Cell Phones For Soldiers
William asks…
What is the regulations on cell phones used by NCOs to relay info. outside of formations to their soldiers?
I am a cook in the military and work outside of our company. My NCOs are bad about not using formations time to relay information. We had a meeting about them having a hard time getting a hold of the soldiers, and i feel that we are getting blamed for their short commings.
Thomas answers:
I don’t believe that there is a particular regulation for them doing that. However; the 1SG also has the right to make him hold mandatory meetings/formations if he feels like information flow is not getting to the lowest level.
Charles asks…
Are there any drop-off places for cell phones that purchase phone cards for soldiers in the Jackson, Mi area?
Thomas answers:
Cingular / AT&T Has a phone for soldiers program, you can drop phones off at corporate stores only begining July 2nd
James asks…
Cell phones for U.S. Soldiers in Iraq?
Are cell phones available nowadays for soldiers in Iraq? Or is it still only a commo phone?
Thomas answers:
Yes, they are available. Asiacell and Iraqna are the carriers, and the info on prices provided by shutterbug mama are correct.
Steven asks…
What is the donation value (for tax purposes) of a Motorola i580 cell phone in good condition?
We are donating a cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers and have a tax receipt that we fill in. I want to put an accurate amount for the value and not a wild guess. They cost approx $200 new right now.
In answer to your question, we are homeowners and always itemize. Thanks
Thomas answers:
The lesser of the FMV or what you paid for it in the first place. What a new one sells for is irrelevant unless yours is new, i.e. The box has never been opened.
If yours is used, you can check sites like eBay to see what similar USED ones are selling for. If that’s more than what you paid for yours, you are limited to what you actually paid for it.
This of course assumes that you are itemizing deductions already. If this is your only itemized deduction then it’s not worth trying to claim it.
George asks…
Does anybody know of a website where soldiers stationed overseas?
can personally post some items that they need- cell phones, baby wipes non military gear? A local radio station is looking to start
cell phones for soldiers type program. Any suggestions?
Thomas answers:
Check these out…dont know if its exactly what u are looking for
operationuplink.org
websitesforheroes.org/
hopefully these at least help pointu u in the right direction
Donna asks…
Do they give soldier’s their cell phones back at the end of basic training?
Can a soldier receive his/her cell phone back towards the end of their BCT or do they have to wait for family day/graduation when they are getting ready to leave?
I just can’t wait to talk to my husband again. 
I miss him sooo much!!!
Latest update, our family day is in 4 days and I will get to spend the day before graduation with him. He called from the payphone today and told me they will have their phones returned the day before family day.
Is that common procedure?
Thomas answers:
It depends on their drill sergeants. Some drill sergeants let them use their phones every Sunday and others make them wait until right before graduation. Not all units follow the same exact policy for phones while in basic.
Susan asks…
Is there any regulation that requires soldiers in the US Army to have a cell phone. If so, what is the reg.?
Soldiers in my unit are getting in trouble for not answering their phones, or not even having a phone, I was just wondering what regulation requires them to have one at all. I know that it is convenient for recalls and things, but is it mandatory.
Thomas answers:
No regulation but it could be a command policy for certain individuals/ especially if you are getting ready to deploy, you must be reachable at all times.
