Anyone OCONUS having issues connected to .mil sites from home? Any suggestions?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:12:52 -0400

USCYBERCOM has evidently decided to block my access to all .mil sites (except for mail.mil) from my home network (at least that's what the error message says!). I gather that this is part of USCYBERCOM's efforts to block access to .mil sites from foreign commercial networks. Is anyone else having this issue? What are suggested trouble-shooting techniques?

If we're expected to manage our careers, files, pay, and etc online, should DoD provide funds to support our access to .mil sites from foreign commercial networks, or at least provide waivers to verified entitled personnel?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 2:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:46:28 -0400

Yes. They blocked any IP that is coming from out of the US. I am having the same issues. I have used a proxy to redirect my IP to the US to access any .mil websites. It also lets me listen to Pandora while deployed. But this just happened recently. It pretty much killed us on our productivity. Now we have to use NIPR or the SPAWAR computers here if you don't use a proxy.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 2:54 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:54:34 -0400

Depends on the .mil websites you want to visit. I have two solutions for you:

1. If your command has Unclassified networks, and you have a computer you can take home with you the larger commands usually have their MIS budgets setup with a Professional VPN (like Centrix) network that will make your travel laptop appear as if it was hosted by your particular .mil domain.

2. Pay for a modestly priced VPN service (do some research and avoid the free ones, since they are usually supplementing their operating costs by allowing your IP address as the exit point for TOR networks.) and you can use VPN to tunnel to a CONUS IP address. This is also useful if you want to watch HULU or NETFLIX abroad. Be warned because not all VPNs will work with all services to include .mil addresses you may want to access.

Ultimately ask your MIS department for help, they may also have solutions for you depending on where you are stationed.