Soldiers ordered to leave phones, other electronics at Bragg while deployed

Fort Bragg soldiers who were recently deployed to the Middle East were ordered to leave their cellphones and other electronic devices on post.

The Army says the decision was for the troops' own security.

"For operational security and force protection measures, the decision was made for no [personal electronic devices] to be allowed on the deployment," LTC Michael Burns, spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division, said in a statement. "PEDs present a vulnerability, and we did not want to put soldiers at risk."

Robyn Leach, a computer technician who served as a military police officer at Fort Bragg, said GPS locators in phones and other electronics can be used by the enemy to track the troops.

"They're always working, night and day, trying to get through," Leach said. "Once they get through – they find that location, they find your hub – that's when they can be like, 'Oh, well, we know the area that they're in.'"

Selena Hernandez, whose husband serves in the 82nd Airborne, said she understands the security issue and wants all of the soldiers to be safe. But she said it's difficult for military families to be out of communication for weeks and months.

"That absolutely breaks my heart," Hernandez said of the no-electronics order, "because I know how important those phone calls are to me."

Her husband has been deployed since June, and his unit was able to take their phones and stay in touch with loved ones back home.

"It's definitely really important just because it does give me like a peace of mind, just that security that I know he's safe," she said of routine phone calls overseas.

Burns said the 82nd Airborne is aware of the need for families to communicate, so the military has already planned for internet cafes and videoconferencing for the troops as soon as it's safe to do so.

"Paratroopers are absolutely given the opportunity to communicate with their families. It's part of the deliberate planning process," he said.