When you think of military research and development, you probably think of Q type boffins testing out lethal devices in some underground bunker. What you don’t think of, is your local mobile phone shop.
But this is where you’re likely to find the next generation of military devices. Because both the UK and US armed forces are now developing ways to use the power of consumer smartphones to help soldiers to... soldier.
And it makes sense when you think about it.
Because the military were looking to upgrade the communication devices used by soldiers. They needed some kind of light and sturdy handheld device; something powerful, easy-to-use and able to adapt to a variety of tasks.
What they were looking for was... a smartphone. So instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, they began to explore ways they could make use of existing consumer devices for military purposes. This is what they’re now doing.
Fresh outlook on military smartphones
It marks a shift in approach for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). They have previously had a slightly sniffy attitude towards the use of consumer technology. They were also restricted by strict security protocols, meaning they tended to use custom built new kit.
But the MoD has now loosened its collar and relaxed many of those tight security restrictions.
It means they can start using smartphones in the same way that hundreds of UK companies already use them to manage and monitor their mobile workers. They offer a cost effective, flexible and efficient way of getting tasks done.
And one benefit already being experienced is the way that mobile technology can replace cumbersome paper-based processes. This was one of the factors behind the MoD’s recent purchase of 300 tablets for its Royal Airforce pilots.
The use of these devices has allowed C-17 pilots to ditch the 14kg cases full of documents they used to have to lug around with them - everything is now stored digitally on the handheld devices.
Mobile America
The US military is following a similar path with DARPA creating its very own military app store, called TransApp. One of the key technologies used in the apps on offer is GPS capabilities of a smartphone.
On a battlefield, it allows a commander to monitor in real-time the movement and location of soldiers, to instantly update and alter their objectives. It makes the phone an invaluable tool which removes the need for paper maps and intelligence reports.
So the brick-sized radios still in use by soldiers are set to be consigned to a military museum. What they’re more likely to be using is an Android device such as a Samsung Galaxy - the current phone of choice for the US military.
While the military is just entering into this world of mobile working, there already exists an army of mobile workers in the UK who are veterans when it comes to the use of smartphones as management devices.
