Amateur radio has world support by many governments. Skilled radio operaters use ham radio in time of war and public service such as emergencies, Natural disasters floods,earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons. Fairfield Skywarn is a National Weather Service national program of trained volunteer severe weather spotters. Skywarn volunteers support their local community and government by providing the NWS with timely and accurate severe weather reports. Local Skywarn Nets Field Day is just one of many public service type activities held every year in June.
Amateurs take their equipment outdoors using a generater for power.
They test their skills in case of disaster. They test their equipment and make a contest out of the exercise. I have installed a simplex phone patch which operates in this area. For All Link SARA Message Board I have installed a simplex phone patch which operates in this area. The way communications is accomplished is just as interesting as the people you get to meet.