere else.)
You can get your license using a PO box... it's not perfect, but its better than giving everyone your home address.
Does not registering for selective service impact your ability to get a ham licence? I know it impacts some things.
All you'll need to do is show up with a photo ID and take a written exam, but you will likely have trouble getting a photo ID without registering for selective service (if you're a male 18-25). That's how they got me, I refused to register because I believed the draft was unjust, but was pressured into getting a driver's license and had to sign my draft card to get it.
Could you get a driver's license in another country?
To be honest we've reached the end of my expertise but I think that would work. This thread from 2007 says it will work as long as you don't represent a foreign government.
https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/ham-license-for-no...
Looking at the current form 605 it still doesn't seem to list any citizenship requirement, only that you do not represent a foreign government.
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/NCVEC_Form_605_July_2022...
I think the deciding factor would be whether you can convince the examiner the ID is legitimate.