Should cell phones be allowed in the field?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 06:07:43 -0400

Everyone has had one issue or another with cell phones in a deployed environment, but it's a reality of everyday life right now. There is benefit in "unplugging" and focusing on training without the distraction of the internet. All CTC's ban cell phones in the "box" since it poses a security threat and it becomes the go-to communication method versus using our MTOE equipment. Should we generally ban cell phone usage in the field for those reasons or are we just tilting at windmills?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 8:31 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 08:31:13 -0400

No. Not on duty in the field/combat environment. They are distracting, can reveal a location, personal information, and should not replace nor supplement gov equipment. Too often, in my lane, people start giving operational security information to friends and family, releasing too much information that may endanger others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 9:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 09:09:17 -0400

Sir, you can't get out of bringing your government issued cell phone to the field.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 23 at 2014 9:20 AM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 09:20:17 -0400

In the 80's and and early 90's when I was in cell phones were pretty much something that ,with few exceptions, only wealthy people had and the Army worked just fine without them. Frankly, I'm surprised if they are allowed in the field, or if they are, I would think that there should be some pretty hard & fast rules about when and why they can be used.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 23 at 2014 9:25 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 09:25:06 -0400

I would say no, cell phones should not be allowed in the field, with the exception of those issued by the government.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 9:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 09:54:14 -0400

I feel this is something that should be controlled by leadership. Yes there is a possible security risk but the same can be said for email, Facebook, even snail mail or talking to some one out in the open. Are we also going to stop the joes from communicating back home. OPSEC is something we must all be aware of and something we MUST train our soldiers about. Them now knowing what is wrong to share sounds like a leadership issue.

Response by Cpl Joshua Wehrman made Oct 23 at 2014 10:00 AM

Cpl Joshua Wehrman — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 10:00:21 -0400

If you are doing field training no big deal IMO we had ours and if you used it at a stupid time you paid the price lol but in combat or something like that no way there is NO reason for that it would be nuts to allow that.. When our interpreter would try to use ours on the fob we would turn on our jammers lmao he never understood what was going on

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 23 at 2014 10:51 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 10:51:44 -0400

My former BC informed us that we were required to use SINCGARS assets instead of cellphones for communications in the field (cell phones were kept handy for emergencies). This of course led to some interesting situations during AT where we had to figure out why we could not make contact with specific locations, but it was a great training experience.

Response by SGT Joshua Young made Oct 23 at 2014 11:38 AM

SGT Joshua Young — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 11:38:08 -0400

Well with the evolution of mobile devices come some pitfalls and some useful applications. I have really nifty applications on my phone that help me locate Satellites for my work with the STT, I use the compass to figure out where I need to point it, and I have a subnetting application for if I need to edit/ create a LAN list of IP's. However when I see a PVT sitting around watching shows or reading comics on their phones it frustrates me. For educational purposes yes, I can see a use for phones in the field. Depends on who's hands they are in and what they are being used for.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 12:40 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 12:40:15 -0400

I would expand this question to the reserve side for our WAREX/CSTX (NTC for the Reserves). It goes beyond cell phones to include NIPR email (ie ARnet access) so that people can work their day jobs in a deployed environment. There has been much debate from those running the exercises not wanting to support it vs GO Commanders that want a balance of training while in the box as well as capabilities to support ongoing operations that they would normally be doing from hom station. With the advancement of geolocation capabilities to peoples' cell phones, yes they present an inherent risk and we should train as we are supposed to fight, HOWEVER...there is certainly an MWR component to having your cell phone there, and that has to be weighed against the needs of the exercise. I personally dislike the knee / jerk, throw the baby out with the bathwater approach. Policies can be created and designed to weigh the needs of both and still meet the intent of the exercise. For example, ban use during certain hours and have "operational pauses" at certain points to allow communication as needed. It does no one any good to have an all or nothing mentality about it, however COMSEC discipline, as well as social activities / cyber / IO training is woefully inadequate at present.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Oct 23 at 2014 1:16 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 13:16:01 -0400

