That is a rhetorical question... YES you do need radio.
This article addresses the question and gives some excellent reasons why you want to get radio experience NOW, before you really need it.
https://brushbeater.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/your-first-hf-station/I learned something from the article, perhaps you will too, even if you're already a HAM.
Equipment is discussed, with some recommendations and DIS-commendations.
We are fortunate to have many HAMs in our local group, so my recommendation is to talk to some of them about how to go about learning "radio" usage and equipment...