Texting Under Fire: Communication Challenges For Soldiers In Afghanistan

Soldiers in Afghanistan have various ways to communicate with their loved ones back home. Postal mail, email, phone calls, video teleconferencing, and instant messaging are some of the methods used. While some soldiers use calling cards, others use personal GSM cell phones or satellite phones to make calls. However, there are security concerns associated with the use of cell phones, and certain militaries have banned or restricted their use. The British Army, for instance, had previously banned all soldiers from using their phones during deployment.

Cell phone security risks

Cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, with smartphones providing access to communication, social media, and various applications. However, the convenience and connectivity that mobile devices offer come with inherent security risks that can have serious implications, especially for soldiers deployed in conflict zones such as Afghanistan. Here are some critical cell phone security risks that soldiers and individuals should be aware of:

• Data Leakage through Apps: Many mobile applications collect and share user data, including personal information, location history, contacts, and device data, often without users' knowledge or explicit consent. Malicious or unsecured apps can send data to third parties, including advertisers and cybercriminals, compromising users' privacy and security.
• Unsecured Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks that do not require passwords or encryption are highly insecure. Connecting to such networks can allow nearby attackers to spy on online activities and steal sensitive information. Additionally, cybercriminals can create fake Wi-Fi hotspots to trick users into connecting and stealing their data.
• Phishing and Smishing: Phishing attacks involve sending deceptive emails or text messages to trick users into revealing personal information or downloading malware. Smishing, a form of phishing via SMS, is particularly prevalent on mobile devices. Soldiers should be cautious of unexpected messages or calls and avoid clicking suspicious links.
• Mobile Malware and Ransomware: Mobile devices are vulnerable to malware, including ransomware, which can encrypt files and demand ransom payments. Malware may be unknowingly downloaded from app stores or malicious websites. It is essential to download apps only from legitimate sources and to keep the device's operating system up to date.
• Spyware and Stalkerware: Spyware is a significant threat, often installed by spouses, coworkers, or employers, to track an individual's whereabouts and activities. Stalkerware, a form of surveillanceware, is commonly used in domestic abuse cases and can be challenging to detect and remove without compromising personal safety.
• Network Exploits and Interception: Cell phones use various communication protocols like SMS, MMS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GSM, each with inherent security vulnerabilities. More than half of the attempts to intercept calls on 3G networks are successful, and nine out of ten SMS messages can be intercepted, posing a severe risk to sensitive communications.
• Poor Password Habits: Reusing passwords across multiple accounts and using weak passwords are common practices that increase the risk of credential-based cyberattacks. Soldiers should use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Outdated Operating Systems: Using outdated operating systems on mobile devices can expose them to known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. It is crucial to keep devices updated with the latest security patches to mitigate this risk.
• Physical Loss or Theft: Leaving mobile devices unattended or failing to secure them with passwords or biometric locks can lead to theft or unauthorized access. Soldiers should ensure their devices are locked with strong authentication measures to protect their data if their devices fall into the wrong hands.

Calling and texting plans

Calling Options:

• DSN (Defense Switched Network) Phone Centers and AT&T Phone Tents: These are available throughout U.S. bases in Afghanistan. Soldiers can make free 15-minute "morale calls" to their families. These calls are usually routed through an Army base near the family, making it a local call.
• Prepaid Phone Calling Cards: Soldiers can use low-cost prepaid phone calling cards to call home. This is a convenient option, especially if they don't have access to DSN phones or AT&T tents.
• Personal GSM Cell Phones or Satellite Phones: Soldiers may be allowed to use their personal cell phones or satellite phones to make calls. However, the per-minute charges for international calls can be expensive.
• VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol): This is a low-cost option where soldiers can use USB Internet phones or headsets plugged into computers running Skype to call home. MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) centers often provide "Spawar" setups for this purpose.
• Video Teleconferencing (VTC): Secure video conferencing systems are available at Family Readiness Centers on U.S. posts, allowing family members to have real-time video calls with their soldier.

Texting Options:

• Apps: Soldiers can use various apps on their smartphones to text or message their loved ones. Options include iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. These apps often require a stable internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, which may not always be available in certain locations.
• Email: Soldiers can communicate via email using their AKO (Army Knowledge Online) email addresses, which end in @us.army.mil. Family members can also create their own AKO accounts to instant message the soldiers.
• Postal Mail: Sending letters and packages to an APO AE address in Afghanistan incurs domestic mail rates instead of international rates. Mail is routed through New York and then sent via the Army Postal Service. This option may take longer, with packages taking 10-20 days to arrive.