This question begs a two part issue of what decision to make (allow cell phones in the field or not) and what level the decision should be made (lower or higher). Local commanders should make this decision based upon possible criteria of: field training duration, field training objectives, duty position, garrison events/environment, etc. I would argue against higher level leaders (installation or higher) implementing a blanket "one size fits all" policy. Local commanders can make event by event decisions that better balance competing organizational and individual requirements and mitigate any negative impacts from whatever decision they make. For example, a one day company level M4 range may allow cell phones while a seven day battalion or brigade field training exercise may not.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 3:07 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:07:09 -0400

Deployed, no. In a FTX environment, should be up to the command team. They have come in handy at times to expedite calls in a medical emergency (or to locate lost PLT LDRS)

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Oct 23 at 2014 11:51 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 23:51:48 -0400

I don't know what I would do if I wasn't allowed to use my Blackberry Z10 in the field. I can view and send e-mail, view a slide deck, make a slide deck, view, make, and modify memos, make spread sheets, and hold hundreds of ARs, FMs, and TCs. I of course would be wise when and not to use my Blackberry. Maybe that's the problem; Soldiers do not know when its appropriate to use their cell phone.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Oct 24 at 2014 4:33 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:33:08 -0400

I take my phone to the field all the time. How else we suppose to communicate with your chain of command? When I was deployed I didn't had. The only way to for me to communicate was over Skype and that was it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 7:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:32:32 -0400

Until they develop a milspec cell phone, no.

In an emergency, the first thing to fail in a real contingency is the cellular system as it becomes saturated.
They really can't be adequately secured, if not for traffic, for location.
In training, if you learn to rely on it, you'll be lost when you cannot use it.
There simply isn't sufficient coverage in the real world where we might be expected to operate to support the use.

That said, if you haven't got one in your back pocket in any training environment as a hold out in a real-world emergency, I'd call you negligent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 8:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 20:37:33 -0400

I had a bc that told is in an AAR in 2012 that we shouldn't use our cell phones because they wouldn't be available in Afghanistan. I had just returned less than a year prior and just looked over at him, trying to decide if he really believed it or was trying to make a point that we should rely on our radio comms. He really believed no one had cell phones in Afghanistan. I realized at that point he had never been.

In our rotation, everyone had a roshan phone. We even had a phone roster. They proved invaluable for times like indirect alerts and we had to get accountability of troops when we were spread out over a few miles on the fob. They proved even more valuable when we needed to call back across the fob or communicate with our LAR for critical parts for an aircraft.

Overall... I think that they should be allowed, but I think when it comes to training, they should be restricted. To remove them entirely isn't an effective training mentality. Train troops to use them effectively If anything. If they are a useful tool and you have them, why not use them?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 4:57 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:57:42 -0500

The submarine force has already gone through this and it backfired. Big Navy and DoD don't want PEDs(personal electronic devices) on submarines due to classified gear, documents and ops. Obviously, we don't get cell signal or internet while deployed but on occasion while on the surface they've been an issue. Their one attempt(keep in mind I wasn't personally there, but word gets around) at a patrol with no PEDs ended with numerous suicidal threats and ideations. Henceforth, we've had a waiver for the no-PEDs policy due to morale. Look at it this way, would you go underway on a submarine for months at a time with nothing to do? We aren't the prior generations that could get by with playing cards the entire time. Sure, we *could* do it, but our retention rate will plummet. I'm 4 years from retirement and it would be tough keeping the willpower to finish it out.

That being said, they are more than just communication devices at this point and each succeeding generation is more and more wired in and used to having entertainment at their fingertips no matter what. I'm 37 and no exception. I bring a PC(kept in my rack), an e-reader and a MP3 player underway typically. My phone does 2 of those functions in less space(and is my alarm clock) but has a camera. In the past, when it was allowed, I took the phone apart and permanently disabled the camera(easy to do with an electronics background and the tools). Now, I can't as they changed the rules...

