If you have served in the military, you know that the lifestyle is unique. Seldom a dull moment, and life certainly changes when your in the Army. Military apps are personalized tools that allow you to maintain contact with people back home and connect with those serving alongside you. Military life is unique and can be a little complicated for those who are not familiar with it. For this reason, apps have been developed that will help make life easier for soldiers.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Military
Tactical NAV
Tactical NAV is a military-grade GPS navigation application developed for the military, first responders, search-and-rescue (SAR) and law enforcement personnel. It uses the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) to enable the users to map and plot waypoints and military graphics with high accuracy. The app also allows for secure transfer of location and waypoint data through email, text and Facebook.
The app was created by a US Army soldier during his deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently sold by AppDaddy Technologies, the app is available in the iTunes App Store and Google Play.
MilGPS
MilGPS is a premium navigation application developed for soldiers, SAR personnel and other professional navigators worldwide. It uses MGRS & United States National Grid (USNG) for mapping locations. The military-grade features of the premium land navigator include the real-time display of current location even without a cellular signal. The app also enables the user to create and navigate unlimited waypoints.
Developed by Australian software developer Karl Urdevics, the application is sold through his company Cascode Labs. It is compatible with iPad and iPhone and requires iOS 8.0 or later versions.
Avenza Maps Pro
Avenza Maps Pro is a mobile mapping app for offline mapping and navigation. Trusted by military and Intelligence communities worldwide, the app is also available for download by the US Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) personnel from the GEOINT App Store.
Developed by Avenza Systems, the mobile app offers advanced tools to download maps for offline applications, as well as uses the host device’s GPS to locate and navigate in remote areas without a network or internet connection.
iSurvive
iSurvive is a military-grade survival manual that provides important information on areas such as evasion, navigation, communication and signalling, recovery, medical aid, personal protection, water and food procurement and induced conditions. The application lists educational material in an army survival manual style.
iSurvive has been developed by DMBC and is marketed by Roger Lichfield. It is supported by iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and requires iOS 2.2 or later versions.
Army First Aid
Army First Aid application provides a manual of critical medical information for soldiers to be used in instances where medical aid might not be readily available. It is useful on the battlefield where knowledge of life-sustaining methods is required for survival. It contains useful information on first aid basics, rescue breathing techniques, stopping bleeding, checking for shock, dressings and bandages, bites and heat and cold injuries.
Available information on the application can be shared through email or AirPrint. Double Dog Studios is the developer and marketer of the app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store.
Army Ranger Handbook
Army Ranger Handbook is designed for rangers and offers information on the latest techniques and tactics used by US Army Rangers. The application’s features include full support for retina displays, inputs on deception, stealth, communications, escape and evasion, ambush operations, booby traps, demolitions perimeter defence, counterintelligence, and much more.
Double Dog Studios is the developer of the application, which was designed as manual to be carried by Rangers in the battlefield. The app is available for download on the iTunes App Store.
ATAK
The Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) is an Android geo-spatial infrastructure app available for military, law enforcement, and other governmental agencies. Originally developed by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the Special Operations forces, the app now supports a range of mission sets.
The government off-the-shelf app offers tracking features to identify fellow team members to avoid friendly fire incidents and enemies. It also presents the data of terrain, weather and other geographical elements. The app enables the transfer of text, photos, and videos through multiple encrypted data communication channels.
Army OneSource Services Locator
Army OneSource Services Locator is a search application to identify local army programmes, services or resources. The user is asked to enter the zip code, city or state information and a list of options is then displayed, along with a map view. Located services are grouped by categories such as mobilisation/deployment support, and employment assistance. The app also provides driving directions to each location.
Developed by US Army FMWRC, the tool is also managed by the Department of Army Headquarters, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, Family Programs Directorate. It is available for download on iTunes App Store.
Military Flashlight
Military Flashlight is an important application for vets, personnel and military fans. It offers a flashlight with different blinking frequencies of strobe lighting that include Morse code SOS signal, as well as a standard compass dial with a calibration screen for greater accuracy. The torch can be personalised in the different colours of the US States Armed Forces.
The application has been developed by Hooah Studio and is available on Google Play.
DVIDS Military 24/7
DVIDS Military 24/7 is an app developed for defence personnel and updates information directly from deployed service members. It provides current news from the different branches of the armed forces such as US Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Reserves. Access is also provided for photo galleries and on-demand content. Stories and pictures can also be shared through email, Facebook and Twitter.
Marketed by Encompass Digital Media, the app is copyrighted by the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System and is available for download on iTunes App Store.
