ODV, W6HB heads the Battleship Iowa’s ham station activities. In August he arranged with military frequency coordinators for an Armed Forces Day-type cross-band operation to commemorate Pearl Harbor Day. When someone suggested to him that amateur stations are only allowed to engage in cross-band contacts with military stations on Armed Forces Day, he contacted HQ for advice. The “suggestion” is correct – Section 97.111(a) provides sets out permissible QSO partners, and the provision for military stations is limited to Armed Forces Day. I discussed this with the FCC staff, and the initial response was positive – the thought being that an exchange of emails would be sufficient. However, by the end of the day I was advised that the request would have to be cleared by NTIA – the spectrum manager for all federal government stations and the origin of the government authorization already in hand – and that a written request weas necessary for this to be processed. Since this operation already had been approved and frequencies assigned by the military side, I submitted a request earlier today after consulting with the EC. A copy is attached for your information. We’ll see what happens. One of my thoughts, beyond what is obvious, is that the situation is useful as a means to remind some at the FCC of the utility of Amateur Service cooperation with the military. Please direct any questions or concerns to me, thank you. Dave K3ZJ David R. Siddall Managing Partner DS Law, PLLC 1629 K St. NW, Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006 direct: +1 202 559 4690 Unauthorized Disclosure Prohibited. This e-mail is intended solely for the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, it is prohibited to disclose, copy, distribute, or use the contents of this email and its attachments. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all electronic and physical copies of the e-mail message and its attachments. Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of attorney-client or any other privilege. Thank you.