The Written Only General, (WOG), was first made public by Len Winkler, KB7LPW, producer and host of the nationally syndicated Ham Radio & More Show. The announcement of WOG was initially made about August, 1995, on the live radio show. A bit later, Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, producer of Newsline, was a guest on the show and brought WOG to the attention of everybody, with a special interview made and broadcast on Newsline.
Simply put, WOG is a proposal that would allow a new avenue in which to get a General Class License. Effective immediately, a tech plus would need to pass the written exams for the General, Advanced, and Extra Class Licenses. This would enable the tech plus to become a General Class License holder and have full General Class privileges. As soon as the WARC meetings (and if they do), change the treaty to permit phone use on the HF bands, without needing to show CW proficiency, a person can achieve General Class by passing ALL written exams, currently Novice, Tech, General, Advanced, and Extra.
WOG would not remove the current licensing structure. A person can still use Morse Code as their method to achieve the General Class License. The Advanced and Extra Class Licenses would remain unchanged, still requiring Morse Code knowledge. WOG is merely an additional method to achieve a General Class License.
I'm in NO way for the abolition of Morse Code. If people want to use it, use it. This is a common statement made by those opposed to WOG or other no-code licenses……"you want to get rid of code, I like it. It's the most efficient, fun mode going." I repeat, NOBODY I have ever talked to wants to get rid of Code, just the requirement. Let the use of Code stand on it's own merit, people who like it will use it. Also, for those using MoonBounce, MeteorScatter, and QRP, Code will always be needed. I'd like to see, in the future, a toughening in some way, of the written tests. I also would like to see an apprenticeship type program where a ham can get certain privileges ONLY after being a licensed ham at least 2 years. There are many possibilities, but we need to change some things as soon as possible, like beginning WOG NOW!
Obviously, not everyone agrees with me or WOG. That's absolutely normal in all discussions. Forget the mean attacks and the personal attacks. Be objective. E-Mail me or send a QSL card to me at P.O. Box 9219, Phoenix, AZ. 85068-9219, expressing your views. If you are in support of WOG, let me hear from you, post opinions on the Newsgroups.