By Danielle DeSimone
As warfare and conflict across the globe adapts to new technology, U.S. troops must as well. That’s why many American soldiers deployed to Eastern Europe in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are being ordered to leave their personal phones, computers and other electronic devices at home.
While this is a logical step for operational security, it has also left service members – many of them deployed on short notice – without an easy way to contact their loved ones. That’s where the USO comes in. Here are three ways we are ensuring troops deployed to Europe are still connected to home.
1. Phone Calls Home
Through Operation Phone Home®, our USO centers in combat zones are equipped with a private, secure telephone network and phones for service members to use. These phones (and international calling) are free to use and can make all the difference for a service member just trying to make a simple phone call to friends and family back home.
Service members deployed to combat zones can use the USO’s secure, private internet network and computers to communicate with loved ones back home.
2. Free Wi-Fi and Computers
USO centers also provide service members with free, high-speed Wi-Fi to connect their own devices. But for service members who deploy device-free, there’s always the center’s computers, which they can use to connect to a secure internet network for work, sending emails or simply chatting with loved ones stateside – all while remaining in compliance with operational readiness and security protocols.
3. Connecting to a Home Away from Home
USO staff and volunteers are pros at helping build community and a sense of home for service members stationed all around the world — and especially in remote locations such as Eastern Europe andthe Middle East. Our USO programs and services – from movie nights in comfortable couches to craft activities that lift their spirits – provide our men and women in uniform with a place where they can relax and connect with each other.
These experiences can greatly improve the morale of our troops during uncertain times and make all the difference when they are far from everything familiar.
-This story was originally published on USO.org in 2020. It has been updated in 2022.
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Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
