Army to begin issuing Iphones to Recruits

http://defensetech.org/2010/09/22/army-may-issue-iphones-to-new-recruits/

I'll let you guys form opinions before I bring my Marine viewpoint up

As someone who will likely e in basic training this time next year, I think it's a great tool. I think I already know what your viewpoint will be though.

Are they durable enough? Or do they intend to keep them off the field?


And.... while it might be a good idea to have a device like that, does it have to be the iPhone? They could make their own little gadget that is much more durable, a fraction of the cost, far more effective, and not subject to misuse and/or tampering.

I guess that would destroy their 'appeal to the younger generation' plan... but I just don't think the small increase in recruits would be worth the enormous cost, especially considering who is actually footing the bill (*cough* taxes *cough*)

I pay taxes for this shit? I know its not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things, but couldn't it be better spent on something else?

tiny tim wrote:As someone who will likely e in basic training this time next year, I think it's a great tool. I think I already know what your viewpoint will be though.

A great tool, how?

KristallNacht wrote:

tiny tim wrote:As someone who will likely e in basic training this time next year, I think it's a great tool. I think I already know what your viewpoint will be though.

A great tool, how?

It would condense all of the manuals and books and various other training implements into one source that modern teenagers are more comfortable with. I've never had a cell phone or PDA or anything, so it wouldn't make as much of a difference to me. But it's still very useful. Also allows for interactive guides to things.

tiny tim wrote:
It would condense all of the manuals and books and various other training implements into one source that modern teenagers are more comfortable with. I've never had a cell phone or PDA or anything, so it wouldn't make as much of a difference to me. But it's still very useful. Also allows for interactive guides to things.

It also has a monthly bill, the ability to download angry birds, and the ability to call home (which all soldiers get in recruit training anyway). While those few things are good, all of that is already available online for the most part outside of recruit training, where they really won't be using any of it anyway, but where they still get to keep the government funded smartphone.

And isn't making the soldier more comfortable in training, reduce the ability to prepare them for their ultimate goal of combat and combat support?

KristallNacht wrote:

tiny tim wrote:
It would condense all of the manuals and books and various other training implements into one source that modern teenagers are more comfortable with. I've never had a cell phone or PDA or anything, so it wouldn't make as much of a difference to me. But it's still very useful. Also allows for interactive guides to things.

It also has a monthly bill, the ability to download angry birds, and the ability to call home (which all soldiers get in recruit training anyway). While those few things are good, all of that is already available online for the most part outside of recruit training, where they really won't be using any of it anyway, but where they still get to keep the government funded smartphone.

And isn't making the soldier more comfortable in training, reduce the ability to prepare them for their ultimate goal of combat and combat support?

Did it say in that article that the soldiers would keep the phones after training? And if they are using technology they are more comfortable with, then they will likely learn the material better. And I'm sure there are ways to keep them from being able to download every app they want.

isn't the IPhone's telecommunication lines unsecured? i find it a bad idea but should at least be tested to be sure.

The article specifically says "and use throughout their careers" or the like.

And being 'comfortable' all the time makes you more likely to choke when somethings uncomfortable.


And, on top of that, these iphones are planned to be issued out by the Army, while the Marine Corps doesn't even have enough money to give everyone a camelbak, a proper plate carrier, individual rifles, and ACOG scopes.

KristallNacht wrote:The article specifically says "and use throughout their careers" or the like.

And being 'comfortable' all the time makes you more likely to choke when somethings uncomfortable.


And, on top of that, these iphones are planned to be issued out by the Army, while the Marine Corps doesn't even have enough money to give everyone a camelbak, a proper plate carrier, individual rifles, and ACOG scopes.

Let's hope they never have to read a manual in the middle of a firefight then...

Fuck yeah Angry Birds for our soldiers!

lol, the Iphones durability is utter shit. how do they expect them to withstand the usual punishment soldiers go through?

Soldiers don't go through punishment, who has been lying to you?

and comfortability is a general thing. If you're never made uncomfortable, how are you going to be sure you can handle it when you are. They won't ever be reading a manual in combat anyway.

Gauz wrote:Fuck yeah Angry Birds for our soldiers!

Maybe the way to win all wars is to have a competition of Angry Birds

CivBase wrote:And.... while it might be a good idea to have a device like that, does it have to be the iPhone? They could make their own little gadget that is much more durable, a fraction of the cost, far more effective, and not subject to misuse and/or tampering.

Trust me, Civ. You can have more durable/effective/secure, or you can have "Fraction of the Cost".
This is the United States Military. Haven't you seen their track record?

Rasq'uire'laskar wrote:

CivBase wrote:And.... while it might be a good idea to have a device like that, does it have to be the iPhone? They could make their own little gadget that is much more durable, a fraction of the cost, far more effective, and not subject to misuse and/or tampering.

Trust me, Civ. You can have more durable/effective/secure, or you can have "Fraction of the Cost".
This is the United States Military. Haven't you seen their track record?

Of course, they are buying them through Apple, so good chance you can get a lower cost. Perhaps not more effective or more secure, but definitely for less.

but on top of that, there isn't any practical benefit to this. It's just another thing the Army is doing to reduce its own self-respect and soften itself.

Felix wrote:

Gauz wrote:Fuck yeah Angry Birds for our soldiers!

Maybe the way to win all wars is to have a competition of Angry Birds

I would've loved to see Obama face off against the late Osama in an angry birds tournament. Sadly, this world does not operate like that

KristallNacht wrote:Soldiers don't go through punishment, who has been lying to you?

and comfortability is a general thing. If you're never made uncomfortable, how are you going to be sure you can handle it when you are. They won't ever be reading a manual in combat anyway.

Punishment was a poor choice of word then. I meant the wear and tear soldiers go through. Like, training being rough and so on. Or does training and usual soldier movements involve sitting all relaxed back in a comfortable chair? If the latter case is true, then the Iphone might make it through a soldiers career withouth getting broken.

RX wrote:

KristallNacht wrote:Soldiers don't go through punishment, who has been lying to you?

and comfortability is a general thing. If you're never made uncomfortable, how are you going to be sure you can handle it when you are. They won't ever be reading a manual in combat anyway.

Punishment was a poor choice of word then. I meant the wear and tear soldiers go through. Like, training being rough and so on. Or does training and usual soldier movements involve sitting all relaxed back in a comfortable chair? If the latter case is true, then the Iphone might make it through a soldiers career withouth getting broken.

every single teenage girl breaks phones though and Lord Pheonix knows barely any of them barely do fucking anything physcial.

Lord Pheonix wrote:

RX wrote:

KristallNacht wrote:Soldiers don't go through punishment, who has been lying to you?

and comfortability is a general thing. If you're never made uncomfortable, how are you going to be sure you can handle it when you are. They won't ever be reading a manual in combat anyway.

Punishment was a poor choice of word then. I meant the wear and tear soldiers go through. Like, training being rough and so on. Or does training and usual soldier movements involve sitting all relaxed back in a comfortable chair? If the latter case is true, then the Iphone might make it through a soldiers career withouth getting broken.

every single teenage girl breaks phones though and Lord Pheonix knows barely any of them barely do fucking anything physcial.

They just drop it a couple of hundred times >.>

RX wrote:
Punishment was a poor choice of word then. I meant the wear and tear soldiers go through. Like, training being rough and so on. Or does training and usual soldier movements involve sitting all relaxed back in a comfortable chair? If the latter case is true, then the Iphone might make it through a soldiers career withouth getting broken.

let's just say there is a reason that Army basic is the easiest in the US

dubs

Well, at least they'll be able to track where they are at all times.