Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, John George, who shares the following story from DVIDShub.net:
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The cryptologic technician (collection) (CTR) student cohort in the first revised Basic Manual Morse Trainer (BMMT) course wrapped up, Jan. 28, at the Center for Information Dominance (CID) Unit Corry Station.
The update included the latest Manual Morse software used by the Department of Defense and was tested out in a nine-week pilot course that concluded in September. The self-paced course provides basic instruction and practical application in the interception of Morse-type communications.
“Morse code continues to be an inexpensive and efficient means of communication for many states throughout the globe,” said Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) (IDW/NAC/SW/AW) Tony Gonzales, CTR rate training manager for CID headquarters. “Manual Morse operators here at Corry Station are learning a skill set that has stood the test of time. Many of our most senior CTRs began their careers as Manual Morse operators.”
[…]“There is something special about learning a skill that Sailors have been performing since World War II,” said Gonzales. “The connection between the past, present and future cryptologic technician (collection) is rarely seen in our line of work as technologies are forever changing.”
Thanks, Thomas for posting this. I love the comment on the article page – says it all, really:
“Nils R. Bull Young Retired
Started out as a CYN in 1968, left the USN as a RM2 & a ham radio license. Love CW. And languages. Back in the day I was good for 20wpm easy. Essential tremor kicked as I aged, so I’m a lot slower than I used to be. Still a kick to run CW. The easiest, simplest instantaneous communication mode (other than face-to-face conversations) humans have ever developed. And knowing electronics paid the bills & took care of me & my family for the next 4-odd decades, for which I thank the USN daily.”
Also I love the name of the Navy’s division: Center for Information Dominance” – CW is THE foundation stone for all communication information, and just as viable today as it was over 150 years ago for military and emergency comms.
I think this is great. CW still can be found on the HF band and also on VHF/UHF when stations identify as required using their call signs. Knowing the code makes it easy to identify these stations. On LW, if you can read code, you can easily identify what beacon you are hearing, so a knowledge of the code comes in handy. Yes there are software programs to decode CW but it’s still fun to use your brain, a piece of paper, and a pencil to accomplish that. Thanks for sharing the article Thomas.
“but it’s still fun to use your brain”
Yes indeed,cw=brain candy.
Esp. if you’re an OT.