It also appears that OrangeMarlin was quoting an outdated version of the Army regulation. An excerpt from the linked 2005 revision follows:
http://docs.usapa.belvoir.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r25_1/head.asp
*e. Authorized uses of communication systems. Authorized use includes brief communications made by DOD employees while they are traveling on Government business to notify family members of transportation or schedule changes. They also include personal communications from the DOD employee's usual workplace that are most reasonably made while at the work place (such as checking in with spouse or minor children; scheduling doctor and auto or home repair appointments; brief Internet searches; e-mailing directions to visiting relatives). Such communications may be permitted, provided they — *
*(1) Do not adversely affect the performance of official duties by the employee or the employee's organization. *
*(2) Are of reasonable duration and frequency, and, whenever possible, are made during the employee's personal time, such as during lunch, break, and other off-duty periods). *
-Durova