Omari Gates
There are several ways for American soldiers to call home from Afghanistan. They can use DSN (Defense Switched Network) phone centres and AT&T phone tents located throughout U.S. bases in Afghanistan. Soldiers are usually allowed free 15-minute morale calls to call their families back home. They can also use low-cost prepaid phone calling cards, or their personal GSM cell phones or satellite phones. VoIP (voice-over Internet protocol) is another option, offering a low-cost way to communicate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Postal Mail | Requires the APO AE address of the soldier in Afghanistan |
| Requires the soldier's AKO email address | |
| Phone | DSN phone centers, AT&T phone tents, personal GSM cell phones, satellite phones, and VoIP are all options for calling |
| Video Teleconferencing | Available at Family Readiness Centers on U.S. Army posts |
What You'll Learn
Calling cards
Military calling cards are a great way to stay in touch with loved ones stationed overseas. They can be used at military bases worldwide, allowing soldiers to call home without accruing expensive international phone bills.
There are a variety of options available when shopping for military calling cards. One of the more popular cards is AT&T's Global Prepaid card, which can be purchased at USO Centers, on-base vending machines in military bases, and online through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) website. Calling cards purchased online often have more competitive rates than those bought over the counter. However, it is important to pay attention to the features and rates of a specific card before making a decision.
When choosing a military calling card, consider the minute rounding. While one-minute rounding is ideal, some cards have a rounding limit of three minutes or more, which can result in a four-minute phone call being billed as six minutes. Many calling cards also have a per-use fee, which can reduce the number of minutes available for conversations. This can be avoided by buying several cards in smaller denominations so they can be used entirely in one call.
Additionally, some military calling cards have different rates depending on the type of phone being used. For example, a card may offer a lower rate when calling from a payphone or cell phone. It is important to consider how and where the card will be used to choose the most cost-effective option.
Another option for staying in touch with loved ones stationed overseas is to use modern technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Tango, Viber, and Rebtel. These services offer low-cost or free calls and sometimes even include video feeds, providing a great way to stay connected with friends and family while serving abroad.
The Distant Neighbors: New York and Afghanistan's Geographic Divide
You may want to see also
Defence Switched Network phone centres
The Defense Switched Network (DSN) is a telephone system that has been used by the military for over 100 years. It is a primary information transfer network for the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) of the United States Department of Defense. The DSN provides worldwide non-secure voice, secure voice, data, facsimile, and video teleconferencing services for DOD Command and Control (C2) elements, their supporting activities, and other Federal agencies.
The DSN is designated as the primary system of communication during peacetime, periods of crisis, pre-attack, non-nuclear, and post-attack phases of war. It consists of four subsystems: Timing and Synchronization, Network Administration and Management, and the DSN Switching Subsystem, which includes multifunction, stand-alone tandem, end office, and remote switching units. These units interconnect all military locations worldwide and provide end-to-end long-distance common user and dedicated voice, secure voice, data, and video services.
In addition to non-secure voice, data, and video services, the DSN provides transmission, switching, and support services for various secure communication networks and devices. It also provides access to the Government Emergency Telephone System (GETS). The DSN uses eight area codes to cover certain geographical areas for regular voice communications, including 312 for the Continental United States (NORTHCOM) and Puerto Rico, 313 for the Caribbean, and 319 for Canada (Canadian Switched Network).
There are a number of DSN phone centres located throughout U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers can make free 15-minute "morale calls" to their families back home through these centres. They can also use low-cost prepaid phone calling cards, personal GSM cell phones, or satellite phones to call home.
The Presence of Pigs in Afghanistan: Cultural and Economic Significance
You may want to see also
AT&T phone tents
AT&T provides wireless pop-up advertising tents that are 10 feet by 10 feet or 5 feet by 5 feet. These tents are made of strong, durable material and are easy to set up and transport. The tents feature the AT&T Wireless logo printed on all four panels and can be customized with promotional messages at no additional cost. The tents are available for purchase at a factory low price of $299, with free shipping offered during certain promotional periods.
In addition to the phone tents, AT&T offers a range of wireless plans that may be suitable for soldiers looking to stay connected while deployed. These include unlimited, capped, and pay-as-you-go plans. For example, the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan offers unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data across 20 Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, for $50.99/month per line when you get four lines, plus taxes and fees.
AT&T also offers other ways to stay connected, such as through the use of calling cards, prepaid phone cards, and personal cell phones or satellite phones. These options provide soldiers with flexibility in staying connected with their loved ones while serving overseas.
Afghanistan's Rugged Terrain: A Historical Barrier to Invasions
You may want to see also
Cell phones
The use of cell phones by American soldiers in Afghanistan is not without its challenges. One of the main issues is the availability of cell phone service. In some cases, soldiers may be deployed to remote areas where cell phone reception is limited or non-existent. In such cases, soldiers may have to rely on alternative means of communication, such as satellite phones or military-provided communication centres.
Another concern is the security of cell phones. Cell phones can be vulnerable to hacking, spyware, and data leaks, which can pose a risk to both the individual soldier and military operations. As such, some militaries have banned or restricted the use of personal cell phones by soldiers in certain situations. For example, the British Army has reportedly banned the use of cell phones by soldiers in Afghanistan, while the Russian military has banned the use of smartphones and tablets by on-duty armed forces personnel.
Despite these challenges, cell phones can also provide several benefits for soldiers in Afghanistan. They can be used to access the Internet, which can be a valuable source of information and entertainment during deployment. Additionally, soldiers can use cell phones to stay connected with their friends and family back home, which can help boost morale and maintain relationships.
There are several ways to minimise the security risks associated with cell phone use in Afghanistan. Soldiers can use prepaid SIM cards or local cell phone carriers to avoid leaving a data trail that could be exploited by enemy forces. Additionally, militaries can provide education and training on the secure use of cell phones, such as avoiding the use of certain apps or disabling location services.
Cricket Match Anticipation: Afghanistan's Next Showdown
You may want to see also
Voice-over Internet protocol
The U.S. Army has been using satellite-based internet technology, including VoIP, in Afghanistan since as early as 2013. This technology has been crucial in keeping units connected in remote areas. The Secure Internet Protocol Router/Non-secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR/NIPR) Access Point satellite terminal, or SNAP, is a specialised encrypted piece of equipment that allows soldiers to connect up to five phones and ten computers per SNAP to a network. SNAPs are designed for use at smaller outposts and can be transported in the back of a truck, increasing unit agility and their ability to communicate from remote locations.
In 2015, the U.S. Army updated the SNAP to make it 64% lighter and easier to transport, acting as a bridge between light and heavyweight satellite terminals. Once the SNAP is operational, soldiers can communicate via secure internet networks and VoIP, enabling them to transfer mission-critical information effectively in any terrain.
The Army's global network of satellite communications (SATCOM) capability provides high-speed, high-capacity connectivity, allowing soldiers to communicate across vast distances and in austere locations and terrains. Different regions, mission sets, and phases of operations require different SATCOM capabilities.
Afghanistan's Nexus with Global Issues: A Complex Web of Connections and Repercussions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
American soldiers in Afghanistan can call home through DSN (Defense Switched Network) phone centers and AT&T phone tents located throughout U.S. bases in the country. They can also use prepaid phone cards, personal GSM cell phones, or satellite phones.
Per-minute charges for calling from Afghanistan to the U.S. can be steep. Soldiers are usually allowed free 15-minute "morale calls" to call their families, and they can also use low-cost prepaid phone cards.
Other ways for American soldiers in Afghanistan to communicate with their families include postal mail, email, and video teleconferencing at Family Readiness Centers on U.S. Army posts.