Don't get me wrong, I understand the security reasons behind the urge to stamp out PEDs, I just don't think it's a feasible idea, there has to be another way. I have no issues with my PEDs being searched by my command but that's not feasible either with the number of personnel onboard. Plans for government issued PEDs like subforce's issued e-readers are too limiting, I typically go through 4 or 5 books a week and most of my collection wouldn't be on the lists they've mentioned... Could easily fix that with allowing microSD cards since nothing on the sub uses that format but they didn't include any option for removable media due to security policies.

Lastly, as I'm seeing most of the responses are from ground force types, I think you have forgotten one of the primary tenets of being in the military. Our amount of downtime due to hurry up and wait. Personally, my face is in an ebook if I'm waiting, a major personal pet peeve is wasting my time, ebooks keep me from getting pissed off waiting for command events to start and the submarine can't keep enough hardcopy books to feed my habit. :p Others like the simple little games they can use on their phones, or texting their wive/buddies/whatever. If they're not out when actually doing something, really, what is the problem? If they are out when they're supposed to be working, that's a discipline issue and easily fixed.

My two cents from a 16 year E-6 on subs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 8:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:02:56 -0500

I think it all depends on the command team do they have enough trust that the soldiers will use them when in their down time or will they be more focused on them all the time there is the real question we should ask

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Dec 19 at 2014 7:31 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 19:31:00 -0500

Not for or against, but if we disallow it we need to provide the SMs with another means to destress in a field environment. SMs use cellphones for a variety of reasons: communication, music, reading, etc. These various options provide a destressing tool for SMs, especially if they are going through stressful things in their personal life. A SM is in the field and he and his wife just had their first baby, should we be restricting communication? Yes we need to focus on training, but the difference is training is training, we can let up on the expectations every now and then. Fall in the middle of a race and you might get up and finish, but when you are training for the race the risk of finishing isn't always worth it. There's no point in training if we break ourselves before we even get to the starting line.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 9:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 21:23:13 -0500

I guess I'm going to be that nco. I'm going to have to disagree with most of the posts here. This next generation is more connected than ever. I think if we as leaders can show them how to use this technology to complete the mission we do so more effectively, without having to purchase million dollar communication gear that is continually outdated and cumbersome. I also believe it lets me stay more connected with my soldiers as more and more often I can see what they post and it gives me more of an opportunity to steer things in a more productive direction.
I also believe that as more and more training is done online (sharp, accident avoidance, correspondence courses, etc. etc. etc.,) we don't have enough time in the day to get all the training completed, this allows soldiers (airmen, seaman, sandmen?) to be connected and possibly more productive. In the guard and reserve, drill weekends are already in short supply and finding a way to fit more in to a weekend has fallen on technology, and it has fallen upon us to monitor that technology and keep it productive and responsible.

Response by SSG Randall P. made Dec 19 at 2014 10:12 PM

SSG Randall P. — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:12:38 -0500

Sir,

Cellphones have come a long way... No doubt we all have them on 24/7 and use them to communicate effectively... But given the amount of security threats in the Cyber world today, with phones turning into listening devices, recording locations when you take a picture, uploading everything to a cloud, doing things without telling you, key loggers... And being really annoying when I am trying to train soldiers in the field... I have one word.

NO.

v/r

SGT Peaslee

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 10:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:22:30 -0500

Only if they are issued by the military... that said, they should be issued.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 10:51 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:51:23 -0500

I think as long as they are not a distraction, there is no need to ban them. This is something best dealt with on the first-line leadership scale. If your troop uses the phone appropriately (e.g. checking email over lunch, or for half an hour to talk or text with a spouse before going to sleep, while not on an active detail, and not keeping others awake) it isn't a problem. If your troop uses the phone inappropriately - while training is going on or when the troop is supposed to be otherwise engaged, counsel the soldier and tell them not to have the phone out for the remainder of the field exercise. Continue further discipline as appropriate.

