Smart phones in combat: Army may issue iPhones and Android phones

The Army wants to issue an Apple iPhone or Google Android smart phone to every soldier; the devices could be used by troops as soon as next year.

The Army is already testing smart phones at three stateside bases in a pilot program called Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications. And in February, smart phones are scheduled to be fielded for potential combat situations. Officials are also considering other devices, such as iPads, Kindle and Nook readers and mini-projectors, according to the Army Times. Other than potentially making the devices a bit more rugged, the Army doesn't plan to tinker too much with the technology. The devices' communications and mapping capabilities could change battlefield techniques, officials said, but there are also concerns about hacking and data security.