"I’m a ham already (Tech), why should I become a General?"

Just some musings over this topic that I hope will generate some discussion.I think the majority of LDS hams get a license in the first place for preparedness reasons more than anything else. The GREAT majority of those (and this is true of all hams really) don't go beyond Technician.For those who never actually get on the radio and use it, I can see why General holds no interest, but for the rest, the difference in operating privileges is HUGE. HF offers so many more possibilities for getting information, even regionally, that it is well worth studying and taking the test.In a major incident, many repeaters will be down, and using simplex on 2 meters is very limiting. Many regional nets are held on 80m or 40m (HF).The General test really isn't harder than the Tech, the questions are just different and more detailed. It's even the same length.  You don't have to have a bunch of radio experience to pass either though I'm sure it helps (I had zero myself when I took it).Now, granted, the Extra test a whole new ball-game and is indeed challenging and very technical, but the operating differences between General and Extra are quite minimal.Try HF with a General class ticket, you'll like it! I enjoyed HF so much I didn't use VHF/UHF for the first 5 or 6 years of being a ham.You can do it, I have no doubt, and you won't have to rely on anyone else for communication and information!Best 73,AC0PR