TrendThe day of military smart phones nears

Published 4 October 2009

It is only a matter of time before we see military-related iPhone apps; the iPhone can use thousands of programs, and some of these are very useful for military personnel; officers see how useful the iPhone could be with software designed for military purposes; a military version of the iPhone, able to operate on a closed military network, would be a big help in the combat zone

The informal motto of HSNW is “Show us a security need, and we will show you a business opportunity.” Accordingly: our prediction is that the next wave in iPhone’s apps will be for-pay military-related apps.

Here is why. American infantry officers who have fought in Iraq have become tech-heads, owing to all the electronic gear combat troops now carry. Officers often have laptops with them in combat to display maps, overhead UAV video, satellite photos, and all manner of data needed for them to fight smarter and more effectively. Strategy Page reports that the troops use night-vision gear, electronic rifle sights, and much more. Some get to handle portable radars that can see through walls and binoculars that have laser range finders and electronic links to artillery units.

Many of the troops have cell phones. Smart phones, such as the iPhone, are popular. The iPhone can use thousands of programs, and some of these are very useful for military personnel. Officers see how useful the iPhone could be with software designed for military purposes. A military version of the iPhone, able to operate on a closed military network, would be a big help in the combat zone. These officers also know, however, that the military procurement system, which often takes more than a decade to get new gear into the hands of the troops, could never deliver a military iPhone. This, says Strategy Page, has made a lot of senior officers angry.

The troops also want combat-ready cell phones. In the last decade, a generation has come of age that expects to carry around a phone, and stay connected 24/7. Their elders have also picked up on this convenience, to the point where the U.S. Army is actively trying to figure out how to make this happen. The procurement bureaucracy, however, with an endless list of ways to delay such progress, stand in the way.

In Afghanistan and Iraq, where wide-spread cell phone service followed in the wake of the American invasions, many U.S. troops have bought local cell phone service, and use these phones when on combat operations. The troops, though, want more out of their phones than just instant communications. As is the case with many business users, military personnel see the many potential uses of smart phones. These are cell phones with personal computer-like power and capabilities. About 10 percent of the cell phones being shipped this year are smart phones (the iPhone and Blackberry are two