(Editor’s note: This is an app developed by a third party. VA didn’t develop it and does not support or endorse it.) POS-REP, short for “position report,” is a new social networking mobile app that allows Veterans to locate other Veterans, communicate and find resources in their area. The app, currently in the final stages of Apple approval, was developed by Anthony Allman, an Army Veteran, with a five man team.

The inspiration for the mobile app came from the devastating loss of former Marine Clay Hunt, whose depression and PTSD eventually led to his suicide in March of 2011. On Business Insider, Allman explained there were three other Veterans within ten miles of Hunt. After that realization, the idea of an app that connects Veterans with others in their area was born.

The free download has multiple features, including Radar, which shows a map of other nearby Veterans and allows users to broadcast their own locations if they choose. There is also Sitrep, which allows Veterans to post status updates and communicate with one another.

The mobile app’s long-term goal is to ease the transition from the military by providing additional support and resources through local connections with others who are experiencing, or have experienced the transition themselves.

Learn more about the POS-REP mobile app on their Facebook page and Twitter feed.

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22 Comments

  1. Michael Castro February 4, 2013 at 18:35

    Is there any way to make this avalibe in Japan?

  2. Richard February 4, 2013 at 11:56

    How secure is this app? What is used to ensure our information is safe?

  3. Anthony February 3, 2013 at 18:22

    Nice app, glad to see people actually willing to help other people. I do foresee one tiny problem, playing devil’s advocate here, this can be used to target Veteran’s. Our current administration is ‘potentially’ using a variety of tools to target gun owners and mental health. Most Vet’s I know are avid shooters or own for personal defense, and sure a few have undergone treatment for PTSD. I would hate to see LEO or other agencies using an app like this to target them. I would say be cautious.

    • Matt February 5, 2013 at 21:44

      As an IT professional, I’d like to second this warning. It has the ability to be a great tool, but it has an equal ability to be misused. I would be curious to know the steps they are taking to ensure this doesn’t occur. They’ve stated that they don’t share data with the VA as they aren’t connected, but what’s to stop a VA employee from using the app to get info (Playing devil’s advocate here, not that I expect they would do such a thing)? Another issue, which I feel is more serious, is the casual way people these days approach broadcasting their exact location in social media like Facebook, 4Square, etc. Not only are you handing over your privacy by allowing your location to be broadcast, you are also broadcasting when you aren’t home. Modern day criminals have discovered that social networking sites that broadcast your exact location are a perfect tool to ensure they don’t get caught when burglarizing your house. It is for this reason that I’ve always recommended to my clients that they turn off any and all location services on all their devices, including geotagging photos and never use services that check you into locations. The other features of the app, such as locating services are fine, but I’d definitely stay away from allowing it to show your location. Given that there is no accompanying website with the application where you can accomplish the same things, it appears that the service is geared towards using both GPS and Coarse location data from your devices, something that couldn’t be accomplished with website access. There is a primary website with info about the application, but not for accessing the service, which will most likely limit participation. The FAQ with the app states that it will obscure the “exact” location by showing you a short distance away from where you actually are. This is all well and fine, but it still tells people that you aren’t somewhere else, such as home. While I think it’s a very admirable venture that has the possibility of helping people, I think we would be remiss if we didn’t identify the possible security issues like the ones I outlined above.

  4. Jen January 31, 2013 at 14:43

    Great info. Just shared this with others on the American Women Veterans – DC Metro Area Facebook page!

  5. Mary Villano-JERSEY ANGEL(R) January 28, 2013 at 23:08

    From the years that I have worked with soldiers, this sounds like a fantastic idea. A safe place for soldiers to interact with each other. A place where people understand one another.

  6. Jason January 27, 2013 at 09:25

    This is a great idea we would like to utlize this app with our MCL members so we can be more effective helping out veterans in the Green Bay Wi area. When will this be availiable on the Android market?

  7. Vietvet52 January 25, 2013 at 18:55

    Just got the app for iPhone and havering trouble
    With the DOB and the years I was in, it will only
    Give today’s date

  8. Jerry Bailey January 25, 2013 at 16:05

    Awesome! Reposting to my facebook page.

  9. Jason P. January 25, 2013 at 15:53

    How much of the discussed information will be shared with the VA?

    • Alex Horton January 28, 2013 at 14:41

      None, Jason. This app isn’t endorsed or regulated by VA.

  10. Manny January 25, 2013 at 15:36

    The app looks really nice and sharp. But please, not of the cool features and buttons don’t mean anything if there isn’t a detailed explanation in some website or page or article on how we can learn the basics (how-to). I know it has a sentence explanation on what it does, but not all of us have the app creating engineering mentality to figure it out first minute with no friends lol. Thanks for creating this app.

    • Manny January 25, 2013 at 15:42

      lol nevermind. I got too excited and missed the big LEARN how to. Yall rock! 10/10

  11. Reggie Dunbar II January 25, 2013 at 14:42

    Thanks for this application. This should assist us in the advocacu for and with veterans all over the Us & world.

    Reggie Dunbar II
    Founder- Georgia Disabled Veterans Bbusiness Enterprise
    Atlanta GA

  12. Bob Mullen January 25, 2013 at 13:09

    Sounds like a great app to get the news of our website circulated. Our site is for vets with PTSD. The book The Five Lessons is downloadable or mailed for free. Its an educational site for veterans and family and friends. Something like this app could be invaluable to us to circulate the news. Best news I’ve heard in a long time.

  13. Michelle Smethers January 25, 2013 at 12:18

    I have downloaded the app onto my android phone, but It asks for a username & password. Can you tell me what I am suppose to use? Is it my VA.gov login? or do I need another from a different site?

    • Kate Hoit January 25, 2013 at 12:40

      Michelle,

      You have to register first. You’ll create a display name and password. There should be an option to do this.

      Kate

      • Michelle Smethers January 25, 2013 at 12:43

        Thanks Kate, I don’t mean to sound ignorant, but where do I do that? It does not give me that option on the app

        • Kate Hoit January 25, 2013 at 13:11

          Michelle,

          Right after you download the app and open it up for the first time–you should see “sign in” and to the right of that “register”. What do you see?

          Kate

      • michael bermes February 6, 2013 at 10:42

        11 medical company

        • Jeff February 7, 2013 at 10:25

          I believe it is only for the iphone. Android will be developed next.

  14. Ken Jones January 25, 2013 at 01:55

    Outstanding. What a great way to say “I’ve got your six.” … and your nine, your three, and … and howsaboutabeer?
    Looking for it.

    Ken

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