Army Considers Smart Phones for Soldiers

As part of the ongoing Brigade Combat Team Modernization Program, the Army plans to supply smart phones, network equipment, and applications to soldiers starting in February. There are also plans to provide Common Access Card readers for the iPhone in January and for Android in April.

In addition to receiving free smart phones, soldiers could also receive a monthly stipend to use for minutes and downloading apps.  Mike McCarthy, director of the mission command complex of Future Force Integration Directorate at Fort Bliss, says the Army is also interested in the iPad, Kindle, Nook, and mini-projectors for their potential usefulness to troops.

These teched-out plans signify the Army’s interest in smart phones and other gadgets for use in both training and fighting. Currently, troops at a variety of stateside locations are issued smart phones to assist with their training, though integration on the battlefield has yet to take place. Army officials envision mobile phones playing an important role in both sharing intelligence and collecting biometrics on enemy combatants.

Source: Army Times via USA Today