The army is now in the last phase of testing for cutting-edge technology, specifically for use in the battlefield.

Secretary of the United States Army John McHugh visited Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range to view the Army's ongoing Network Integration Evaluation on Wednesday.

“This is one of the most important things strategically that this army has taken up in recent years,” McHugh said.

The secretary saw firsthand how the Army will be using smartphones, tablets and radios to help them succeed on the battlefield.

As we have reported, the devices are all linked to each other, but not to the outside Internet. This ensures that their communication remains secure.

It can be used like a GPS system to locate other soldiers and equipment, and to send messages to each other -- similar to text messages.

The smaller smartphones are meant for soldiers once they leave their military vehicle and are on their own. The larger tablets are meant for the soldiers that remain inside the vehicle.

The phones will even be able to do translate English into Arabic for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The smartphones and tablets that the soldiers would be using also have a much longer battery life, with some lasting between 48 hours to a week.

“The battery is so light,” said Col. Dan Pinnell of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “It's about a quarter of a pound. I can carry four or five of them in my pocket.”
The multiple testing phases have helped the army figure out which devices work best and work on any problems early on. It allows them to find ways that existing technology can best serve the Army.

“It's allowing us to get newer technology faster so that the technology gap doesn't get wider,” said Col. Curt Hudson.

Even more important, McHugh said this technology is changing the way soldiers work in Afghanistan. Also, he said this technology is making soldiers more effective, lessening the burden on taxpayers.

“These are tough economic times,” McHugh said. “We owe it to the taxpayers and to the soldier to make sure we're working in ways that get them those most advanced platforms. It certainly added to the effectiveness of the ability to go out and fight and win.”