Thoughts on Mandatory Issued Govt Cell-Phones for All

Honestly it would be a bonus. If you didn't respond in a timely manor in a supervisor position where I have worked you were in deep sh*t. I was out of the office more than I was in it so the only way to get a hold of me was call or text. If the government wanted to pay my bill that's one less bill I have to pay. I had one guy who checked in tell someone he didn't have a cell phone, the response to him was "well you better get one and quick shipmate you're on call 24/7" his response was "are you gonna pay my bill?" Oh he had a bad day that day. Personally I'd rather keep myself from having any issues and have one.

Couple things. I wouldn't want to wear that ridiculous bulky and ugly thing on my wrist.

Sure, I will take a free smart phone though.

Ultimately, this isn't going to work for the lower enlisted who live in the barracks (At least at Ft. Campbell, brick and metal buildings, no signal at all)

I support it for section leaders and above at current costs. If the cost could be substantially lowered I would support for all.

If something like that got implemented, I see the divorce rates getting higher and soldiers being miserable.

Waste of money! Everyone has a cellphone now-a-days I see no point in it except for CO, XO, and 1stSgt. That money could be put toward something a little more useful like education, issuing new uniforms to deploying or returning troops, or assistance loans. It could go toward something that would actually help us!

When I think back on the 5 times I was activated in the reserve, the one common problem was always communications. When I looked at a roster the last time I was activated there were area codes from 7 different states. Some people had phones with coverage, some didn't. Some could text, some couldn't. What was frustrating for me was that the government expected me to have a cell phone. I had one before I was activated, but it was a work phone and I had to turn it in when I got called up. If a cell phone is going to be a required piece of equipment and it has to have features like text and data and coverage for areas you don't live in and aren't likely to be in very long, it should be provided by the government.

waste of funds plus the reg says we cant walk and talk at the same time and all that stuff so to me it sounds pointless. Also by now everyone should have a smart/stupid phone.

I have a few thoughts:
1. Why does the government need to spend money on something nearly everyone has already? Certainly all but the most curmugeonly leaders have a cell phone.

2. I "have to" answer immediately? This seems a poor substitute for leading the way you are supposed to - by being seen doing your job and setting the example. While a great tool for expediency, "leadership by text message" is not leadership and should never substitute for face to face interaction.

3. I don't think there is a benefit to being that accessible. I resisted getting a cell phone well into the 2000s for exactly that reason. My quote at the time was "if I am not at home or at work, I am not meant to be found". I have since softened that stance - having children and being in a primary leadership position will do that - but I still think that nearly every call I take from home while at work or from work when I am at home are both bad news and can keep until tomorrow.
The exceptions are rare indeed.

I had a cheap little gov provided cell phone when I was deployed and I do not want one ever again. If anyone in my squadron needs to get a hold of me (stateside) they have my personal number.

DOD Obamaphones!! "Id like 4 million phones and 10GB to share please" "how about after were done here, this is the food court"