> > This is also rationalization. The ability to provide disaster communications > entails many skills. Good contesting is virtually meaningless to that skill > set. >
Well, I'm not sure I agree with the implied assumption that the only goal of amateur radio is "the ability to provide disaster communications"... however, in my experience, contesting DOES help to sharpen one's skills and might even help develop skills useful in disaster communications: The ability to operate well (tune and isolate signals, operate one's equipment, select and fire the right macro) under pressure of time and with less sleep than one is used to is certainly a useful skill to develop. You have to move quickly, confidently, and with agility. de Peter K1PGV
