How do Officers and NCOs deal with soldiers and their cellphones in an FTX environment? Particularly situations involving security.

2015-10-24T18:09:23-04:00

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Oct 24 at 2015 6:11 PM

2015-10-24T18:11:59-04:00

If I cannot use a cell phone in the Pentagon or in any major Headquarters building on a day-to-day basis, WHY would we even allow private devices in operations or training? Seems to me perhaps it is a leadership problem...

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-10-24T18:38:45-04:00

I confiscated them when we went out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-10-24T18:54:51-04:00

No cell phones period. Take them away at the beginning of training, give the phones back when mission complete. No distractions

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 24 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-10-24T18:55:31-04:00

Leave your phones in your tent or ruck. I would take them away otherwise.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 24 at 2015 7:23 PM

2015-10-24T19:23:45-04:00

Folks, don't jump on the ban the cell phone bandwagon because it is a popular answer. I encourage you that before you make a overall policy/standard, you ought to consider that some of your people have some extenuating things going on, for instance pregnant spouse; sick family members; or even they use the devices to communicate your desires to others within the Platoon/Unit. There is a time & place to use them - ensure they know the expectations ahead of time and they will comply.

Look when its time for work, do work! I do not have a problem with troops bringing their devices to training/deployments but they will not take them on mission as some of these devices use a RF that could trigger an IED or could give our adversary knowledge if it would work while in the vicinity of a DUKE/WARLOCK etc.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Oct 24 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-10-24T19:48:24-04:00

I can't imagine how big a problem it must be for you people on active duty to deal with the Cell-Phone problem. 90% of my work force is under 25 and it is a constant battle to keep them off of their phones and on task at work. The constant security issue's you deal with must be a huge pain.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-10-24T20:42:01-04:00

I confiscate them, that is how I deal with that issue.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Oct 24 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-10-24T20:58:03-04:00

Fairly easy, establish the rules, enforce them strictly, set a good example. It hasn't been a problem for me.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 10:11 PM

2015-10-24T22:11:29-04:00

I am so glad there were cell phones when I was in the tactical environment.