Can you track a soldier's location on Find My Friends?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 02:45:25 -0500

Can you track a soldiers location via find my friends? Is there any law that states you cannot? Currently in Korea and would make accountability on weekends much easier.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 23 at 2018 5:41 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 17:41:54 -0500

I had my Construction Foreman do this for all the people in his shop so we could find people in an emergency. They were issued phones so there was no choice in the matter. What about android users?

It depends on how you couch it with your soldiers...especially if you are visible to them as well. Even Steven.

Response by SGT James LeFebvre made Dec 23 at 2018 6:20 PM

SGT James LeFebvre — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 18:20:54 -0500

For issued phones, probably fine (would still suggest a legal opinion) however, for a phone that is the SM's personal property, a big, resounding NO without their prior written permission, and even then, I still say no, all it does is tell you where the phone's at. If accountability on weekends is that big a problem, then possibly have a morning formation and evening formation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2018 6:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 18:48:18 -0500

What is the compelling need for you to "track" subordinates during non duty hours?
If they are on call, phone trees have worked since the 80's when folks had landlines and pagers, and before. If the CoC wants to be able to recall people, that is the best option.
Unless you're providing the phones, I believe you'll find you, and the COC lack the authority to demand Sokdiers per.it themselves to be tracked through the use of their personal property.
As others have suggested, seek legal counsel, as this seems to be well beyond any lawful authority. If accountability is needed to that level, the commander should restrict everyone to the unit area and hold formations throughout off duty hours.
I suggest that even asking Soldiers to do this will draw much unwanted attention from the likes of the IG, Members of Congress, media, etc.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 23 at 2018 6:58 PM

SFC Marc W. — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 18:58:32 -0500

I'm going to skip the legal reference on this and go straight to the point of this being an extremely weak leadership tactic. Do the Soldiers have to be micromanaged that much that you have to resort to tracking them by gps? Call Lowjack, maybe they can cut you a deal.