View Full Version : Soldiers to be issued smartphones at Basic Training
Prior to posting this, I did a search for Iphone, Smartphones, and cell phones and turned up nothing. If this has already been posted, I apologize in advance.
Hey Soldier -- You're In the Smart-Phone Army Now!
by Mark Thompson Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 11:05 am
Remember how the Army would pretty much issue only uniforms and boots to recruits who showed up for basic training? Well, some lucky soldiers will soon be getting something extra -- an iPhone or a similarly smart phone. "We actually have a pilot study going on right now where we're issuing these things to soldiers in basic training," Lieut. General Mark Hertling said as he pulled his iPhone from a camouflaged shoulder pocket at breakfast Tuesday. Several hundred newbie troops at Missouri's Fort Leonard Wood and Oklahoma's Fort Sill will soon get either the popular Apple gimcrack or an Evo Android smart phone to make their transition into the Army go a little more smoothly. "It has everything a soldier needs to know," Hertling says.
Recruits can download Army manuals right into the devices and read them while waiting in line for chow or whenever they've got some downtime, says the three-star general, who's in charge of the Army's initial training. His fingers flit across on the touch screen, and suddenly the Soldier Creed fills the room from the iPhone's tiny speaker: "I am an American soldier -- I am a warrior and a member of a team." Hertling grins. "You say `OK, well that's kind of cheesy' -- but no, it's not -- that's how these young kids learn."
Soldiers will not only get the phones for free -- Uncle Sam will also pick up the monthly bill. But the troops will have to return them once they've finished their training, at least in the pilot program. "In the future, soldiers could potentially keep the phone for their entire Army career," an Army official said Wednesday. They might also get extra money to help pay the monthly charges.
The growing "Apps for Army" library (A4A, in Army-speak) include the Soldier's Blue Book -- the basic details of the service -- physical training and first aid manuals, an app detailing the seven Army values -- loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage -- and a "mood tracker" that lets a soldier monitor his or her psychological well-being. If the soldier is too despondent to report to P.T., there'll be an app to submit a sick-leave request. (More on Time.com: See 10 iPhone apps to help keep you healthy)
"Enormous opportunities exist for Army exploitation of commercially developed smart-phone technologies," an Army outline of the program says. "Opportunities exist to significantly enhance soldiers' and units' effectiveness and efficiencies in the conduct of administrative functions, training, leader development, access to specialized training and aided execution of military functional tasks." (Hmm....wonder if there'll be an iPhone app to translate that sentence into English?)
"The first question we got when we were talking about issuing the iPhone is well, what happens if the kid doesn't show up for his ship date and he's already been issued an iPhone -- he's going to steal it," Hertling recalls. "My initial reaction was, `Oh yea, that's a good point' -- and a young person next to me said, `You can't steal it -- it's got a geo-locator on it -- you can track the guy down and find out where he is, or just turn it off from a remote location and the iPhone's no good.'"
Hertling says the Army really doesn't "want to get into the business of issuing smart phones -- we want them to pull down the apps." But his superiors are investigating the possibility of making iPhones a nifty recruiting tool. Not only that: the iPhone is made in China. If it becomes a key tool for the U.S. Army, it could reduce the chance of war between Beijing and Washington.
Source: http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/09/23/hey-soldier-youre-in-the-iphone-army-now/
tyrsnbdr
09-23-2010, 19:29
A couple of my classmates got (had) to have lunch with GEN Dempsey (TRADOC Commander) when he was visiting Ft Gordon. The General was big on two things, iPhones and WOW. iPhones because they all use to communicate quicker with everybody and there is an App for everything. World of Warcraft because it requires individuals to come together to defeat the bosses. It naturally creates a team based exercise for the group involved.
Also, AKO had a survey a couple months back on: if the Army issued a smart phone, what type would you like to have? iPhone, Blackberry, or Driod based.
I think we'll see some changes with how the Army uses technology in the near future.
Now, where can I get my issued iPhone, CIF or DOIM?
mojaveman
09-23-2010, 20:31
The Army sure has come a long way in 30 years.
