What is the best CAC reader to buy?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:52:41 -0400

I'm interested in picking one up for my personal laptop but I don't know which one to get. Are there any brands in particular that are worth the investment? I've seen some completely malfunction after a few uses and others not work at all. Thanks in advance.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Jan 18 at 2014 2:16 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 14:16:00 -0500

First off, I love the information on the site. I have used it multiple times at home and recommended it to my fellow troops to getting their CAC to work on their personal computer.

With that said, I would recommend updating the site and how its presented. There is a lot of information and all crammed into a small area. The standards have changed on how website "should" be developed to present the information correctly to all users.

Great site Chief. Keep it up!

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 18 at 2014 3:42 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:42:50 -0500

Chief, outstanding site...I've used it a lot. My CAC access at home works great thanks to your site.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 4:31 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 16:31:04 -0500

Thanks for running an awesome website that's been helping me since I was a wee private.

That aside, my key question is this: Are there any affordable and reliable civilian solutions for smart phones to access the entreprise e-mail system?
It's not my problem in TRADOC right now, but being in FORSCOM and being required to respond to all emails within five minutes or face the wrath of a higher echelon tethered me to the desk and kept me from actually engaging with the Soldiers operating in my shop.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 9:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 21:20:15 -0500

Your site is a lifesaver! I have been referring my Soldiers and peers there for a few years now. My only request is that you somehow procure a zip file of Lotusforms 3.5 since it's nearly impossible to get now, and version 4.0 is nearly impossible to get working. I just hope the Army switches to PDFs with a quickness.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 9:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:32:38 -0500

I am having a problem accessing my ako/enterprise all of the DoD certificates have been downloaded but I am clueless as to why I cannot still logon with my CAC, what am I doing wrong?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 19 at 2014 9:37 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:37:39 -0500

I use a mac and always have issues making the right download. Which one should I be downloading? I have a macbook pro with the newest OS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 10:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:04:57 -0500

Sir,

The only problem I am running into is that I cant sign paperwork at home. I can do it at work just fine and sign in to my email at home fine. Is there something I need to change on the settings on my computer?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 10:36 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 22:36:01 -0500

I second the motion - your site is awesome and helps tons of people. My biggest issue was owning a mac but your site makes it easy. Once I figured out that every once in awhile a identity gets put in the wrong place and I have to delete it I was good. Keep up the awesome work!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 7:40 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 07:40:19 -0500

Chief. Your probably aware of it already but I will share my experience. Apple, 10.8.x going to 10.9 (mavericks) I had an issue at first with the CAC not working like it was supposed to. I ended up uninstalling all of my middleware. I also cleared out all old certificates that had anything to do with DOD. I reloaded middleware from scratch (pick your poison but mine is CACKEY). Had to redo all of my certs from my card and manually re-associate them with the websites (through keychain). After I did all that everything worked fine. Also a side note for remote desk top. Windows has a new version that must be installed in order for it to work on mavericks. Had an issue with BAS admin not working... installed new RDP and now it works again as well. Thanks for your site! Recommend it to everyone!

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Jan 22 at 2014 9:07 AM

SSG Andrew Dydasco — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 09:07:08 -0500

I'm not sure if my issue is CAC related but the only issues I've ran into using military applications at home is SSD1. As soon as the application for the courses load, it's nothing but a wall of Chinese text.

I apologize if this is unrelated to CAC.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:17:06 -0500

Always present in the never ending fight to rid the Army of unconnected Soldiers!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:19:23 -0500

CW3 Danberry- Thank you so much for taking the time to develop such a great resource. I have been using it for years and it has been a lifesaver as I am a diehard Mac user. For anyone else using Mac, I purchased Thursby's PKCard softward ($30) and its been great. Just updated with the latest update and now all my links work on OS Mavericks. Thanks again Chief!!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 1:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 13:08:09 -0500

Chief, you have been a God-send to all of us who have had to work from home! I'll never understand why the Army has not made this a full time position. To everyone out there, CW3 Danberry is the epitome of Selfless Service!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 8:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:46:48 -0500

Chief, it has been very useful to me over the past few years. I appreciate that someone makes an attempt to help Soldiers get it figured out when working from home. I use Google Chrome on a Mac 10.6.8 with the CAC reader, and using the instructions it works fine. As a Mac user, it's always a little frustrating how military web-sites can be so Mac unfriendly. it's 2014 for gosh sakes. I still can't download an ERB without using Internet Explorer. Really?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 21:42:44 -0500

You've actually helped me many times in the past with getting my MAC & military to work at home. I ended up following your suggestion and am using boot camp to partition my MAC and am running Windows virtually (or something like that). I send soldiers in my unit to your site all the time for help at home and for the links you have for virus protection, etc. it's definitely a go to for me to help set up soldiers for home use when they bring their laptop to me. I know your site, and directions are great, when I am not computer savvy at all, but I'm the go to person at my unit to help get soldiers online :) thank you

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 21:52:32 -0500

Chief, you have been doing a heck of a job. I have been using your site for a few years now. Thank you for going above and beyond!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 23:35:48 -0500

