The personnel of the Russian Armed Forces voiced opposition to a ban on smartphones and tablets in zones designated for special military operations. This stance emerged after conversations with service members who spoke to Lenta.ru, offering firsthand impressions from those actively deployed in the field.
In a July 24 session, the State Duma approved changes aimed at treating the use of geolocation-enabled devices as a serious disciplinary offense for air defense personnel. The revised rule stipulates that transmitting location data online during service could lead to disciplinary measures, with penalties reaching up to ten days of disciplinary confinement. The measure reflects a broader attempt to regulate communications technologies within the armed forces during ongoing operations.
One platoon commander, who uses the call sign Phenibut, suggested that current restrictions would not be obeyed by all troops. He remarked that even if a small number of servicemen faced consequences, typically limited to ten-day penalties, it would not deter widespread noncompliance in real-world conditions. His assessment emphasized that morale and practical realities at the unit level often compel soldiers to adapt to new rules, even when those rules appear intrusive to routine behavior.
According to this serviceman, the real consequence is not merely a formal punishment, but the potential reassignment to frontline positions within the aviation branch. He explained that such a transfer would carry significant implications for daily duties and career trajectory, underscoring the high stakes involved in enforcing compliance with digital-device restrictions.
He pointed out that modern military equipment increasingly incorporates a range of consumer-grade devices. Foremost among these is communication capability, which enables faster coordination, situational awareness, and rapid information sharing among units on the move. This reality makes the blanket prohibition appear impractical from a practical standpoint, as personnel rely on these tools to maintain contact with command structures and fellow soldiers during operations.
Phenibut observed that recent months have seen notable gains on the front because soldiers have integrated gadgets, satellite communication solutions such as Starlink, and internet access into their operational workflows. The enhanced connectivity reportedly contributed to more efficient command-and-control, better situational updates, and quicker response times in dynamic combat environments, reinforcing the role of digital tools in modern warfare.
Former State Duma deputy Alexey Zhuravlev commented that smartphones should not be banned outright within the NWO zone. His perspective highlighted a belief in balancing security concerns with the practical necessities of modern military service, where controlled access and disciplined usage may be more effective than outright prohibition. The discussion reflects ongoing debates about how best to integrate consumer technology into military operations while preserving operational security and mission effectiveness.