Fighting smart – the top 10 military apps

http://www.army-technology.com/features/featurecombating-smart-the-top-10-military-apps-4785858/

19 January 2016

From simple navigation utilities to educational and information sharing tools, mobile technology is improving the life for those in the battlefield and their families by providing useful information and contacts at the touch of a screen. Army-technology lists ten of the best military apps based on utility and features.

Tactical NAV

Tactical NAV is a military-grade GPS navigation application developed for military, first responders, search-and-rescue (SAR) and law enforcement personnel. It uses the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) to enable the users to map and plot waypoints and military graphics with high-accuracy. The app also allows for secured transfer of location and waypoint data through email, text and Facebook.

The app was created by a US Army soldier during his deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently sold by AppDaddy Technologies, the app is available in App Store and Google Play.

MilGPS

MilGPS is a premium navigation application developed for soldiers, search-and-rescue personnel and other professional navigators worldwide. It uses MGRS & United States National Grid (USNG) for mapping locations. The military-grade features of the premium land navigator include real-time display of current location even without a cellular signal. The app also enables the user to create and navigate unlimited waypoints.

Developed by Karl Urdevics, an Australian software developer, the application is sold through his company Cascode Labs. It is compatible with iPad and iPhone and requires iOS 8.0 or later versions.

iSurvive

iSurvive is a military-grade survival manual that provides important information on areas such as evasion, navigation, communication and signalling, recovery, medical aid, personal protection, water and food procurement and induced conditions. The application lists educational material in an army survival manual style.

iSurvive has been developed by DMBC and is marketed by Roger Lichfield. It is supported by iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and requires iOS 2.2 or later versions.

Army First Aid

Army First Aid application provides a manual of critical medical information for soldiers to be used in instances where medical aid might not be readily available. It is useful in the battlefield where knowledge of life-sustaining methods is required for survival. It contains useful information on first aid basics, rescue breathing techniques, stopping bleeding, checking for shock, dressings and bandages, bites and heat and cold injuries.

Information available on the application can be shared through email or AirPrint. Double Dog Studios is the developer and marketer of the app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store.

Army Ranger Handbook

Army Ranger Handbook is designed for rangers offering information on latest techniques and tactics used by US Army Rangers. The application's features include full support for retina displays, inputs on deception, stealth, communications, escape and evasion, ambush operations, booby traps, demolitions perimeter defense, counterintelligence, and much more.

Double Dog Studios is the developer of the application, which was designed as manual to be carried by Rangers in field. The app is available for download on iTunes App Store.

Army OneSource Services Locator

Army OneSource Services Locator is a search application to identify local Army programmes, services or resources. The user is asked to enter zip code, city or state information and a list of options is then displayed along with a map view. Located services are grouped by categories such as mobilisation/deployment support, and employment assistance. The app also provides driving directions to each location.

Developed by US Army FMWRC, the tool is also managed by the Department of Army Headquarters, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, Family Programs Directorate. It is available for download on iTunes App Store.

SHARP WeCare app

Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) WeCare app is a useful tool for US Department of Defense staff, soldiers and dependents of soldiers as it offers hotline numbers, links and manuals to help during times of difficulty, suicidal situations or instances of sexual assault. It provides hotline numbers of 24/7 National Suicide Prevention and US Department of Defense Safe Helpline. The app is equipped with a tab that gives the numbers of Fort Benning Chaplain and Martin Army Community Hospital.

Developed by the Technology Integration Branch and Sustainment Center of Excellence mobile team, the app is available for Android and iPhones.

Military Flashlight

Military Flashlight is an important application for vets, personnel and military fans. It offers a flashlight with different blinking frequencies of strobe light that include Morse code SOS signal as well as a standard compass dial with a calibration screen for greater accuracy. The torch can be personalised in different colours of the US States Armed Forces.

The application has been developed by Hooah Studio and is available on Google Play.

Military Acronyms

Military Acronym is a useful tool for officers, non-commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, contractors as different acronyms are used in the armed forces that are not always easy to understand. It displays the results of acronyms after conducting an exhaustive search through multiple online databases for more than 150,000 military related acronyms. The searched acronyms are saved as bookmarks for future use.

The app has been developed by Skytrait and is available for purchase in Google Play store.

DVIDS Military 24/7

DVIDS Military 24/7 is an app developed for defence personnel, and updates information directly from deployed service members. It provides current news from the different branches of the armed forces such as US Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Reserves. Access is also provided for photo galleries and on-demand content. Stories and pictures can also be shared through email, Facebook and Twitter.

Marketed by Encompass Digital Media, the app is copyrighted by Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System and is available for download on iTunes App Store.