I will say that I've found my smartphone in the field useful at times. I have an app that serves as a GPS device that lets me find MGRS coordinates which has come in handy when DAGRs have been scarce. I have also used it to pull up FMs on short notice when there was a question about regulations at a range. So I think phones can have their uses. But obviously if their use is becoming such a distraction that it rises to the notice of the command level, there is a unit and platoon-level discipline problem that needs to be addressed.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 8:11 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 08:11:23 -0500

There are lots of arguments either way. I have to say I look at cell phones/ipads etc. as major security risks when deployed. Since many of the new phones/ipads,etc are built such that the battery cannot be removed which means the phone/ipad cannot be effectively rendered unusable. The phone can thus be "turned on" to listen in on conversations AND to track locations of units and personnel.

While the ability to "turn on" phones, etc remotely is not legal without a warrant in the U.S. it's foolish to believe that ONLY the U.S. has the ability to do this. The Taliban, et al., learned this harsh lesson when we used their cell phones/ sat phones to track them and kill them from long distance.

Our enemies are NOT stupid. Anyone who thinks our enemies cannot adapt and overcome IS a fool!

Military units in the past have deployed for months and even years with only one method of communication - mail. Yep, MAIL - regular ol' MAIL. The world did not end if wifey couldn't tell hubby all about her rough day at the end of every day. The world did not end if a 2nd Lt with a compass got lost for days on end. The world did not end if we could not update our "status" every friggin' 2 seconds.

Get over this dependence on phone technology, ban them during deployments.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:37:52 -0500

I think it much of an issue. I am deployed and I have two cells. I have a local cell and my personal cell. I don't use it for anything much more then a question or a "Hey, I'll meet you at the TOC" kind of thing. It can be used as an assent. I have an MBITR but I don't leave it on 24/7.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 20 at 2014 11:51 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 11:51:57 -0500

It is amazing how we still survived before cell phones........just saying.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 21 at 2014 4:29 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 16:29:36 -0500

We can stick to smoke signals but it might be harmful to the environment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2014 4:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 16:29:36 -0500

Yes they should - they can be a combat multiplier if loaded with the appropriate applications.

Response by TSgt J Kristin Webb made Dec 21 at 2014 5:21 PM

TSgt J Kristin Webb — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:21:02 -0500

This is an illustration of why personal cell phones should be stowed while on duty. This happened at Eglin AFB a while back while I was still AD. Skycop dropped his cell on the floorboard and leaned over (while moving) to pick it up. The picture speaks for the end result.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2014 5:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:34:21 -0500

Nothing brings down morale more then being told no cell phones during field training, then seeing senior leadership using their cell phones all the time. I get that CSMs, 1SGs, Majs and LTCs need to multi-task with real world issues sometimes, but at least do the cell phone conversations away from the training.

I am personally mixed with this idea. My unit supports O/C's during major training events. We often find ourselves either using limited range motorolas or cell phones to communicate...not really sure why we don't plug into the net with our own radios...but we are not really part of the training, but more behind-the-scene. Maybe it is OK for us to use cell phones in that manner.

Response by PV2 Mike Hughes made Dec 22 at 2014 1:52 AM

PV2 Mike Hughes — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 01:52:52 -0500

I personally never been in the field or even near one for that matter but in my own personal feelings that some on a phone could miss a IED or could get not only him/herself killed but also other personal. I mean its a law not to use your phone and drive so common sense would suggest that if your attention in car is fully needed then in the military you should keep you military bearing and attention on the task at hand. If i offend any one with this post i apologize not for my opinion but that it offends you.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 2:15 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 02:15:51 -0500

COL Private RallyPoint Member. I don't know about cell phones . . . they're awfully easily compromised using a fake cell repeater . . . that shifts calls into A5/1 encryption which has been broken . . . so I carry the Motorola 9555 Iridium Satellite Phone in the field . . . for communication backup . . . it has been life saver many times over!!! Best to check with Command, SIGINT, and ELINT teams before even turning it on. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Dec 22 at 2014 3:09 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 03:09:26 -0500

