Posted on Mar 18, 2014
SPC Squad Member
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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.
Posted in these groups: Cac story 800 CACEa15e1cf Supply
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MSG Signal Support Systems Specialist
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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.
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TSgt Hh 60 G Maintainer
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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.
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SFC Signals Intelligence Analyst
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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.
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SPC Squad Member
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SFC you sound like you know how work the system to your advantage. Thanks for the tip
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CW3 Bde Hr Tech
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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.
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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
>1 y
Hello Stephanie, would you be willing to fill out my mac help form? Http://militarycac.com/MacQuestions.htm then I can help you much better. There is certain information I need to know first.
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CPT Technician
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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.

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PO1 Translator
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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.

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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
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Thanks PO1 Crotts, yes, the Navy has put the cart before the horse.  :) 
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SFC Sales Director
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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
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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
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Thanks SGT Corle
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SFC Sales Director
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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.
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SSG Daniel Deiler
SSG Daniel Deiler
>1 y
Not sure if you're tracking but a Soldier SHOULD be going out to buy his ASU's if he/she was not issued them in Basic Training. Additionally I don't understand where it became common thought that CAC readers are "supposed" to be supplied to Soldiers. Is that a local policy in your unit or perhaps something the Reserves/Guard does for it's Soldiers? I know it's not done here on the Active side in any of the units I've been assigned to.
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SFC Sales Director
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That's not the point at all, Army makes you wear something, they provide it to you as a Enlisted guy. Army changed from Class A "Green" to ASU guess what they PROVIDED me with that uniform. As an officer (O1-O9) they must purchase their own. It is a common thought and its a fact that the army must supply a CAC reader to a SM. Matter of fact it was a part of my OCIE. I have many friends, and associates in the Active component, none of them have purchased a CAC reader unless they have lost the one they were given.


The point of the conversation was to not let a SM go out and purchase something that was not necessary his responsibility to go out and buy. I don't make any of my joes go out and purchase stuff that the supply sergeant can readily give to them.

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SFC Signal Support Systems Specialist
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I think the majority of the disagreements stem from differences in policies between Active and Guard/Reserve. 
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SFC Medical Platoon Sergeant
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SGT Corle,

 

I guess you have been in very fortunate units, oh wait, ARNG.. got it.  Those of us on the active side had to buy ASUs out of pocket.  That also included ACUs, and IPFUs. 

 

Back to the discussion at hand, I have had S-6 purchase them for issue to the BN Staff, and the unit supply issue them to the Company soldiers who needed them.
I have also encouraged my soldiers to purchase them on their own if they feel they need one.  With almost everything going to CAC log in now, it's not realistic to expect a soldier to not need a CAC reader at home, if for nothing other than checking email, or My pay.

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SSG Conex
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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.

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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
12 y
Hello SSG Spratlin,  I really wish I had a job like yours.  Believe it or not, this is not the case for a large share of Soldiers.  National Guard and Reserve Soldiers are expected to check their military email daily.  Not all of them have BlackBerry's either.  Please enjoy the way you have it right now, because it may not be that way at your next duty assignment.  :)
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SSG It Specialist
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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.
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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
12 y

Hello SPC Edmond,  Thanks for sharing and for letting me know you use the website.  Like I've said on other replies, it is very good to know that people use what I spend a lot of my time on.  I have other websites that I don't think anyone ever looks at. :)

 

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