It stands to reason that a communications and information tool as
powerful as the internet would be employed in numerous inventive ways by our
nation’s military. Today we’ll look at some of those applications.
Here are 10 interesting ways that U.S. troops have used the internet:
- Spy by Proxy – In March of
2011 it was revealed that the U.S. military had developed software that
would allow them to create fake social media profiles, which would then be
used to infiltrate terrorist sites and monitor anti-American websites.
- Recruitment – The U.S.
military has also set up bona fide profiles for the purposes of recruitment.
As social media members, they participated in forums, blogs and RSS feeds
to stay in touch with potential recruits. Downloadable apps are also
available.
- Scale Model – The military
has developed a scaled down version of the internet, essentially for target
practice. It will simulate cyber-attacks on the dummy version to test its
counter-measures for the real deal.
- YouTube – Troops are
able to communicate quickly and inexpensively by uploading video to their
YouTube accounts, where family and friends can be kept apprised of their
loved ones overseas.
- Video Teleconferencing (VTC) – Family
Readiness Centers provide video conferencing systems so that troops can
communicate directly with their families.
- Flickr – Along with
other internet services, troops have been able to share the war with those
of us back home in unfiltered, and unprecedented ways.
- Stress Relief – As such,
these internet venues which provide contact with troops’ families are also
affording them a therapeutic outlet. The ability to stay in contact with
family and share experiences with such immediacy is, for many troops, a
means to help stay grounded in a war zone.
- War Porn – Unfortunately,
the news is not all good. There have been some cases of a few U.S. troops
who have posted, or exchanged in return for memberships or privileges,
explicit photos of war casualties at certain websites. One such site has
been shut down since 2006.
- PTSD Screening – Because
many troops are reticent to seek help directly, or talk one-on-one about
it, they are encouraged to take advantage of online screening. They can
arrange to “see” a therapist online as well to discuss their stress and
get treatment.
- Basic Training – New recruits
and enlistment prospects can prepare for basic training and classification
using resources available online at armed forces websites.
Contacts and sources:
Kate Croston
http://www.internetservice.net/2012/10-interesting-ways-u-s-troops-have-used-the-internet/
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