Military-provided communication methods

Postal Mail

One reliable and cost-effective way to communicate with soldiers in Afghanistan is through postal mail. By addressing letters and packages to the soldier's APO AE address, they are routed through New York, allowing senders to benefit from domestic mail rates instead of international rates. While this method may take longer, with packages typically taking 10-20 days to arrive, it provides a tangible means of communication and the opportunity to send care packages.

Email and Instant Messaging

Military bases in Afghanistan are equipped with internet facilities, enabling soldiers to access email and instant messaging services. Family members can obtain their own AKO (Army Knowledge Online) email addresses ending in @us.army.mil to directly communicate with their loved ones. Additionally, internet cafes and semi-rugged laptops are available on bases, allowing soldiers to stay connected and providing a sense of familiarity in their daily routines.

Phone Calls

The military also facilitates communication through phone calls. DSN (Defense Switched Network) phone centers and AT&T phone tents are strategically located across U.S. bases in Afghanistan. Soldiers are typically allowed free 15-minute "morale calls" to connect with their families. Additionally, they can utilize prepaid phone calling cards or their personal GSM cell phones to make international calls. To optimize costs, soldiers often make brief calls home, after which their families use inexpensive international prepaid phone cards to call them back.

Video Teleconferencing (VTC)

For those residing near Army posts, secure video teleconferencing facilities are available at Family Readiness Centers. These advanced setups operate on secure military networks, providing real-time visual communication between soldiers and their families, bridging the physical distance and fostering a sense of connection.

Postal mail

The first postal arrangements in Afghanistan were made in the 1860s by Sher Ali Khan as part of a program to modernize the country. Afghan Post was officially established in 1878 and was accepted into the Universal Postal Union in 1928.

In the late 1970s, the Afghan postal service was one of the stronger regional postal services, able to send and receive mail from anywhere in the world. However, during the 1990s civil war, the postal service was suspended. Sending a letter meant finding someone travelling in the direction of the recipient and hoping for the best.

Today, Afghan Post provides universal postal services, with over a century of history throughout the country. It is a member of the Universal Postal Union and the EMS cooperative. It provides postal collection and delivery services, both domestic and international, through 463 post offices.

Despite decades of conflict, Afghan postal workers are determined to continue serving the country. They face challenges such as the lack of an address system and the threat of attacks by the Taliban and Daesh fighters.

Sending mail to soldiers in Afghanistan is possible through the Army Postal Service. To send a package or letter, you need to know the APO AE address of the soldier. Mail sent to an APO AE address goes to New York, which means you pay domestic mail rates instead of international rates. Packages typically take 10-20 days to arrive, depending on the time of year.

There are restrictions on what can be sent to Afghanistan through the mail. Restricted items include coins, banknotes, currency notes, securities payable to bearer, platinum, gold, silver, infectious materials, perishable biological substances, and radioactive materials. Valuable articles such as traveller's cheques, precious stones, jewellery, etc., are only admitted in registered letter-post shipments.

Internet access

Internet Cafes

Internet cafes are available at some bases, but soldiers can expect to pay $5 to $10 per hour for use and may have to wait for their turn.

MWR (Moral Welfare and Recreation)

Most deployment locations have an MWR, which provides a few computers for free internet access. Troops are allowed 20-30 minutes per session, and there is usually a wait. Wireless access is sometimes available, but it can be extremely slow as many people are trying to share the bandwidth.

Personal Internet Access

Soldiers can have internet access in their living quarters, but it is very expensive. The expense is shared with other soldiers, with costs ranging from $60 to $250 per person per month. With personal internet access, each soldier has their own laptop computer, and all access is wireless.

VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol)

VoIP offers a low-cost way to communicate back home. The MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) centers often provide "Spawar" setups, which are USB Internet phones or headsets plugged into computers running Skype.

Video Teleconferencing (VTC)

Secure, dedicated video conferencing systems are available at Family Readiness Centers on U.S. posts, allowing family members to engage in real-time video calls. These systems run on secure military networks.

Cell Phones

Cell phones can be used for texting and calling, but they are vulnerable to security risks and data leaks. In addition, cell phone service providers in Afghanistan may not be trusted to protect user information, as Russian, Iranian, and Chinese intelligence agencies are believed to be monitoring local networks.

Postal Mail

Letters and packages can be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan using the APO AE address. Mail is sent via the Army Postal Service and can take 10-20 days to arrive, depending on the time of year.

Email

Email communication is possible by sending messages to the soldier's AKO (Army Knowledge Online) email address, which ends in @us.army.mil. Family members can also get their own AKO account to instant message a soldier.

Calling Cards

Soldiers can use low-cost prepaid phone calling cards to call back home.

Frequently asked questions