Army tests mobile apps for soldiers

The government is making it easier for members of the U.S. military to use smartphones to do their jobs. While members of the armed forces must curb their use of many smartphone apps due to security concerns, the new U.S. Army Software Marketplace gives soldiers access to certain web-based and downloadable applications on approved devices – iOS is in beta now, with plans to incorporate Android apps next. The software marketplace is designed as a secure and strategically purposed corollary of Google’s Android Marketplace (now Google Play) and Apple’s App Store. For now, soldiers can download 12 mobile training applications for use on personal phones or tablets.
“Training aids, planning tools and other apps in the marketplace give soldiers easy access to information we need to keep current,” said Sgt. 1st Class Nanette Williams, a member of the Army Executive Communications Team at the Pentagon.
It appears the Army is also keen on tapping into the same entrepreneurial drive that has proved so successful in the general consumer market. The Army said it is implementing industry-proven agile software-development practices such as increasing collaboration between end-users and developers, and delivering software to users in short release cycles.
Among the apps available now are the Soldiers Blue Book (initial entry training guide), Army Values, Army Social Media Handbook and Developing a Performance Work Statement, but planners anticipate making available powerful apps to use in the field to help coordinate operations, deliver vital strategic information, and even help active duty soldiers keep in touch with loved ones at home.