US Service Members Targeted Via Commercial Location Data
31 May 2026 | Zero5G.com | FACT: Wireless devices are a security hazard for both the military and civilians. Not only do wireless devices increase user(s) exposure to Radiofrequency/Microwave (RF/MW) RADIATION, [a harmful and uninsurable pollutant], wireless devices allow for continuous tracking and data harvesting. Recent reporting [1] about the targeting of American Troops via commercially available location data illustrates MAJOR POLICY DIFFERENCES by the United States, Russia, and China:
- U.S. troops are not prohibited from using smartphones while on duty. [3]
- Russian troops can be arrested for carrying internet-connected cell phones. [4]
- Chinese soldiers have been barred from carrying cell phones and pagers since 2002. [5]
It’s unclear why U.S. policy is so far off track.
According to the Department of Defense (DOD) U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), commercially available location data is helping adversaries to track and attack U.S. troops.
In a May 27, 2026 letter from DOD [3] to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden regarding commercial location data to target US personnel in theatre: “USCENTCOM has received multiple threat reports concerning adversary exploitation of commercial location data to target or surveil US personnel in theater.”
Senator Wyden sent a letter [2] to DOD on May 28th inquiring about security issues, while at the same time acknowledging the fact that the Pentagon knows about the hazards of smart devices and tracking capabilities: “DoD officials have reportedly known about the threat that commercial data brokers pose to national security for at least a decade.”
The letter states, “Commercial location data can be used to identify where U.S. troops congregate and their pattern of life, which can be exploited by adversaries to target attacks such as missiles, drones, and roadside bombs, as well as for counterintelligence purposes”
Department of Defense Letter to Senator Ron Wyden
Article May 28, 2026:
U.S. forces deployed to war zones have been targeted using commercially available location data
Sources
[1] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/05/28/us-troops-are-reportedly-being-targeted-using-location-data-pentagon-says/
[2] https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28168364-ron-wydens-may-28-2026-letter-to-the-department-of-defense/
[3] https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28167310-department-of-defense-letter-to-ron-wyden/
[4] https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/23/europe/russia-smartphone-ukraine-war-intl/index.html
[5] https://www.deseret.com/2002/4/1/19646127/china-soldiers-are-barred-from-using-cell-phones/
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