CAC reader at home?
 

Hey, does anybody use a CAC reader on their home computer?

I'm a traditional Guardsman, and live several hours from my base. I happened across CAC readers on newegg.com, and was wondering if I buy one, will it give me CAC login access to things like mypay, Air Force Portal, etc.?

That would be really handy!!

need the right software
 

Navy gives them out for free to reservists. Need correct version of software though or useless. Talk to your IT guy in squadron.

I use a navy issued one, with the current software (XP/Intel). Seems to work with all Navy and DoD web portals.

I have heard that commercial CAC readers may not work with DoD cards but that may have changed.

Plan on using windows 7 or lower and internet explorer.

Yes. Most units encourage CAC access from home, and even have telecommute policies for things like ancillary training and travel vouchers. Right now, however, I think ADLS access is blocked from non MIL computers...which just made it a lot less useful.

I have a reader issued from my Marine Reserve IT department. Of note, the reader will not work on Mac OS. Since I run a Mac, I had to run Bootcamp and buy the latest Windows OS. Also, most of the government sites require the latest addition of Internet Explorer that has to be run using Windows.

Good advice. I got an Air Force one form our IT guy, but not the software. They said I could download the drivers for it from the Air Force Portal.

Problem was, I couldn't get to the drivers on the Portal without: a CAC reader.

IT guy said they have the software installed when they buy it; no disk. So, mine sits next to my computer, useless.

If you can get one from your IT guy AND the software, I think it would be great.

I have a MAC and use a CAC reader given out by my unit (USAFR). It is a simple USB device. I know you can guy one at the BX for like $20.

I used Firefox browser and there is a plugin for DOD sites (DOD Configuration). Works fine. I don't run windows. But there are days when I can't log into Sharepoints when everything else works just fine.

Thanks to you all for your time! So in a nutshell; I should buy a CAC reader and contact Comm Squadron for assistance?

This helped me greatly setting mine up at home: https://militarycac.com/

Thank you for referring me to that website! It was very helpful!

Just to let everyone know, I ordered and have now received a CAC reader for home use. I can access My Pay with no additional steps*, and by using militarycac.com I was able to get onto the AF Portal.

Very handy for any weekend warrior types who have rare access to a military company-even at drill! :)

*When I first plugged in my CAC reader the computer figured out it needed to search for and download the driver for the CAC reader. I just followed a couple on screen prompts and voila!