Field Day is fast approaching and we can expect to hear a lot about whether the event is an emergency preparedness exercise or a contest. Happens every year and there is no wrong answer. I figure it’s a contest, why else keep score? But that argument has been around so long it’s become part of the pageantry of the dance and it wouldn’t be Field Day without it being vigorously debated!

ARRL is encouraging all to participate, whether with your local club, in the field, backyard, or from your home station, read about the available categories for every style of operation:

2025 ARRL Field Day is just three weeks away! The excitement is building. Most clubs have their activations planned. In the last two weeks, 350 more sites have been added to the Field Day Site Locator, with a total of 886 listed as of June 5. ARRL Field Day is a great way to connect with your local amateur radio community, for Technician-class operators to get on lower HF bands, to shake down your portable operating gear, and to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow hams.

If you can’t make it out to an activation near you, or you’d just rather get on for a little bit from your home station – never fear: there’s an operating class for you.