What is the best CAC reader to buy? 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.

What is the best CAC reader to buy?

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Posted >1 y ago

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

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SFC (Join to see)

>1 y

SSG Burns are you referring to the pens made by the blind? If so, you can keep them. You'll not hear me looking for them.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

There are some really good points on both sides (albeit some are rude). I believe this is an issue in the eye of the beholder.

I am a Supply Sergeant as well first off. I would not/will not provide cac readers to soldiers for home use strictly because of availability in my unit. I have to file a CAPR which is a huge waste of time and money to get with GPC. And they are $70 with an NSN. So I keep to Minimum.

But on the same issue, I provide (some) paper to squad leaders for home use. I know that some may get used to print a private invoice but that happens in offices too. I write a large portion of my ncoers, counselings, and other leaders book fillers at home. So do my squad leaders. Not going to buy their ink but the paper is for the good of the corps. It is proper oversight and vigilance that prevents abuse.

I am not afraid of being called a stingy supply sergeant, but there are way too many out there that are plain dictators over supply and refuse all most all request.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

Well stated, battle! I too dislike the bad labels placed on supply. It's ridiculous and unprofessional for any one of us to act in such manner. We are not only accountants (that's what we do with the CDR's property) but also stewards of the taxpayers money. I have no problem issuing out supplies as requested but I will always ask for what purpose, and make a decision based on the answer. If there are further questions, then I will seek the guidance of the BN or CO CDR, or the respective XOs.

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CSM Mike Maynard

>1 y

SSG Redondo - if the only thing that a CAC Reader allows me to do is to access government websites - OWA, AKO, MilSuite, HRC, etc, how would that be classified as "personal" use.<div><br></div><div>I'm not aware of any "personal" uses for the CAC readers - only work/job related and professional development related?</div>

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SSG Mack Rixe

>1 y

Actually, my battery issued them out to all of us. We signed hand receipts and everything.

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SGT(P) Jason Gaudry

>1 y

Well, now that just makes....SENSE! Too easy. If we are required to have a CAC reader to do business- at home or the office, a CAC reader should be issued.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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CW3 Michael Danberry

12 y

Thanks for your reply SFC Watkins, glad to know you've been referring people my way. Are you having problems with the current download of Lotus Forms? I do recommend people use the AKO download link instead of the one for CHESS for both Lotus Forms and eSign. I haven't heard anything more on digitally signing PDFs either. I wonder if it will have something to do with the new OERs due to come out in April? We have a class the last week of this month on them. I'll to remember to bring that up. Thanks again for responding

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1SG Alan Bailey

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SGT (Join to see)

>1 y

P.S

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SGT (Join to see)

>1 y

PX has them and as SSG Redondo made a suggestion on a CAC reader. If you still have problems with it working go to http://www.militarycac.com and they have suggestions and steps for you to fix on your computer. Let your buddies know as well so they'll be able to fix theIrs as well. Hope this helps.

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SSG Daniel Deiler

>1 y

There is also another process you can use if you're using your government issued laptop to access the internet for government/military related work called the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Once the paperwork is filled out and approved through S6 and Command Channels, you may take your laptop home with you to connect. I had this done and it works just fine. Only caveat is that it must be connected via LAN/CAT V Cable and will not work with a wireless network.

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SFC (Join to see)

>1 y

SSG Deiler, I guess that depends on which VPN you are using. I connect daily via wireless and a VPN, on an issued laptop.

The key is ensuring your issued laptop is wireless enabled. Many are disabled for many reasons.

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SGT Bryon Sergent

Posted >1 y ago

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!

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SGT Bryon Sergent

>1 y

or go through the password login on AKO and there is a link in the tabs at the top and it will tell you everything you need and what kinda of operating systems need what. I'm computer illiterate and took me a few tries to get it right.

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LTC Yinon Weiss

Posted >1 y ago

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

// Google Internal Site Search script- By JavaScriptKit.com (http://www.javascriptkit.com)// For this and over 400+ free scripts, visit JavaScript Kit- http://www.javascriptkit.com/// This notice must stay intact for use//Enter domain of site to search.var domainroot="militarycac.com"function Gsitesearch(curobj){curobj.q.value="site:"+domainroot+" "+curobj.qfront.value}

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SPC (Join to see)

>1 y

Thank you so much for your help and it's really appreciated

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1SG (Join to see)

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SPC (Join to see)

>1 y

Tried that, it says windows cannot be supported by an OS X

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1SG (Join to see)

>1 y

You are looking in the wrong place then. Wife and I both serve and both have Macs. We got everything we needed off that site

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SPC (Join to see)

>1 y

That's probably what it is, thank you very much for the help though!

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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

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1SG Alan Bailey

Posted >1 y ago

https://MilitaryCAC.com

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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

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What is the best CAC reader to buy?

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