Yes,
We shouldn't run from technology. Service members are disciplined, and can handle this. I've had cellphones, satellite phones, and other communication methods both deployed and in the field.
we had blackout periods when we took casualties until we were cleared. Other than that, you could phones and the Internet.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 8:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 08:14:45 -0500

I don't know why there is such vitrol against cell phones. Do I want to use them in the field or deployed? No, I don't even want to have one for work while I am in garrison. That's life now. I also believe that until higher commands stop issuing phones to leaders and expect them to answer them at all times of the night or day then there is no recourse but to allow soldiers to have them. But usage should be limited.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 12:40 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:40:51 -0500

I always fly with mine. It's the primary signaling device should the plane go down. Do I want dudes looking Twitter and FB while in the field? No. Do I want them to have an immediate, working line of communication for emergencies when it turns out someone programmed the radios incorrectly or they lack the ability to send a runner? Absolutely.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 12:51 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:51:56 -0500

I've been in the Army long enough to remember when having a cell phone in the field was an Article 15 offense. That wasn't such a bad policy.

Having a cell phone in the field is a distractor, and it detracts from a training environment. And, while it is convenient, it prevents us from exercising our FRG rosters and alert rosters, as well as circumventing the function of a Tactical Operations Center, and prevents us from understanding our own tactical communications capabilities.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Dec 22 at 2014 1:45 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 13:45:24 -0500

Back to basics - Train Like You Fight. Are you going to call you significant other in the middle of a firefight or mission? If so, ok, use your cellphone at all times. Otherwise, keep it in your possession, keep it off and use it as an emergency backup only.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Apr 5 at 2015 5:26 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 05:26:59 -0400

NO! I can sum it up in one word: Target. The backlight alone is enough reason that these things should not be on the field and not the only reason. For a gamer like me, it is hard enough to pull away from the phone with rounds flying about, but for the social butterfly, discipline would be forgotten about. As a signal soldier, especially with a security clearance, I wouldn't use one because just carrying one is a security risk, especially if it were ever to get lost and our post was overrun... just saying.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2015 9:04 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 21:04:47 -0400

I believe phones can be a valuable asset in the field, I personally have a wrist mounted iPhone 6 which has a gps app and I use it for commes within the section. I also carry an iPad mini which also helps out a lot.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 3:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:10:46 -0400

Nope! Too distracting, plus we did just fine and never had them. Not a necessity!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 14 at 2015 5:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:47:12 -0400

They should be used as a last resort.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Sep 14 at 2015 6:07 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:07:08 -0400

I don't know how bad it is in the military, but as a plant supervisor if you have employees under 30. You can't keep them off of their phones. No matter what you threaten them with, even termination they will not stay off their phones. Who the hell can they be texting at 0600.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 14 at 2015 6:11 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:11:26 -0400

If government issued then it may be ok...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 8:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 20:16:46 -0400

Yes Cell phones should be banned while in the field. The purpose of you being out their is to train as a unit and accomplish the units METAL. Cell phones poses a distraction and could lead to Soldier's getting injured, maimed or killed because of it. It only takes one incident of someone losing their life to make it too many. there is no benefit for Soldier's having their cell phones in the field except for family emergencies that's it.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 12:09 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:09:21 -0400

I think its an alternative for communication. If all other systems fail due to improper installation, user error or simple misconfigurations. Sometimes, equipment fails. But if this happens, Soldiers can use their cellphones to "phone a friend". But I can see the flip side to this. We need to train our Soldiers to know how to troubleshoot communications systems and properly identify issues and how to fix them. Great question COL Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PFC Aaron Hyatt made Sep 16 at 2015 8:45 AM

PFC Aaron Hyatt — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:45:47 -0400

I am seeing so many people who have no idea how cell phones work. The signal from you to the tower has encryption, very good encryption. And those people who are "the best hackers ever" do not have the means that the US does in terms of location targeting. Furthermore, location based off cell phones is highly inaccurate and updates infrequently. The only "location data" most of you are thinking of is from people who UPDATE their location when they go somewhere like Denny's or some crap. Those places have pinpoint locations. Cell towers, do NOT give pinpoint locations. Not saying be wonton with cellphones whenever wherever, but don't be so paranoid as the think the enemy is implanting alien waves into your brain and making you praise lord Cthulu via your cell phone.

