Making Phone Calls When Deployed

This is just something that's been bugging me, but can military members make phone calls when they're deployed? How do they stay in touch with family or handle any personal matters back home?

Military members, when deployed, do have a few different options for staying in touch with family or managing personal affairs back at home, although the specifics can vary depending on deployment location and operation specifics.

1. Regular Telephone Calls: Some deployment locations are equipped with phones that military members can use to call home. However, the time allowed for these calls is often limited and the availability of these phones often depends on the base or deployment location. Also, due to time differences and operational requirements, these calls can sometimes be at odd hours for the folks back home.

2. Internet Platforms: When internet access is available, military members often use email, social media, or video call platforms like Skype or Zoom to communicate with their families. The availability and quality of the internet connection may vary greatly depending on the location of the deployment.

3. Satellite Phones: Some military personnel, particularly those in remote locations or involved in combat operations, might be given access to satellite phones. These devices enable them to make calls in areas where typical mobile signals are non-existent. However, these tend to be primarily for operational use and personal calls may be limited or monitored.

4. Letters and Packages: Going old school, letters and packages are still used for communication and can often be a morale booster for those deployed. Mail can take longer to arrive due to the logistical needs of forwarding mail to a war zone or remote locations.

5. Designated Family Support Programs: Each branch of the military has family support programs that can act as intermediaries to relay information between the military members and their families. For example, the Navy has the Ombudsman Program, and the Army has Family Readiness Groups (FRGs).

6. Third-Party Services: There are also services like the Red Cross's emergency communication services, which help deliver important family news (e.g., births, deaths) to soldiers regardless of where they're stationed.

Regarding personal matters, such as legal or financial issues, military members often designate a trusted family member or friend with Power of Attorney to handle these things while they are deployed.

It's important to remember that the frequency and capability of communication can change based on the mission and location of the deployment. Not all options are always available, and security measures sometimes limit what a military member can share concerning their deployment.