Back in '81 the only thing that I was issued other than green fatigues, black leather boots and white drawers was a little green notebook and two black ballpoint pens.
I wonder how many push-ups a recruit has to do for loosing his smartphone? :p
They can even call their mommies and daddies when they get scared.
They can browse the web instead of cleaning the barracks.
They can play mobile games while the drill sergeant is giving instruction.
Did anyone think this through? Do we have any standards for anything anymore? :confused:
Dozer523
09-23-2010, 21:44
When we go to the next war I hope the first thing that happens is a great big EMP. Ignore the guys shaking their useless phones and tapping on keyboards and screens. Follow the guys circling his hand above his head.
When we go to the next war I hope the first thing that happens is a great big EMP. Ignore the guys shaking their useless phones and tapping on keyboards and screens. Follow the guys circling his hand above his head.
Dozer, somehow I knew it would be you who'd be the first QP to respond to this thread.
For the rest of you reading, understand this.
This war, like many other wars will not be won by technology alone. Yes, troops in WWII has superior weapons over the enemy, we had better equipment, uniforms, we broke the enigma code, we developed plywood for Navy PT boats, the phillips screw driver, better explosives for shell casings to name a few.
In Vietnam we had superiority of air space, rockets, jets and bombs. An M16 far superior to an AK-47, no question. The insurgent war requires an Army who can fight gut wrenching battles, live under the worst of conditions and take the fight to the enemy on their turf.
I fear it will get worse before it really begins to suck, then it will suck some more. Only when enough people (US citizens) have seen first hand the effects of war, blood in our own streets, our schools burned, public officials murdered then they will rise up.
Our enemies have a HUMIT network that requires no iphones or text messaging. They do have requirements to secure financial funding, availability to weapons, equipment and troops. Eliminating the access to these resources is only one step in many, that's were technology assists in victory, and that's were technology stops.
Until then, follow the leader with correct and effective hand signals, and never question the resolve of a pissed-off US Army Infantryman.
kawaishi
09-24-2010, 02:19
I first read about the iphones today in this article about how the general is trying to handle a wave injuries in the ranks of new soldiers.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/nsa_20100923_5764.php
It struck me as odd that the Army understands that it needs to address the physical state of many initial entry soldiers, but not the way in which those soldiers think and process information. That's seems so obviously wrong to me.
If those soldiers can't adapt to functioning well without an iphone (or any gadget) they're gonna have a rough ride in life.
Dozer, somehow I knew it would be you who'd be the first QP to respond to this thread. ...........
For the rest of you reading, understand this.
Eliminating the access to these resources is only one step in many, that's were technology assists in victory, and that's were technology stops.
Until then, follow the leader with correct and effective hand signals, and never question the resolve of a pissed-off US Army Infantryman.
But Wait WD,,
I need to upload my sitrap to YouTube so I can get the bonus mileage on my C-card, before I go get that ammo you need.
Bolusky is hogging the band-width trying to down-load ver 87.3.6 WoW to get the squad set-up for the battle plan,
and The Blonde found a new squeeze on twitter that just sent a 25 GB picture of His new tat..
Can we put off the patrol until tomorrow??
:munchin:munchin:munchin
Dozer523
09-24-2010, 03:56
Thanks Wet Dog. (Richard's out of the country:cool:) And besides the 8th Grader's math extra credit problem is keeping me awake. damn! it's hard!http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/nsa_20100923_5764.php
This article mentioned the "Blue Book" That was a new one one this FOG. So, BroFogs here you go . . .http://www.jackson.army.mil/sites/school/docs/131/The-Soldier
..... -- and a "mood tracker" that lets a soldier monitor his or her psychological well-being. If the soldier is too despondent to report to P.T., there'll be an app to submit a sick-leave request.................
Too despondent to report to P.T.? Too despondent?????????
Now see in the old days old Sarge would have said "Too despondent? I don't give a rat's ass for your too despondent. Get your goat smellin' ass out on the PT field before I kick it over the mess hall roof."
This article mentioned the "Blue Book" That was a new one one this FOG. So, BroFogs here you go . .
pre-release version??
