Here are some thoughts on how to become a Ham....

Amateur radio is the premier high-tech hobby. It's enjoyed by people from all walks of life from around the world. The rules for becoming an amateur (ham) radio operator vary from country to country around the world.
 
It's never been so easy to get into ham radio. All ham radio operators must be licensed before they can legally operate. This differs a great deal from the CB  and FRS services which require no licenses, and are of minimal value.

Amateur radio operators must be licensed because they are given transmitting privileges on a wide variety of frequencies and are allowed to use just about any equipment imaginable, even home built radios. Amateurs are allotted not single specific frequencies but whole band ranges of different frequencies to operate on. These frequencies and methods of transmission are specified by FCC rules and so it is necessary to be familiar with your operating limitations in order to transmit lawfully.

In order to qualify for an amateur radio license, you must pass certain tests to determine that you have the required knowledge. Fortunately, the tests are not terribly difficult for most people. 

There are three license levels where each class grants greater privileges to the individual. There is a single written test for each license class.
The license classes are:
Technician Class - this is the entry level license. It gives privileges on all amateur frequencies above 50 Mhz and is the most popular. It requires only a written test.
General Class - this is the mid-level license. It enables privileges on most amateur frequencies below 50 Mhz and includes global HF (shortwave) communications. It has its own written test.
Extra Class - this is the highest level license. It grants privileges on all amateur frequencies. It has its own written test and requires that you also have passed all of the Technician and General class written tests.

So where do you start?  Go to
http://www.orcuttchristian.org/page39.html
This provides you with a rich wealth of material which will motivate you to become involved.
Use some of the study material to prepare you for the test.
Click on "Ham License in ONE day."  John Portune, W6NBC, offers tests through Laurel.  

You can also find some of the most up-to-date study material at http://www.arrl.org/
Take time to look over the ARRL's website and you will find your thinking about the relevance of Amateur Radio is "on target." Their study material is supurb.
These will give you the background that you'll need to understand and pass the tests.

It typically takes about 2 weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail and you're ready to go! In the meantime, you can look into local clubs and ham radio organizations to find out more about what's going on.

My Amateur license is W6ALM.  Text me any questions you have.   I'll do my best to encourage you to pursue this fascinating and enriching hobby.

Archie Miller
w6alm35@gmail.com
www.OrcuttChristian.Org