If you use Google productivity software for work, you’re probably familiar with Google Chat.
But while many of us will use this tool for communicating with friends and coworkers, does the military use Google Chat?
The answer is no. The armed forces have more secure methods of communication to ensure confidentiality.
While any individual may choose to use Google Chat for personal purposes, including soldiers, scammers often pose as service members and ask for money or gifts through online chat rooms, something actual soldiers will not do.
Table of Contents
Military Communication Tools
Instead of Google Chat, here are some communication platforms and tools used by the US military.
- Command and Control systems (C2) – facilitate the coordination, operation, and planning of missions, plus the directing of soldiers and information during wartime
- PDA-184 software – allows for file transfers, email, and chats through satellite systems
- Global Video Service (GVS) and Defense Collaboration Service (DCS) – internet-based video conferencing tools provided by the Department of Defense (DoD)
- DoD Enterprise Email – a cloud-based email system that’s used by the armed forces, though the Army has recently switched from Enterprise Email to Microsoft 365 for its members
- Defense Messaging System – secure electronic mail application that works with third-party apps
- SBU IP Data, TS/SCI IP Data, Secret IP Data – intranet networks for delivering data
- SBU Voice, TS/SCI Voice, DISA Enterprise CVVoIP, and VoSIP – secure networks for voice calls and conferencing
- Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services – a satellite system that facilitates global handheld communication and end-to-end encryption
Obviously, soldiers don’t use the above tools for personal communication with their family and friends.
Instead of secure messaging and video conferencing developed by the military, many service members have accounts on Facebook, Discord, WhatsApp, Signal, Skype, and regular phones to talk to their families.
Why Military Personnel Don’t Use Google Chat for Official Communications
When working, soldiers will use military-approved apps to protect classified information and ensure the successful implementation of missions.
Evidently, apps used by regular folks may have less stringent requirements for privacy, and it’s impossible, if not very difficult, to vet the identities of all users on these platforms.
Limiting military communication to DoD software eliminates this problem. Plus, military communication technology also takes into account cyber attacks and electronic warfare, thus implementing measures to prevent data tampering and outside interceptions.
Unfortunately, the dangers of online communication extend beyond mere privacy concerns. While the aforementioned military communication safeguards protect classified information, similar vigilance is crucial when interacting with individuals claiming to be soldiers on platforms like Google Chat. Scammers may pose as soldiers, crafting elaborate online personas to gain your trust and exploit your emotions.
If you receive a message from someone claiming to be a soldier on Google Chat, proceed with caution. Be wary of requests for personal information, financial assistance, or emotional manipulation. Remember, legitimate military personnel have access to secure communication channels and rarely solicit financial aid from strangers.
Read more about this post if you suspect a military romance scam.
Conclusion
Does the military use Google Chat? The answer should now be clear to you. While military guys can use regular apps to communicate with civilians, it’s unlikely that the armed forces will choose Google Chat as its messaging platform.
Beware of romance scams if you’re talking to strangers online. Always fact-check the statements given by self-proclaimed soldiers, especially if they involve a request for personal information or money.
For an ex-serviceman, it is a pleasure for me to continue my work in The Soldiers Project. This site is built with the target to help people who work in security jobs and other people to gear themselves with high-quality equipment. It is essential for many duties that they have the protection required to perform with safety.