CAC card reader

Specialties Government

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Hi,

I am trying to buy a cac card reader......someone at my unit said I could buy one at "Office depot". But they didn't have one (or knew what it was)......Any ideas?

I have googled it and found software..........but I need hardware at this point,

Thank you,

C. :)

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

Thanks Cursed!!!!

c.

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Specializes in ICU,CCU, trauma, oc med.

You can go thru the 'slick deals for service members" link at AKO. In the scrolling box, at the right end of it. I got one for $20 something dollars and it works just fine at home. Had to download the software from AKO also and make sure you get the right one for 32 or 64 bit.

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
You can go thru the 'slick deals for service members" link at AKO. In the scrolling box, at the right end of it. I got one for $20 something dollars and it works just fine at home. Had to download the software from AKO also and make sure you get the right one for 32 or 64 bit.

Hi there,

That is a great deal.

Twenty bucks!!

Its time for me to go to slick deals for service members. I miss so much because I am not online at work to check my outlook and don't get all those "today" emails because of not being at work 9-5.'

Thank you,

Gen

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Specializes in ICU,CCU, trauma, oc med.
Hi there,

That is a great deal.

Twenty bucks!!

Its time for me to go to slick deals for service members. I miss so much because I am not online at work to check my outlook and don't get all those "today" emails because of not being at work 9-5.'

Thank you,

Gen

yes, once you get one, follow the CAC card reader directions on the AKO site (I assume all other service branches have this like the army) and load the software (check which version of windows you have, xp, vista, 32 or 64 bit, etc.) and reboot your computer for it to work. It saves time having to head into the reserve center to use CAC for passwords, etc.

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

Hey all

forgive me but can we go about 20 steps back and explain what a CAC card is, what the reader is and does and why we would need one?

(I'm a little naive i guess) :imbar

thanks in advance

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Specializes in ICU,CCU, trauma, oc med.
Hey all

forgive me but can we go about 20 steps back and explain what a CAC card is, what the reader is and does and why we would need one?

(I'm a little naive i guess) :imbar

thanks in advance

In order to secure identity, the military used a CAC (common access card or your military ID) with a chip that has information that can be read by a CAC reader. When you get your ID you will punch in a passcode. That will be used to access certain areas of your military account and to digitally sign documents over the internet. You need the reader, the CAC, and the software for it to work on your home computer. Otherwise, you have to go into the reserve center to use one. Some people live so far away, it is not possible to keep going into center to access certain areas of your account.

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I was wondering the same things... thanks for posting!!!

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Specializes in RNC-MNN, L&D/Postpartum/AP/PACU, CLC.

Since most reservists go to drill once a month anyway, a CAC reader is not a necessity. Use one at drill and just keep on top of your AKO password expiration date.

Also, a word of warning, the AKO site does not give a description of which readers work with VISTA. I had a tech from Ft. Monmouth tell me that all the ones associated with the site do, but when I ordered one and got it in the mail, it was set up for XP only and could not be upgraded.

Edited to correct: the tech was at Ft. Monmouth, not Ft. Drum.

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A good site with multiple CAC card readers is

http://www.envoydata.com

cac card page specifically is ...

http://envoydata.com/security/cac.php

hope this helps!

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

i got mine off amazon.com...it was $21.00.... took about a week (texas to Massachusetts). there were some instructions from an Air Force CPT on the website, making it a little easier where to find the drivers and which ones to get according to OS.

But, hey I have a question. my ID has a erroneous email (army domain)....will that allow me to not be able to log on w/ the cac to AKO? I have downloaded the drivers, and went on AKO and downloaded the Middleware etc. I can view the certificates through ActivClient6.... but when I try to log on... the IE page appears saying I'm not connected. thanks in advance

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