TRADOC Pamphlet 600-4, 1 October 2010
I'm not advocating the use of iphones and whatnot on a basic course but i have done terminal controls with a jet, in which the pilot was using an iphone for fire support calculations-apparently there is an app for that?
Secondly, some for clinical medic stuff, there are BOATLOADS of medical txts on electronic format, that you can bomb up your iphone with. I know its a step in a different directions and it's no substitute for using your brain but there are loads of useful tools on them for soldiers.
Do i think it will turn troops into social-networking, tech dependant pussies? Yes.
Do i think it serves a place on a basic course? No.
Will WoW help soldiers of today learn teamwork? hardly. If you want to build teamwork by banding troops against a common enemy, give them paintball guns or something a little less....... well.. gay.
Thoughts?
A couple of my classmates got (had) to have lunch with GEN Dempsey (TRADOC Commander) when he was visiting Ft Gordon. The General was big on two things, iPhones and WOW...
....World of Warcraft because it requires individuals to come together to defeat the bosses.
OMG...please tell me you are just kidding. Please...
blue02hd
09-24-2010, 05:10
BearW,
Not sure if I am following your point, but I think you should be awarded extra points for referencing WoW in your post.
LEEEEEROY JENKINS!!
-- and a "mood tracker" that lets a soldier monitor his or her psychological well-being. If the soldier is too despondent to report to P.T., there'll be an app to submit a sick-leave request. (More on Time.com: See 10 iPhone apps to help keep you healthy)
OK...obviously this is not a joke, as I had been hoping. Right now I wish I had a smart phone instead of a 5 year old beat up pre-razor POS so I could go download the mood tracker app and call in sick for work today. This thread has made me very dispondent right now...
I see the effect of the "cell phone" generation in the work force everyday.
Phone rings= must answer
Text message= must reply
Sport stats update= must update my fantasy league
Regardless of what task they are performing, they stop what they are doing and respond to the phone. Not only does productivity decrease but the workmanship suffers. They loose track of what they are doing and end up skipping vital steps in the process.
Another downfall I see with this connected generation is when they have had a fight with their other half, it doesnt stop when they get to work. There is no cool down time anymore, the fight continues and usually escalates at work.
I just dont see how adding smartphones is a good thing during basic training, after all it is BASIC military skills being taught.
Thanks Wet Dog. (Richard's out of the country:cool:) And besides the 8th Grader's math extra credit problem is keeping me awake. damn! it's hard!
This article mentioned the "Blue Book" That was a new one one this FOG. So, BroFogs here you go . . .http://www.jackson.army.mil/sites/school/docs/131/The-Soldier
Not a bad pamphlet, think I'll keep a printed copy along side my original, Basic Training issued, torn, stappled, sweat soaked, blood stained copy that I read endlessly standing in one line after the next, head down, trying not to fall asleep version.
How does an iphone survive the bumps and bruises of basic training? Today, my phone sits in the truck when working and it still gets beat-up.
OK...obviously this is not a joke, as I had been hoping. Right now I wish I had a smart phone instead of a 5 year old beat up pre-razor POS so I could go download the mood tracker app and call in sick for work today. This thread has made me very dispondent right now...
"PVT (Don), are you feeling dispondent? Why don't you go lie down over there in the shade, take some deep breaths and report to the 1SG when you're ready."
Brother, I don't see it happening.
One of the funniest things I ever saw in Basic was (1) soldier being torn apart by no less than (3) Drill Sergeants, ending only with soldier being told to "Place your head on the sign that reads, 'STOP', DO IT NOW".
Followed there soon was a large fist punching the other side, leaving the soldier helpless while lying on the ground. All I could do was think, 'SHIT, glad that wasn't me, head down - keep reading.....'.
One of the funniest things I ever saw in Basic was (1) soldier being torn apart by no less than (3) Drill Sergeants, ending only with soldier being told to "Place your head on the sign that reads, 'STOP', DO IT NOW".
Followed there soon was a large fist punching the other side, leaving the soldier helpless while lying on the ground. All I could do was think, 'SHIT, glad that wasn't me, head down - keep reading.....'.
