New security training app for sailors' smartphones

Mark D. Faram, 

December 14, 2015 

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OPSEC violations are only a few thumb taps away. And now, so is guidance about how to avoid them.

In December, the Navy released an app designed as a one-stop shop for all things operational security. Topics range from cautions against using geotagging on your smartphone to age-old threats like an eavesdropping server.

What you need to know:

1. Downloading it. "Naval OPSEC" is the Navy's fifth mobile application and can be downloaded on Apple iTunes and Google Play. You can quickly review and complete your requirement for OPSEC General Military Training on the app.

“We’re trying to provide as many options as possible for command and sailors by increasing the different methods we can deliver training,” said Bill Marvel, GMT program manager at the Naval Education and Training Command. “We still have people who like to give and receive instructor-led training. But where we have the ability to increase access to that training through a mobile application, then we’d like to do it.”

2. The training. This is the second app that can replace classroom-led GMT in your division.

Sailors can opt to log their Defense Department identification number into the application so once they complete the training, it’s automatically entered into the Navy’s training database. This also shows up in their command's training completion reports.

The app's training includes videos, instructions, briefings and an assessment, all in the smooth navigation of a smartphone app.

3. More apps. The Navy also released an application from the Navy Personnel Command called “New to the Navy.”

It's a smorgasbord of Navy gouge for newbies and even some old salts. Among the topics and information are details on how to get your household goods shipped and which receipts you need to keep while on official travel. It also has a glossary to help you decipher Navy acronyms.

This follows the launch of the first app about preventing domestic violence, which also can be completed for full GMT credit.

4. The end of GMT. Well, sort of. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has vowed to ditch General Military Training — at least from the standpoint of how tedious and yawn-inducing it has become.

The service is working on an app to learn about anti-terrorism and force protection. And developers are working on more apps as part of the testing of tablets for sailors. That includes making electronic study aids and videos for boot camp. Level One as well as records management — both periodic requirements under General Military Training as well as just good information to know. Marvel says the push is on to provide more access to GMT topics through apps and, where it’s possible, to put the content into this format, they’ll do it.

5. Gaining popularity. Officials know smartphones are an extension of millennials' bodies and that they need to offer devices and apps that will allow them to learn and innovate. Next year, boot camp plans to expand its tablet testing and include apps to help them identify rank, insignia, aircraft and more.

The apps are proving popular. The domestic violence app has garnered 3,715 downloads and helped 1,660 sailors complete their training. And the advancement final multiple score calculator, just over a month old, has been downloaded 5,850 times.