Mmmmm. Not discourage ANYBODY from getting a ham radio BUT. A Bafeng VHF/UHF HT (Hand held/Handie Talkie) would only run you $35-. Add a power amp ($40-) to that HT's 5 watts you could get as much as 50 watts. Add a homebrew antenna ~ $10. You could have a great doomsday system for $85-. Put it all in a small plastic case like a ammo case and you are set.
The secret is to practice with your setup BEFORE the SHTF. To do that you will need a Technicians license.
Buy the
ARRL book, read it and study the questions (in the back of the text book), Take the test and VIOLA! You can use that Bafeng and practice.