Awesome! I am feeling far less dispondent now...thanks! See, I didn't end up needing the mood app...just a funny-assed story.
Dozer523
09-24-2010, 09:19
Many of my favorite memories begin with the phrase, "'SHIT, glad that wasn't me."
Will WoW help soldiers of today learn teamwork? hardly. If you want to build teamwork by banding troops against a common enemy, give them paintball guns or something a little less....... well.. gay.
Gay Scale
1. Poodles
2. Ikea
3. Vegans
4. Posers
5. Soccer
6. Airsoft/paintball
7. Gun control advocates
8. WoW
9. The Airforce (just joking my Airforce brothers, the Airforce is less gay than hippies) :p
10. Hippies
So you can see by the Gay scale that WoW is really less gay than airsoft.
Blue
The above is purely satire( don't want to be accused of not being diverse) :D
Airsoft/Paintball is only less gay than WoW if the troops get to sit on their hoop for hours on end without getting up to use the bathroom and beating calorie ridden fat-pills into their gluttonous gapping maw's.
and... whats wrong with hippies?
Utah Bob
09-24-2010, 16:31
It's only 4:30 but I think I need a drink.:rolleyes:
AngelsSix
09-24-2010, 16:40
It's only 4:30 but I think I need a drink.:rolleyes:
I am already drinking, you need to catch up!:D
ZonieDiver
09-24-2010, 16:45
Hell, I thought PT was the cure for being despondent!
More PT, Drill Sergeant!
Hell, I thought PT was the cure for being despondent!
More PT, Drill Sergeant!
Hey brother, thanks for taking my call. Enjoy the weekend with your gal.
Talk soon, WD
tyrsnbdr
09-24-2010, 19:11
OMG...please tell me you are just kidding. Please...
Somethings you can't make up. :rolleyes:
Seems like most everyone I know and see is madly in love with their phone, texting, apps. and the status of having the latest and greatest technology has to offer.
You don't have one? What planet are you from dude? Man you got to get one!
In all seriousness, I wonder if the lure of SmartPhones might not be a recruiting tool.
The Reaper
09-24-2010, 20:24
I do not think Basic Trainees need that distraction.
There aren't too many classes during Basic that you could safely skip paying attention to while you texted.
I vote No.
TR
Seems like most everyone I know and see is madly in love with their phone, texting, apps. and the status of having the latest and greatest technology has to offer.
You don't have one? What planet are you from dude? Man you got to get one!
In all seriousness, I wonder if the lure of SmartPhones might not be a recruiting tool.
I heard a friend, (and former business partner), ask a beautiful woman tonight at the pub, "while your guy answers his office emails, can I buy you a drink?"
The woman said, "Yes, whiskey sour please."
And who said old guys aren't smooth.
I heard a friend, (and former business partner), ask a beautiful woman tonight at the pub, "while your guy answers his office emails, can I buy you a drink?"
The woman said, "Yes, whiskey sour please."
And who said old guys aren't smooth.
There is more insight in that little story than meets the eye.
alright4u
09-24-2010, 23:37
I heard a friend, (and former business partner), ask a beautiful woman tonight at the pub, "while your guy answers his office emails, can I buy you a drink?"
The woman said, "Yes, whiskey sour please."
And who said old guys aren't smooth.
This PC, MC, socially engineered crap is out of control. Is this for commander Obama to alert them to a tea party?
This PC, MC, socially engineered crap is out of control. Is this for commander Obama to alert them to a tea party?
I guess the real lesson is, when your eyes are down and off the target, a lot can happen. Eyes come up and one has to ask, "What just happened?"
Have you ever seen someone scan the teleprompter looking for their place and being lost, "Uhmm, Uhmm,....".
Same thing.
alright4u
09-25-2010, 09:46
I guess the real lesson is, when your eyes are down and off the target, a lot can happen. Eyes come up and one has to ask, "What just happened?"
Have you ever seen someone scan the teleprompter looking for their place and being lost, "Uhmm, Uhmm,....".
Same thing.
