In some of John's video's I see him with a radio; if I recall correctly, he said it was a Baofeng radio. What model/series does he (or anyone in the WPSN) recommend?

What do you want to do with the radio? ~5 mile squad comms? SHTF message relay for your community? What kind of scenarios do you want it to be useful in? I got my ham license at 15 (moderately easy $15 exam) and I highly recommend it for all fellow Warrior Poets, but there are other ways of using nice radios without A) taking any test and B) running afoul of the FCC and possibly getting a target on your back. LMK if you want to talk some time; I'd love to share. I can also recommend some products based on what you want to do/prepare for. I'm in the process of getting a bunch of guys at my church licensed and involved in local community emergency comms stuff.

Thanks for reaching out. The first thought was for the ability to communicate in/within a MAG community; this includes squad/team comms as well as ability to communicate outside that group if necessary. If there is a complete breakdown of society in my urban/suburban area, I will leave (bug out) to another location but that is well over 600 miles away; relay radio messages would be only means to communicate that far.

Hey Matt, I couldn't tell you which type of radio John uses, but I would advise that you consider different options before making a radio purchase.

Baofeng is a good CHEAP radio, you won't find anything better for that price. But they are limited in use, and have a short life. Personally, I would recommend getting a ham license, and buying a quality radio. The Yeasu FT-60 is a great starter radio. You can listen to ham radio without a license, but you are very limited in transmitting without one.

A couple things to consider. Radio is like any other skill we have. Anybody can throw a punch but that doesn't make them a fighter. The same goes for radios, anybody can turn one on and push the PTT button but that doesn't make you an radio guy. The point is that skills are perishable and understanding how to use a radio is no exception. Additionally when it comes to our gear we are all familiar with concepts of good, better, and best and good enough. With that being said comms gear should fall into the same category as medical gear and fighting gear. Buy once cry once so spend the money on quality gear that will last you for many years to come. Some of my radios are over a decade old and still going strong.

Now for the Baofeng part. Baofeng makes a cheap but usable radio, they aren't fancy, they aren't durable, they aren't quality, but they do work. The beauty of Baofeng is that they they are so cheap that they are pretty much disposable. Thus my recommendation is that you go get you ham ticket, learn about radio, and go buy a quality unit or two that will last you a very long time.

Baofeng radios are solid and cheap. They are not strictly legal on most frequencies they can transmit on, but no one cares as long as you aren't being disruptive (don't broadcast at 8 watts on a frequency you're only allowed to do 0.5 watts). I paid for a GMRS license so I can broadcast at higher power levels (no test required) and take advantage of repeaters. I want that extra power capability in case I actually need it, such as if I'm out in the sticks and need to call for rescue. Mind your power levels, don't interfere with other peoples' stuff, and you won't attract the attention of the big bad FCC.

Watch some of this guys stuff. I enjoy his humor and he has some good info to share.

https://www.youtube.com/c/NotaRubiconProductions