Almost 1.3 years after the Defense Department barred using external computer flash memory sticks, officials decided to permit restricted use of the convenient high-tech data storage units.

The approved flash memory sticks will be included in kits that the military will start to deliver to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq shortly who need the devices to hold or transfer crucial data.

U.S. Strategic Command Seal Vice Admiral, Deputy Commander Carl Mauney, Feb. 19 informed journalists that initially few samples will be sent to zone of military operations, thereafter more will be produced and spread.

The cost of the item is yet unclear.