How many wrecks started from looking down to dial one number on a cell phone?
How many wrecks started from looking down to dial one number on a cell phone?
I see it at an increasing rate daily.
Early this year I was eating lunch in a Wendy's Parking lot when I noticed a SUV creeping along while turning into the parking lot. While making the turn the SUV came to complete stop and was nearly rear ended. The SUV then proceeded to creep around the packing lot and eventually found a parking spot directly behind me. After about 5 minutes the drivers door opened, a couple minutes after that a leg was seen dangling out the door and eventually a woman focused on her cell phone stumbled out of the vehicle......she was totally absorbed in her texting session and oblivious to what was going on around her.
For growing number of USERS the cell phone use should be considered a mental illness or addiction, and use of the device should be limited in the same manner as a Schedule III Drug.
I consider myself fortunate to have lived through a time were the phone wasn't available 24/7/365 and you had to wait on the Postman to get your written messages.
I beleive the first casualty of the 1991 Gulf War (not combat related), was an Airmen who was run over by a truck backing up. He was killed when the truck crushed him between fender and loading dock at an airfield in country, (whiling looking down at a clipboard).
bandycpa
09-26-2010, 06:56
For growing number of USERS the cell phone use should be considered a mental illness or addiction, and use of the device should be limited in the same manner as a Schedule III Drug.
I consider myself fortunate to have lived through a time were the phone wasn't available 24/7/365 and you had to wait on the Postman to get your written messages.
Couldn't agree with you more, and I'm pointing the finger at me as well. Our "need" for information and constant (yet distant) social connection is hindering our ability to think and reason over the long haul in my opinion.
I firmly believe that people get attached ("addicted" may be a little strong...maybe) to hearing the ding of the cellphone. They look down at their phone in a Pavlovian reflex, and go through the motions to retrieve their phone and see what treasure awaits, no matter what "real" situation they are in at the time. Let the phone go silent for a bit, and they will endeavor to make someone else's phone ding. There is this overwhelming desire for some to receive texts, email, and calls, and it becomes an attachment. How many check their cellphone just to see if there is a message waiting? Or to be sure they haven't missed a FaceBook notification? Yet, these same people are losing the ability to interact socially in the real world.
Having said that, I will readily admit that there are many times I prefer to text instead of call because I just don't want to go through the pleasantries of a phone call. I just want to relay a message. I don't want to be stuck on the phone for 20 minutes hearing about ancillary things. I just want to let you know that Johnny's soccer practice is at 6pm (sidebar: Yes, I coach rec league soccer for 9 year olds and 12 year olds. We prefer to think of it as happy rather than gay. See post #22 of this thread).
If we thought the sitcom age reduced our attention span drastically, we should seriously examine the greater (and adverse) effect the "instant info" age is having on our attention.
I'll be awaiting a notification of a reply to this thread on my cell phone. Just don't reply while I'm driving.
Bandy
College's attempt to block Facebook, Twitter, IMs fails
Updated 9/16/2010 7:10 PM
By Steve Kolowich, Inside Higher Ed
The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology made waves last week when it announced it would block access to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and AOL Instant Messenger from its campus wireless network for one week. The idea was to make students, faculty, and staff reflect on the role social media plays in their lives.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-09-16-IHE-facebook_blockade16_ST_N.htm
I think it has already reached the level of a sickness..
I wonder who will get the Nobel Science Prize for their "break-thu research"???
:munchin:munchin
Hooligan
09-26-2010, 07:26
think it has already reached the level of a sickness..
I wonder who will get the Nobel Science Prize for their "break-thu research"???
-Obama of course....:eek:
I remember attending a 18B class with a buddy, while he and I skiped and bailed on the test review for 18E.
As we stood in the back of the class room, a large MSG, (Cadre) raised his right hand holding the trigger assembly for a MG-42, German, in 7.92mm. He said, "This will be on the test", and stomps his feet three times.
I'm now thinking, how in the hell would an online downloadable application help me.
