Army Reserve units tend to be small and widely spread throughout the country, but Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey hopes an app will help make those soldiers and their families feel closer.
Double Eagle goes live on Friday, ahead of an official launch on Saturday in Boston at a Yellow Ribbon Integration Program family event, according to a Wednesday release from the Army.
“The nearly two-hundred thousand Army Reserve soldiers will be able to connect with other Army Reserve soldiers and their families, volunteers and Department of the Army civilians, while also sharing valuable information and resources by using the new Double Eagle app,” the release said.
The Reserve’s commanding general came up with the idea, according to its website. Key features include social networking functions like discussion boards, messaging, command push alerts and a “Nearby” option that allows soldiers to share a rough estimate of their location (between six and 10 miles) to meet up with other reservists in the area.
“The app can be used anytime, anywhere in the world to connect with fellow Soldiers, access key Army Reserve resources or catch up on the latest Army Reserve news," the website reads.
It also has a recruiting function, Luckey told reporters in January, that can allow a soldier out in the community to take down contact information if they happen to strike up a conversation with someone interested in serving. That information can be sent to a recruiter, who can follow up with the prospect.
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Double Eagle also has a 10-part code of conduct, to head off the shenanigans that come along with every social media platform.
Soldiers are advised to be respectful and professional, only share appropriate material and to respect each others’ privacy, among others. The application is subject to monitoring, according to the website, and Uniform Code of Military Justice action is on the table for violations.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