I have definitely used your site more than a few times, like every time I get a new soldier and always encourage them to have their own personal CAC reader in their room or at home. With that said, I am not a tech savvie person by no means, but I am having problems accessing my mail.mil email from home, keep getting

The page cannot be displayed

(omitted the junk)

Technical Information (for support personnel)

Error Code: 500 Internal Server Error. The server denied
the specified Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Contact the server administrator.
(12202)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 9:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 21:22:43 -0500

I just wanted to chime in and tell you that I just went through the whole process of getting my reader to work on my MAC at home. Holy cow was it a process, but your website is phenomenal. The only suggestion I would have is on the page were it gives you the good and the bad for the key reader programs, I had no clue what some of those things were in the columns. Maybe a short blurb as to why you may or may not want a particular trait. Thanks again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 10:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 22:00:50 -0500

I still cannot get it to work. I have installed the certificates and gone through the process. when I try to use it to log on to AKO or access my outlook from home it says page cannot be displayed. I can use my CAC to get on MYPAY but not those. I have made sure the TTL and SSL's are correct. I am at a loss because it used to work for a couple of years for me then one day it just stopped. Any help would be great.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 12:37 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:37:47 -0500

Why is Enterprise/OWA is more difficult to log into than AKO?

Response by SFC Aaron Calmes made Feb 28 at 2014 12:58 AM

SFC Aaron Calmes — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:58:36 -0500

Same as many others, been referring my soldiers to militarycac.com for years. I have had a lot of soldiers recently having a lot of issues with windows 8 and 8.1. Almost to the point of making the old mac problems look easy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 09:33:28 -0500

Chief, I stumbled upon your site not too long after graduating AIT and I've used it ever since for my computers and I've assisted my battles with setting up their CAC's for home use as well. Its godsend and your work is much appreciated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 2:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:02:14 -0500

I try to leave my work at work. I have no reason to use my CAC at home and like the separation that comes with it. Even my BB has it own little place in the draw. Although it gets checked periodically, it is used more for travel than daily work.

Before ya'll jump off the handles, work does not call me at home and I don't have Soldiers to worry about.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 1:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:54:14 -0400

Your unit should issue you one. Once you get it, you need to contact the AKO Helpdesk and they will help you download everything you need to make it work.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 2:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:10:41 -0400

As an Enlisted guy it is not your responsibility to go out and purchase such items for you to do your job, that is something your supply sergeant or your readiness NCO should make available to you. unfortunately with the new WebMail we have to have a CAC reader to check our .mil email, so therefore you need to contact your supply sergeant so you can grab one from him.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 2:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:12:37 -0400

This is handsdown one of the best websites you can come across to help you with any and all CAC issues! Matter of fact when I call the AKO help desk for some problems they always direct me to your website

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Mar 18 at 2014 2:51 PM

1SG Alan Bailey — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:51:55 -0400

I have never been in a unit that would issue you a CAC reader for your personal use on your computer. There are somethings you have to do to stay on top of your job and going out and spending some money on a CAC reader is probably one of them. I pretty sure that it is not legal for supply to give you a CAC reader for your home computer. They come pretty cheap, and probably less than a case of beer.

I know when I was still a 1SG there is no way I would have my supply sergeant buy CAC readers to issue out to Soldiers, go to the PX and get one, they all sell them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 3:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:05:06 -0400

I've never seen a unit supply issue CAC readers for personal use. If it's for your job "at work use" then maybe, if they are available. It sounds like you few are taking home government property. I would suggest spending the few bucks you have to on the iogear reader.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 18 at 2014 3:06 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:06:12 -0400

I bought mine at Wright-Patterson AFB. Go to the PX and ask the clerks there. They are very knowlegeable about those. The one I bought was a plug and play. As far as getting on line and using it, its a nightmare to go through the process to download all you need. Like the Master Sergeant said call and ask the help desk and have them walk you through it. If a 44yo I can do it, a young soldier like yourself should have a breeze!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 18 at 2014 3:19 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:19:53 -0400

There is one thing that some of the NCO's are forgetting is that the Guard and Reserve have issed them in the past, they get abused and lost then they try and get more then they are out of monies. When will they be able to get more??? When the commander and the Supply sergeant deem all the other essentials that the unit needs get bought first. HMMWV parts, uniforms, boots, commo, food, ect, ect, ect.

Not trying to start an argument or step on toes but it is a different world here in guard and reserve land. Also with cut backs the last thing they are worried about are CAC readers. Know what I mean.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 3:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:35:19 -0400

This is the one I have. It works great. I bought it at the PX. http://www.walmart.com/ip/IOGEAR-USB-Smart-Card-Access-Reader-Black/16794923

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 3:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:35:30 -0400

Many comments are inaccurate. It is not the responsibility of supply (me) to provide ANYONE, regardless of rank, with items for personal usage. PFC Mullins stated as much in his initial posting that it's for his personal laptop. It is incumbent on each individual to purchase personal items themselves. I agree with coming onto a site like this for information on making a purchase but we should not be suggesting an illegal activity, even though it may have been an inadvertent suggestion.

