Reply: The Radio Officer position is one of management skills more than that of operations or length or class of license. Although it is very helpful, a ham license is not required for a Radio Officer, except for RACES. Other than novice, the class of license is not important, either.
Today, due to budget and time constraints, there is increasing interest in the "auxiliary communications (or radio) service" approach to include all communications volunteers that serve a particular government. Such a combination in a general service, under a qualified Radio Officer, allows volunteers with diverse skills and interests to belong and serve. But, this further emphasizes the need for management skills rather than operations on the part of the Radio Officer. The appointing authority wants one point of contact with all of the communication volunteers for the day-to-day programs, which is a sound and basic management principle.
---Stan Harter, KH6GBX