I firmly believe that people get attached ("addicted" may be a little strong...maybe) to hearing the ding of the cellphone. They look down at their phone in a Pavlovian reflex, and go through the motions to retrieve their phone and see what treasure awaits, no matter what "real" situation they are in at the time. Let the phone go silent for a bit, and they will endeavor to make someone else's phone ding. There is this overwhelming desire for some to receive texts, email, and calls, and it becomes an attachment. How many check their cellphone just to see if there is a message waiting? Or to be sure they haven't missed a FaceBook notification? Yet, these same people are losing the ability to interact socially in the real world.
I agree from having noticed this reflex in myself and moreso in others my age I am around regularly.
At my current employ I support a Blackberry Enterprise Server. I know we can restrict what access our blackberry users have. We can turn off txting, Internet access, etc.
I am not sure how one could do this with iPhones as there is not a centralized corporate server like there is with Blackberry.
I have a Barnes and Noble Nook that will hold more books than I could ever read. The battery life will last for about two weeks with me leaving the device on the whole time. Maybe something like this might be more appropriate? Of course, a drawback would be that it lacks the capability to report to my boss how despondent I am feeling.
("addicted" may be a little strong...maybe)
Maybe then..instant gratification ;)
I find myself yearning for open range, wind whistling through the trees and grass and no phone service....nothing ruins a Scout Camp out like portable hand held devices.........My oldest daughter tells me I am just getting old and senile.
bandycpa
09-27-2010, 20:23
Maybe then..instant gratification ;)
I find myself yearning for open range, wind whistling through the trees and grass and no phone service....nothing ruins a Scout Camp out like portable hand held devices.........My oldest daughter tells me I am just getting old and senile.
"Instant gratification" fits better. I must admit my faults here as well concerning electronic devices. It's just too easy to pull the computer or the Blackberry out to look up something or send a quick text to someone. I've made it a point to lay off of FaceBook for a while, and not get into texting back-and-forth as much as I did.
I mean, let's face it. There's only so many times you can read about how bad someone's day is, or get some bit of wisdom from an FB status that the person looked up two minutes before they posted it. Eventually, one burns out on FB. But, there is always that little bit of digital social voyeurism that tries to pull one back in. When they built FB, they knew what they were doing.
What we have gained in knowledge and gratification, we have lost in relationship building and social coping skills.
Bandy
I think we kind of got off topic....kind of, but maybe it is related.
So the recruits can now easily look at manuals and save a tree via the smartphone. What happens if the young recruit has grown up with everything at his finger tips and there is a disruption in service?
What would happen if a new age sniper's laser range finder goes down and he doesn't know how to calculate his range the old fashioned way?
And what happens when technology fails, and all the foolish old guys with their time tested antiquated methods are no more.
bandycpa
09-28-2010, 04:51
I think we kind of got off topic....kind of, but maybe it is related.
So the recruits can now easily look at manuals and save a tree via the smartphone. What happens if the young recruit has grown up with everything at his finger tips and there is a disruption in service?
What would happen if a new age sniper's laser range finder goes down and he doesn't know how to calculate his range the old fashioned way?
And what happens when technology fails, and all the foolish old guys with their time tested antiquated methods are no more.
True. I went off on a bit of a tangent there. My apologies.
Good question about what happens to the recruit if service is interrupted. When information is inaccessible and common sense must prevail, will they be able to adapt to the situation?
Further than that, will focus on the task at hand be sacrificed in favor of updating your FB status or texting your buddy about how "bored you are"?
Sometimes, the more knowlege we have access to, the dumber we become.
Bandy
I beleive soldiers standing in formation for extended lengths of time only increases their ability to stay focused and lengthens their attention span.
Of course this is only Basic. Advanced skills will include LP/OP, hide sites, radio watch, sniper platforms, etc., where consentration can be measured from several hours to a few days with little chance of "entertainment".
nousdefions
09-28-2010, 08:36
..... they won't have to rip velcro to get to the phone to check the facebook.
http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-brief/51752-sony-ericsson-intros-a-13-inch-mobile-phone-remote-control
Enjoy! :munchin
219seminole
09-28-2010, 09:20
My college-senior daughter and I were talking last week about doing research for her classes. As she pulled out her phone and googled, I said, "You know, your generation doesn't have to know as much as previous generations. I had to learn and remember things. All you need to do is google for the answer." (She is an A student, so she does know a lot of things.)