Like MAJ Weiss suggested, the SCMs are great CAC Readers. If you would like a very nice portable one, check out the one below. It folds up nice and neatly into about the size of a thumb drive. I have one and carry it with me. These cost $17.99 but well worth it.

Amazon.com : SCM SCR3500 Smart Card Reader : Computer Memory Card Readers : Computers & Accessories

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Mar 18 at 2014 5:44 PM

1SG Alan Bailey — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:44:40 -0400

https://MilitaryCAC.com

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 9:01 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:01:53 -0400

Chief,

Your website was a savior when it came to installing a cac reader at my home. The only problem I ever had, and I know that you've touched on this issue before, is that the Navy requires you to login in with a cac to download the cac software.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 4:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:25:54 -0400

buy the cheapest one that's white in color, forgot the brand but never failed me

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 5:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:14:28 -0400

I have a SCR3310 that was issued to me by my supply sergeant and another one that I acquired for home use. I can't speak for anyone in the Regular Army, but it is state policy here that everyone is issued one by their local supply. It is on their clothing record and is returned to the local supply sergeant upon PCS.

Regardless of brand, most issues are caused by incompatible software. I recommend all the soldiers in my BN go to http://www.militarycac.com/ to troubleshoot any problems they are having.

Common Access Card (CAC) Information for home use

MilitaryCAC provides CAC installation assistance; Find information regarding the Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 11:10 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:10:30 -0400

Hi Chief,

I've had problems getting the CAC updates uninstalled and then installed on my MAC. It seems like every time I finally get it to work something happens and it stops requiring another 5 hrs of attempting to figure out how to fix it.

I am by no means a computer genius and really need a "plug and play" system.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 2:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:28:09 -0400

I would also like to add that even though not everything we need in the Army can be supplied to us free of charge, you can and should claim job-related purchases on your taxes. That goes for a whole range of things from haircuts to gas to internet service.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 10:47 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:47:12 -0400

I bought mine online from one of the companies contracted to produce them for the US Government. I don't recall what company it is, but the model number is SCR 3310. It cost me about $15 + shipping costs. It is USB, so easy connection there.

The most difficult part was installing the middleware and certificates, but if you follow the directions given on the CAC reader page (link on AKO), it's not too difficult to do; it's just tedious.

Once you get everything installed properly, you'll be good to go. I've had mine for about 3 years now and haven't had a problem with it. The only issue I ever had was due to a Windows Update that screwed up the middleware, which I simply reinstalled and was back in business.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 8:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 20:09:44 -0400

http://www.amazon.com/SCM-Microsystems-SCR3310-card-Reader/dp/B001L6OVZM/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_y

I have bought and distributed about 30 of these so far.

Amazon.com: SCM Microsystems SCR3310 USB card Reader: Computers & Accessories

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 11:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:53:51 -0400

I checked webmail yesterday without any problems (except entering the pin every 5 minutes), then I installed Norton antivirus last night... Today I get the "This page can't be displayed". Any correlation or fix to this problem? Thanks

MAJ B

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 7:03 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:03:06 -0400

Thursby Software makes CAC Card readers for. iPhones & iPads. Those are more on the expensive side but stand out against the rest of the pack.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 9:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:36:56 -0400

https://www.scbsolutions.com/express/mobile_product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=134&SCBtid=4f791cc929d6e8f345b68c7d64dac2e1

The link leads to a folding USB reader I have had for several years. Less than $20, and no bigger than a thumb drive.

SCB Solutions Express

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 7:43 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 May 2014 19:43:07 -0400

Your website is the best. I hope you were awarded sufficiently for your effort. I cannot thank you enough.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 6:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:52:24 -0400

The site you are looking for is:
HTTPS://militarycac.com

It will show you how to download all certificates and the downloadable software needed to operate your CAC reader. Look for the one that says Apple.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made May 14 at 2014 12:27 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:27:32 -0400

Option 1: Try to do it for free by following these instructions: https://militarycac.com/apple.htm

Option 2: Buy a $30 software from Thursby. They also provide technical support: http://www.thursby.com/products/pkard-mac

I started with option 1 but had to buy the option 2 software as well.

Please note that you can use your CAC on a Mac, but you still cannot sign documents.

MilitaryCAC's Mac OS X support landing page

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Response by SGT(P) Karen Lonn made Nov 14 at 2014 6:25 PM

SGT(P) Karen Lonn — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:25:15 -0500

When I bought one, I bought the cheap one at the PX over 4 years ago, and it still works like a charm. In fact I have found when everyone else has problems, mine will still work. It is so old the brand has worn off, but take my word more expensive do not always mean it is better quality.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 5:29 AM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 05:29:18 -0400

I gave up on portable SCM reader after it broke in use and picked up a gunmetal matte black CAC reader online called "Pluss ID" https://www.pluss-id.com for ca. $20. Few bucks more than other readers but quality worth it.

Smart Card Reader | Pluss ID Card Reader

World's smallest ID and Smart Card Reader "Pluss ID". Tiny & lightweight Smart Card Reader with a patented design and Plug & Play functionality.