How I know these things: IT'S WHAT I DO.

Response by SPC Tim Richardson made Sep 21 at 2015 8:52 PM

SPC Tim Richardson — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:52:02 -0400

No cellphones should ever be in the field, unless you can shoot bullets out of it. Too many people rely on their smartphones and that impedes ones focus on the task at hand. I'd much rather be in the foxhole alone than with someone who used a stress card in BCT and one who couldn't separate himself from a damn cell phone. I'm not liking the picture that's being drawn here.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2015 11:09 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 11:09:18 -0500

why not? how else are you going to keep all those 2LTs from getting lost?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 12:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 12:05:59 -0400

Sir,

In my opinion the expediency of a cell phone comes at a price. Anyone can essentially reach out and communicate with a subordinate at any time. While this has obvious benefits, it also can lead to a lot of "hey you's."I remember one particular IDT weekend our CSM was wearing my 1SG out. My 1SG spent most of the first day on the phone or at BN HQ. It got to the point where it was affecting his ability to perform his duties. The entire BN was running ranges and the 1SGs were getting raked over the coals about admin requirements.

The second day I ordered my 1SG to turn his phone off and go qualify at the rifle range. At first he was apprehensive until he realized I'd just given him a reprieve. The CSM wasn't very happy with me for a couple hours, but somehow what he needed still got done. My 1SG also came back in a much better mood.

In short, I think there needs to be a level of discipline when using cell phones in the field. Not being in constant contact isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes subordinates need a little breathing room to exercise disciplined indicative and focus on the task at hand.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Oct 14 at 2016 6:41 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 18:41:39 -0400

Basics first and don't become too dependant on technology. You won't know what to do when it fails.

Response by PO2 Seth Carron made Oct 14 at 2016 8:12 PM

PO2 Seth Carron — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 20:12:28 -0400

Maybe in a field exercise, under really odd circumstances that I can't think of. The reason we use the radios in a FEX is because we train in the same manner we fight, and when you're not gonna be dialing up the COC with an iPhone in the middle of an actual firefight. Not to mention the whole classified issue, or the possibility of accidentally setting off an IED when you dial out.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 1:48 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 01:48:30 -0400

Yah you don't want a gps, geo tagging device on your person... you call it a phone, I call it a open, Unsecure tracking device ..... PS: that would be A's on track you !

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 12:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:35:26 -0400

The key is to use the cell phone technology of today, combined with advanced encryption for tactical Military use.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 15 at 2016 7:02 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 19:02:42 -0400

P: TACSAT
A: BFT/JCRE
C: FM
E: cellular

Response by SSG George Holtje made Jan 11 at 2020 4:30 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 16:30:11 -0500

A CSM explained this once in an NCOPD. ‘We train as we fight, I shouldn’t be able to identify a position from all the blue lights.’
An Iraqi cell phone was nothing but trouble during Ops in Baghdad. We had to halt a convoy, turn off the Warlocks, so someone could bug our team chief about construction materials or something.
I’ve seen Article 15s stem from one photo.

Maybe take them out but for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

Response by SPC Scott Weber made Jan 25 at 2020 8:50 AM

SPC Scott Weber — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 08:50:25 -0500

If the radio systems ran more like a cell phone then I bet most could use it. Radios for most are not used on a daily basis and for military members maybe th÷y should have one with them during day to day operations so they can keep in practice in usage. If you think the old faus of one radio operator in a squad is proficient. you m>ght wrong now each member needs to be able to send Intel up the line and fast as things in this time of technology is fast. But we must also be able to find none civilian structure communications and be individual proficient in operating a ra#io. Now part of this is at a BN level of having the commo people set radion nets up correctly or give proper info out to company and down range people.