{"id":47029,"date":"2020-01-23T15:37:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T15:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/01\/23\/deployed-82nd-airborne-unit-told-to-use-these-encrypted-messaging-apps-on-government-cellphones\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:41:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:41:49","slug":"deployed-82nd-airborne-unit-told-to-use-these-encrypted-messaging-apps-on-government-cellphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/flashpoints\/2020\/01\/23\/deployed-82nd-airborne-unit-told-to-use-these-encrypted-messaging-apps-on-government-cellphones\/","title":{"rendered":"Deployed 82nd Airborne unit told to use these encrypted messaging apps on government cell phones"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A brigade of paratroopers deployed in early January to the Middle East in the wake of mounting tensions with Iran<\/a> has been asked by its leadership to use two encrypted messaging applications on government cell phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of the encrypted messaging applications Signal and Wickr by the 82nd Airborne Division\u2019s Task Force Devil underscores the complexity of security and operations for U.S. forces deployed to war zones where adversaries can exploit American communications systems, cell phones and the electromagnetic spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it also raises questions as to whether the Defense Department is scrambling to fill gaps in potential security vulnerabilities for American forces operating overseas by relying on encrypted messaging apps available for anyone to download in the civilian marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll official communication on government cell phones within TF Devil has been recommended to use Signal or Wickr encrypted messaging apps,\u201d Maj. Richard Foote, a spokesman for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, told Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese are the two apps recommended by our leadership, as they are encrypted and free for download and use,\u201d Foote said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foote added that there is no operational discussions via the apps and an extra layer of security is provided because users must go through virtual private networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are government transparency concerns with the use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Wickr, which feature auto-delete functions where messages are erased after a set period of time. Electronic communications and text messages sent as part of official government business are part of the public record, and should be accessible via a Freedom of Information Act request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DoD did not respond to queries from Military Times regarding government records keeping policies and whether Signal and Wickr have been audited for security flaws. Military Times has reached out to the National Security Agency, and has yet to receive a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operational planners and military commanders rely on government cell phones for basic menial tasks from scheduling and daily muster even when deployed overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foote told Military Times that there is \u201cno requirement for extensive use of cell phones for work communication\u201d for the deployed 82nd paratroopers.<\/p>\n\n\n\t