In the Army context, are the young troops going to be able to google when the stuff hits the fan? Got to keep the thing charged up.
Google "How to react to an ambush"
TO LATE
mark46th
09-28-2010, 09:53
Who is going to carry the generator and seat for these things?
1stindoor
09-28-2010, 12:20
... Not only that: the iPhone is made in China. If it becomes a key tool for the U.S. Army, it could reduce the chance of war between Beijing and Washington.
Source: http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/09/23/hey-soldier-youre-in-the-iphone-army-now/
...and it'll allow China better access to those pesky firewalls we keep throwing up.
True. I went off on a bit of a tangent there. My apologies.
Good question about what happens to the recruit if service is interrupted. When information is inaccessible and common sense must prevail, will they be able to adapt to the situation?
Further than that, will focus on the task at hand be sacrificed in favor of updating your FB status or texting your buddy about how "bored you are"?
Sometimes, the more knowlege we have access to, the dumber we become.
Bandy
The reason I asked....
One time we had a power outage, the server, the light and phones went down all went down. And everyone was standing around with their thumbs up their ass waiting for things to return to normal.
I hooked the phone system to a portable generator and we could receive calls.....sarcastically someone said, great we have phones but we have nothing to enter orders on or check stock.
I then had to go to the supply closet and pull out 10 year old dusty order pads and pencils.....and explain how we conducted business the old school way.
For many people life stops without the convenient gadgets they have grown up with and rely upon.
1stindoor
09-28-2010, 12:30
I think we kind of got off topic....kind of, but maybe it is related.
And what happens when technology fails, and all the foolish old guys with their time tested antiquated methods are no more.
As a "foolish old guy" I remember when everyone was getting GPS's and watching how many people got lost in the woods when they couldn't get a sateillite signal. This was at Ft. Polk (JRTC) in the mid 90's.
And while I like my ACOG and laser pointy thingies...my iron sights never ran out of batteries...and the lenses never got scratched.
greenberetTFS
09-28-2010, 13:41
As a "foolish old guy" I remember when everyone was getting GPS's and watching how many people got lost in the woods when they couldn't get a sateillite signal. This was at Ft. Polk (JRTC) in the mid 90's.
And while I like my ACOG and laser pointy thingies...my iron sights never ran out of batteries...and the lenses never got scratched.
I'm one of those "foolish old guys" too,WTF are they going to do when their GPS craps out and someone brings them a compass and map and says,get us out of here!..........:rolleyes:
Big Teddy :munchin
PedOncoDoc
09-28-2010, 13:49
I'm one of those "foolish old guys" too,WTF are they going to do when their GPS craps out and someone brings them a compass and map and says,get us out of here!
Probably crap out themselves. :D
GratefulCitizen
09-28-2010, 13:49
Don't have internet at home, don't have cable, have a low-tech cell phone with text messaging disabled, and it's often turned off.
Lack of connection prevents my household from being bothered by the outside world.
My kids know how to enjoy simple things.
We take them down to the lake and they collect sticks which make good pretend guns, spears, and swords.
They also collect shiny rocks and shells from fresh water clams.
(They still do have computers and know how to use them.)
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People get stressed and distracted by all the electronic lights, bells, and whistes to which they dutifully chain themselves.
That is exactly these tools become: CHAINS.
Whatever the reasoning for giving the devices to recruits, control would probably be primary among them.
However, when human thought and behavior is too channelled and subject to central control, immense opportunity is lost.
A great power human beings possess is creative imagination.
That creative imagination will find solutions to supposedly unsolvable problems.
More importantly, creative imagination will recognize and sieze opportunity.
(The QPs probably have considerable experience in using creative imagination to solve problems and sieze opportunity...)
These recruits had a handicap imposed upon them during their youth.
Don't understand why it should be continued into military training.
Won't ever do such things to my own children.
If the only tools they have are sticks and rocks, they'll still see them as tools.