Satellite phones while deployed

[TStepanek]

Hey all, I was actually asked this by some family members as its something that never really crossed my mind.

While deployed overseas, can Marines have Satellite Phones? My family was joking around that if everyone pitched in a bit of cash that it would drive the cost down to a reasonable level.

I argued that it sounded like that could lead to 'security' issues and even the fact that I probably wouldn't even have all too much free time while deployed to chat.

Just curious on what the rules are.

[methatswho]

I spent some time at a little patrol base called Mirage over around Musa Qaela, Afghanistan. The only communication to the rear we had was sat phones. It wasn't our personal phone, mind you, it belonged to the unit and we had to get it from the COC.

I don't think any Marine can afford a sat phone, honestly. And most Marines could just use Skype to talk to ppl back home. Even the most remote PBs have little 2 or 3 computer MWRs nowadays.