Before modern technology, troops often felt isolated and lonely due to difficulties communicating from abroad. Mail delivery was slow, and phone access was limited and expensive. However, military communities helped fill the social void. Now, technologies like cell phones, video chat, email, and social media allow near-instant communication, improving morale. While technology helps troops feel connected, it can also threaten safety and privacy.

1. TECHNOLOGY AND
TROOP MORALE
Created by: Ruben Vargas
IFS101 – Spring 2013

2. WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES
Before cell-phones and internet…
troops often felt isolated and lonely

3. COMMUNICATION OBSTACLES
Access to Phones was difficult Not everyone had them Calling could be expensive

4. SNAIL MAIL
Often times, mail took weeks to receive. One of the most
anticipated times of a service-member’s day is mail-call.
Even though technology has advanced to where email, instant-
messages and the internet make communication instantaneous;
troops still sometimes feel a handwritten letter is better than what
technology has to offer.
It’s just more personal!

5. MILITARY SOCIAL
CULTURE FILLS THE
VOID WHEN
TECHNOLOGY IS
ABSENT
Military families helped buffer loneliness
when expensive phone calls were not
affordable, and mail delivery was slow
Military families create dynamic social
cultures for building morale and
bonding

6. HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY
IMPACTED TROOP MORALE?
Troops are always Video Chat allows Internet and Social
able to check-in face-to-face time Media replace mail
Cell-Phone Capability Webcam Chat Capability Email Capability

7. TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES
MORALE, BUT CAN HAVE
CONSEQUENCES AT THE SAME TIME
Troop Safety Viruses Might Be
Jeopardized Downloaded Matters of Privacy
Troops may inadvertently give away Computer viruses might infect Personal posts may be monitored;
location to enemies due to GPS government computers and cause privacy is not to be expected; activity
signaling on their cell-phone failures or security threats and personal posts could result in
legal repercussions

8. Works Cited
Coins. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://mrg.bz/cKPU3c>.
Computer Code. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/koJpfs>.
Gavel. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/DM9y0o>.
Girl Holding U.S. Flag. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/bKc4d7>.
Handwritten Letter. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/CuPY64>.

9. Home with U.S. Flag. Digital image. Morgue FIle. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/dqC6Xs>.
IPhone. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/32xRXv>.
Laptop. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/hYrJN1>.
Map. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://mrg.bz/SO82NA>.
Ode to Kurt. Desmond Peck, n.d. Www.madeloud.com. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.madeloud.com/artists/desmond-peck/music/tracks/ode-kurt>.

10. Payphone. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/lEmRT2>.
Rotary Phone. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/9tfL3q>.
Soldier Sitting with Rifle B/W. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/ldWF6N>.
Soldier Wearing Helmet B/W. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/ZaHeys>.

11. Webcam. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/pVVcAG>.
Welcome Home Sign. Digital image. Morgue File. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
<http://mrg.bz/rCiu3n>.