Is there a regulation stating you need to download signal on your personal phone?

2020-09-13T03:43:16-04:00

If so can somebody quote it with where I can find it.

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Sep 13 at 2020 9:06 AM

2020-09-13T09:06:29-04:00

AR 600-20, if the order is legal, moral and ethical, then do it.
I see no legal, moral or ethical problem with directing a unit to download the second best secure messaging app free of charge to mitigate COVID, other than MS Teams CVR is probably a better choice for posting info and documents, and online meetings.

If the alternative is showing up several times a day for socially distanced formations to receive the information for those that don't want to use their phones, I would just download the app.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Sep 13 at 2020 11:15 AM

2020-09-13T11:15:23-04:00

Maybe it is a suggestion for HR Specialists.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 2:49 PM

2020-09-13T14:49:49-04:00

I will echo what has been said. I have had my Soldiers in the past download WhatsApp due to it functionality. I never gave them an order to do it so there were a few that were not in the group chats. Eventually they did. I don't mind texting but group chats can be a issue to maintain. The issue we all run into in the military is that so often my personal life get invaded by some sort of higher precedence that we are Soldiers 24/7. I don't agree with this. I want my Soldiers to feel like a person as much as they can when they are off duty and not like a Soldier 24/7.

With your leaders telling you to download this app it may not be something bad. It may be beneficial. I have never used that app but I am fan of most of these apps. Finally the Army has Teams from microsoft that does a good job but it really not meant for everyone in the Army. If you feel this app is invasive to your personal device then I would not download but it would make my life easier than I would.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2021 1:55 PM

2021-01-31T13:55:40-05:00

I'm late to the party, but the idea that your command has the right to make you download anything on your personal equipment is so ludicrous, I would recommend anyone to the commander to be front-and-center at the next urinalysis.