Any thoughts on using Sandboxx rather than snail mail to communicate with our recruit while he’s at RTC?

Comment

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on December 6, 2019 at 1:47pm

PAUL CORONA·FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019·

I asked Naval Operations Security about the use of Sandboxx- they are noncommittal but did say this:

"We are not the approving authority for using social media or applications throughout the Navy. The Chief of Navy Information is most likely the authority. The Navy does have certain authorized social media sites, all listed on the Navy home page (Facebook, Twitter etc.) From an OPSEC perspective, many Sites and Applications pose a significant vulnerability to our operations by accessing geolocation and other specific information from devices....like a personal iPhone. If the App is being used for operational purposes, then permission would need to be approved. Just like you should never use your personal computer to conduct Navy business, you should not be conducting Navy business on commercial Applications unless specifically authorized. From a personal perspective, there isn't anything preventing a Sailor from downloading an App on their personal devices. They should not be used for operational purposes though. I would STRONGLY encourage reading the terms of services of any Application downloaded/used on your personal devices. You may be surprised what you sign up for......essentially providing the developers full access to everything on your device. Whether it's Facebook or the latest FaceApp, you give all permissions to the App developers."

RTC has posted this on their Facebook page:

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command
October 18, 2017 ·
Friends & Family of RTC,
Over the course of the past several weeks, we have received a number of inquiries regarding the Sandboxx app, prompting us to provide clarification about our relationship to Sandboxx.
Sandboxx is a privately owned company that provides a service to military friends, family, and loved ones. If you wish to learn more about the services they provide, they have a website you can visit.
Although the services Sandboxx provide specifically target military friends, family, and loved ones, neither Recruit Training Command, nor the Navy, officially endorses their service.
The choice to use or not use Sandboxx services rests individually with every potential customer. Recruit Training Command will not provide a recommendation for or against the use of the Sandboxx app. Similarly, the command will neither provide preferential support to Sandboxx, nor prevent Sandboxx from providing their service to their customers.
If you still have questions about this topic, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you,
RTC Public Affairs

While the ease of an app may appeal to you, think long and hard about Operational Security (OPSEC) and Personal Security (PERSEC) before you give anyone a military address or access to private communicators.