Does modern technology make it easier or more difficult being deployed?

2014-08-16T03:46:26-04:00

With Skype, Facebook, Whatsapp, Viber, email, and every other modern technology convenience, is it easier or more difficult on you and your family when you are deployed?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 16 at 2014 4:06 AM

2014-08-16T04:06:44-04:00

DON'T GET ME STARTED!!!!!!! Aviation is all computers these days. OPSEC keeps me from going on but ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I love watching episodes of MASH when Radar is complaining about carbon paper and filing everything in triplicate........simplicity.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2014 6:17 AM

2014-08-16T06:17:24-04:00

Hard to get a good connection with some water between you and the sun. It is pretty nice being able to see my family when I am in port, wherever in the world we are.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 16 at 2014 6:44 AM

2014-08-16T06:44:03-04:00

it was great especially getting to talk to my kids. I didn't take any leave because physically reuniting with my family would have been more difficult than anything.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 16 at 2014 10:40 AM

2014-08-16T10:40:59-04:00

I haven't been deployed since all that technology came into play, but I would sure think that it would have to be easier than a single AT&T tent, located 2 hours by deuce-and-a-half across the desert. Nobody in my unit got more than one phone call in 6 months that I'm aware of.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2014 2:58 PM

2014-08-16T14:58:48-04:00

Its pretty nice at times but for the most part its more of a hassle after a while I told everyone at home internet was going to be shut down for a while because its just a distraction and keeps you away when you need the rest after a long day and just used the internet for xbox live

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 16 at 2014 7:17 PM

2014-08-16T19:17:46-04:00

Like many things it can be a double edged sword. It's great to be able to keep in contact and up to date on things back home in real time.. but it can also become a major distraction for the same reasons.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 16 at 2014 7:55 PM

2014-08-16T19:55:32-04:00

The change from the 1st deployment where you got to wait in line once a week or so for a possibility of about 5 minutes on a phone card, to being able to Skype with my daughter on the last was AMAZINGLY awesome. But it can be distracting because troops then stay involved in the local issues.....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 8:02 AM

2014-08-17T08:02:48-04:00

I loved skype while downrange. My son started walking while I was gone, so I was able to watch him do that via video. 4AM and 5PM every day was a skype call back home.