Understanding U.S. Army Email Addresses: .mil Domains and Common Scams

When discussing U.S. military email addresses, .mil (Military) domains are the official and secure emails used by service members, civilians, and contractors within the U.S. Army. It is crucial to understand the legitimacy of these emails and avoid any confusion with fraudulent email addresses like .com or @. This article will clarify the usage of official U.S. Army email addresses and highlight common scams that can arise from fake emails.

Official U.S. Army Email Addresses and Their Usage

Official U.S. Army email addresses are used for various purposes, including:

Official Correspondence: Communicating with mentors, subordinates, and colleagues. Coordination of Activities: Planning and executing tasks, including missions and training. Sharing of Sensitive Information: Distributing confidential documents and sensitive information within the army.

The U.S. Army's secure email system is designed to ensure secure and reliable communication within the military organization. Users must adhere to strict security protocols and guidelines to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of the communication process.

Official Email Domains

The primary and only official email domain for the U.S. military is .mil. This includes:

@army.mil @navy.mil @airforce.mil

These domains are specifically designed for official military communication and are used by service members, civilians, and contractors within the U.S. military. For example:

@army.mil: Used by Army personnel and units for official communication and coordination. @navy.mil: Used by Navy personnel and units for official communication and coordination. @airforce.mil: Used by Air Force personnel and units for official communication and coordination.

Fraudulent Attempts: “” and "@"

While many service members and their families might receive emails from legitimate military sources, many are also targeted by scams using fake email addresses. Here are two common examples:

is not a part of the U.S. military. It is a web domain primarily used for commercial purposes and is not related to military communications. Scammers often use this domain to create a facade of legitimacy and trick people into sharing personal or sensitive information.

@

The email address "@" is not a real U.S. Army email and is likely created by scammers attempting to gain trust. These fake addresses are used in various scams:

Requests for personal information. Phishing attempts to steal funds or sensitive data. Impersonating army personnel to commit fraud.

Common Scams and How to Identify Them

Scammers often use fake email addresses to gain trust and carry out various schemes. Here are some common scams and warning signs:

Requests for Money or Sensitive Information

Be wary of any emails asking for donations, loans, or requesting sensitive personal or financial information. These emails are likely scams:

Scam Example: An email claiming to be from an ex-servicemember asking for money for a vacation or retirement. Warning Signs: Unusual email addresses, requests for money, and misspellings or grammatical errors.

Phishing Attempts

Phishing emails often mimic official military communications to trick recipients into opening attachments or clicking on links that can install malware or steal personal information:

Scam Example: An email from "" requesting a password reset. Warning Signs: Random domain names, suspicious links, and generic greetings without a personal touch.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams:

Verify the Sender's Email

Always verify the sender's email address to make sure it matches the official U.S. Army domain (.mil). Any deviation from this standard should raise red flags.

Do Not Share Personal Information

Never share personal or financial information over email, especially to unknown or suspicious senders. Secure all your personal and financial data.

Contact Military Authorities

If you suspect an email is a scam, report it to your unit’s IT department or the U.S. Army’s Information Assurance (IA) team. They can provide guidance and block malicious accounts.

Conclusion

Understanding the legitimacy of U.S. Army email addresses and recognizing common scams is crucial for maintaining security and preventing fraud. Always verify email addresses and never share sensitive information, ensuring a safe and secure communication environment within the U.S. Army.