Field Radio Operations — Practical Radio Skills for Real-World Field Use

Field Radio Operations is a hands-on training program designed to take students from basic radio understanding to confident, real-world application. Each student is issued two radios for use throughout the course, allowing for continuous practice during lecture, programming sessions, and dynamic field scenarios. Building on concepts introduced in our Radio Made Easy and Mojave Repeater Basics classes, this course adds immersive outdoor fieldwork that develops true confidence through experience.

Why Choose the Field Radio Operations Course?

Hands-On Radio Training: Learn by doing with two radios assigned to each student for the full duration of the course.
Real-World Application: Move through woodland terrain, establish comms across distance, and solve radio-based challenges.
Scenario-Based Exercises: Engage in missions requiring communication, coordination, and problem-solving under realistic conditions.
Practical Skill Building: Expand on foundational radio skills with field-tested techniques you can rely on in both everyday use and emergency situations.

What You’ll Learn

Students will receive instruction in:
• Two-way radio operation and communication fundamentals
• Programming procedures and menu navigation
• Radio terminology, controls, and nomenclature
• Frequencies, bands, and channel organization
• Antenna types, setup, and performance considerations
• Repeater basics and practical repeater use
• Field communication strategies and best practices
• Radio scenario work in varied terrain
• Problem-solving in low-visibility and distance-based challenges

Course Format

Instruction includes:
• Classroom lecture covering radio theory and operation
• Guided programming sessions using the radios provided
• Field communication exercises conducted across the property
• Scenario-based missions requiring students to traverse the woods, relay information, and coordinate movement
• Optional overnight camping for extended practice in a field environment

Provided Gear

• Two radios issued to each student for use during the course

Required Gear

• Notepad
• Pen or pencil
• Food, snacks, and water for the duration of the course
• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for wooded terrain
• Optional: Overnight camping gear if staying on-site

Who Should Attend?

This course is perfect for:
• Students new to radios who want clear and practical instruction
• Outdoorsmen, bushcrafters, hikers, and leaders needing reliable communication skills
• Individuals interested in repeaters, programming, and effective antenna use
• Anyone wanting realistic, hands-on radio practice beyond classroom-only instruction
• Students preparing for emergency or disaster communication scenarios

Additional Information

• Start Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: Ringtown, Pennsylvania
• On-Site Amenities:
  • PortaJohn bathrooms available.
  • Students will have access to their vehicles during class.
  • Freshwater is available on-site, but we recommend bringing additional water.
• An email with more details about the class will be sent one week prior.