Posted on Mar 18, 2014

What is the best CAC reader to buy?

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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

CAC

Supply

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 48

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SGT Bryon Sergent

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SPC (Join to see)

>1 y

SSG, I've asked my unit if they have any they aren't using and they told me that I need to buy my own.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

They may not have any at this time, but im sure if you ask them to check around with some of their counter parts, they will be able to find one for you. Thats what i had to do with my unit, it took a few days but they eventually found one for me. If that doesnt work, go through your COC and they should be able to help you also.

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SFC (Join to see)

>1 y

SSG Buchan,

Maybe you can enlighten me and everyone else as to what personal use you can use a CAC reader for.

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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!

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CW3 Michael Danberry

12 y

Thanks for the nice comments SGT Ecklund.

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1LT (Join to see)

Edited 12 y ago

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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CW3 Michael Danberry

12 y

SSG Beutler, your welcome on the website. I'm just happy people are visiting it. There is nothing worse for a person to spend a lot of time updating a website to not have anyone visit it. :(

The only current civilion solution are CAC readers for iPhones / iPads. I have them listed on http://militarycac.com/mobile.htm

MilitaryCAC's Information on using your CAC with your mobile device including AKO Email

Access your AKO email on your mobile device

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WO1 (Join to see)

12 y

Chief, thanks for sharing!

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SN (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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SGT(P) Karen Lonn

Posted 11 y ago

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.

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CH (CPT) (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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

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CW3 Michael Danberry

>1 y

Thank you 2LT Corn. I have received 2 awards, you can see them on http://militarycac.com/about.htm
I see in your profile you used to be MI and worked with DCGS. I'm helping the MI Readiness Command get those systems set up across the country.

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CH (CPT) (Join to see)

>1 y

I fielded one of the major patches at Ft. Stewart in 2012. It was a 3 month process? maybe more. I was a shift leader on the HUMINT piece. Crazy exercise.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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

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SFC(P) (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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MAJ (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

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

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CW3 Michael Danberry

>1 y

It sounds like your Norton is blocking it. Can you temporarily disable it to verify if it is causing the problem?

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What is the best CAC reader to buy?

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