Free military apps
Military.com
Military life is a challenge, but there’s an app for that. We polled our staff and asked our readers what free apps make their military lives just a little bit easier. And while not all of these are created specifically for the military, what they do and how they help fits just right with the military lifestyle.
Sandboxx. For service members, Sandboxx can be a great way to connect with their unit buddies over a social media network built just for them. But for spouses, family members and friends, Sandboxx also provides an easy-to-use and inexpensive postal mail service. Use the app to take a photo and write a message, and Sandboxx will print and send it to your service member wherever he or she is stationed a snail mail version of your note. That’s the perfect combination of mobile tech and old-school style. Although the app is free, the mail service carries a fee. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Military.com Pay App. Gone are the days of figuring out your pay by piecing together data from confusing online military pay tables. The Military.com Pay App lets you calculate your base pay, BAH and any other entitlements or special pays with just a few taps and it keeps you up to date on any news impacting pay. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
WhatsApp. Use this messaging app to exchange text messages and phone calls with your spouse while he or she is deployed. Best part? If you miss a call, you can use the app to return the call (provided you are both in an area with WiFi). Score. Available on iTunes and Google Play, you can also use it on your computer.
Organized Chaos App. As a military lifestyle brand and digital planning app, Organized Chaos is everything you need to manage the craziness of military life. This app is Customizable and helps keep things manageable when you feel stressed. Available on iTunes.
United Through Reading App. Our favorite tool to stay connected during a deployment is now an app. UTR allows deployed service members to record themselves reading a story for their kids to enjoy over and over (and over!) again. The app makes the process even easier, which will make bedtime at your house easier, too. And it’s free. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Base Directory. Everyone knows it can be tricky and frustrating locating services on any given base, even if you’ve lived there a long time. Base Directory has compiled location information for more than 15,000 services on military bases worldwide. Simply search for the base, pick the service category, and see the listings. Available only from iTunes at this time.
Marco Polo. Sometimes time zones are just not our friend. When life gets busy and you just want to send a video message to your friends around the world, Marco Polo is a great option. No more wondering what inflection is behind the test or struggling to set up a time to talk on the phone. Send a message when you’re ready and they can respond when they have time.
Military.com Transition App. Is leaving the military in your near future? The Military.com Transition App gives customizable checklists to make your transition smooth. With regular reminders and all the power of Military.com’s wealth of benefits, jobs and education knowledge, this app can help you get a handle on one of the most chaotic and uncertain parts of military life. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Starbucks. You might prefer to buy your coffee from a local small business, but there’s something to be said for using a chain store that is nationwide — including on many military bases that aren’t near any other coffeehouses. Since coffee is one of the things that helps us power through military life, this app is perfect. Use it to find your closest Starbucks store, pay for your order and earn points toward free drinks, food and more. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Mint. Using a secure connection, Mint aggregates data from all of your banking institutions and credit cards (including USAA and the Military Star Card) into one place so you can easily see what you’ve spent and where you’ve spent it. Its budget tool lets you set monthly budgets and then categorize purchases. Using cash? No worries, simply manually add the transaction to the list. No matter who uses the card, you can see what has been spent. That makes it easy to keep track of spending from those accounts for the whole family. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Sesame Street for Military Families. Designed with military children in mind, this app packs a host of interactive games and videos next to those familiar Sesame Street characters we all know and love. If you can wrestle your phone away from your kid, take a look at the sections for parents. The practical advice presented through this app can help you walk your kids through the hurdles of military life. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Military.com News App. Military news isn’t just interesting — for military families, it’s personal. Stay up-to-date with the latest on military life and benefits through this handy news app. You can filter the app to show up-front the things you care about most, including pay, benefits and family-specific news. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
USAA and NFCU. Both USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union, popular banking options with military members, offer intuitive, easy-to-use apps that make mobile banking a breeze. Since troops and families are often stationed in a location that lacks a physical bank branch location, having a great mobile app is key. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
LinkedIn. Military spouses know that landing and keeping a great job is hard, thanks to constant military moves. While not just for military life, spouse job seekers know a LinkedIn profile is absolutely necessary as they hunt for that perfect employment. The LinkedIn app makes using the professional social media service on the go a breeze. Available on iTunes and Google Play.
Kovii. If you have struggled with finding time to talk to a friend when you’re both available, the Kovii app fixes that. Designed by stay-at-home military spouse Matthew Shanks, this app allows you to spend your spare time chatting with friends instead of trying to find a time that works. Simply toggle yourself “available” when the baby finally goes down for a nap or while you’re running out to Starbucks for a pick-me-up and your contacts will see you’re available. If they’re available as well, bingo, time to chat. Available on iTunes, Android version coming soon.
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