From installation news to online shopping, the Army’s newest mobile app, called Digital Garrison, is putting “real-time information” into people’s hands.

“Digital Garrison provides information at the ready to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families,” Lt. Gen. Douglas Gabram, commanding general of Army Installation Management Command, said in a press release.

“Staying connected as a community is key to strengthening readiness and resiliency,” he said.

Digital Garrison provides publicly available, installation-specific information, including weather, events, a directory, gate locations and hours, fitness and recreation options, and information for newcomers. 

The app—done in partnership with IMCOM and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service—connects users with critical local information, including emergency push notifications, COVID-19 information and hotline numbers. 

After the next major update, which is scheduled for the end of August, garrison commanders will be able to provide announcements and customized messaging through the app.

“Digital Garrison is a powerful tool to help provide up-to-date information and help them gain access to the services that are available on their local installation,” said Scott Malcom, a spokesman for IMCOM.

The app also features a shopping function with local Exchange shopping and dining information and a mobile wallet function with the option to use a Military Star card, the Army says. 

Digital Garrison, now available for download in the App Store and Google Play, was released July 29 and has had several thousand downloads since its launch, Malcom said. 

An initial report shows positive feedback from users, Malcom said, but the service will continue to keep “a close eye” on feedback provided through an in-app function.  

“[Digital Garrison is] not perfect. We recognize that, but it’s a strong application,” he said, adding that the app will be continuously updated and improved. “This is not a ‘one and done’ thing.”

With access to 62 installations—with more to come in future updates—the app is available to soldiers, families, veterans and civilians. Users can browse the app using a “guest” mode, Malcom said, or create an account to enable touch ID and a customized dashboard.

According to the Army, joint bases operated by other services and garrisons without a website on the network were not part of the initial launch.

More information on the app is available here.