Handheld Nav/Com Radios

I concur.

NiCad batteries (with their "memory" flaw) are a technology of the
past. Alkaline batteries have a shelf life measured in years, so self
discharge is a non-issue, unlike NiCads.


Exactly wrong. NiCads don't have a memory problem and alkalines self
discharge like crazy. I'd be happy to supply the research data proof
on the NiCads and if you want to lose the self discharge problems go
with a lithium battery pack. I'd just stick with fresh alkalines for
a couple of bucks, and do.