Is there a CSM at USARC G6 who I can vent to?!

CSM David Heidke — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:49:10 -0500

I'm kind of at my wits end.

The Army gives me a laptop that is so secure that it doesn't work half the time.

The install new software which slows the network down to a crawl. Check. Gotta have updated software.

They need to install bit locker, because we need to keep your information safe. Ok. Great I get it OPSEC. Turn it on without any notice 5 minutes before my BN Command and Staff call. Ok. Minor inconvenience.

They need to upgrade the software, but they can't just "upgrade" they have to reformat my computer... Uhh. Ok Check.

Download the same software that you got just before they decided to reimage your computer... really?!

Download some patches and blow up bitlocker? Ok. Call the help desk get the 486 digit recovery code. Ok.

Shut off your access because you didn't take the information assurance training. Ugh. i gues that's my fault. But how about just making us sign something instead of two hours of the same thing we've done for the last four years or let us test out before we take the training. I've been in IT for 25 years and I've owned a computer since I was 12. I know how to safeguard data. Please. Just have mercy.

Push more updates that bust bitlocker. Ok I'll call and wait for an hour for the help desk to get a new recovery key.

Two days later. Bitlocker breaks again. Hmmm. The recording says "due to a problem with bit locker, we recommend you don't shut down your computer. Really?! It's a laptop, what am I supposed to leave it here? Not a good solution. An hour on the phone again with the help desk for another key.

Now I'm at a training workshop and bitlocker is dead again.

Who pushes these updates?! Are they not tested before they are pushed? When do you decide that the model doesn't work?

Thanks for listening... I doubt anything will change. Someone got an OER bullet for introducing bitlocker. Congratulations. I'd rather hand write NCOERs than deal with this blasted computer.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 8:54 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:54:11 -0500

That sounds like a pain in the ass. THey won't give a seperate for UNCLAS or is everything classified?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 14 at 2015 8:54 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:54:45 -0500

I feel your pain CSM,,,and as I told the G6 when I was the 1st CAV G3 SGM.... Get used to it, if it works you're just doing your job, if I can't talk to space on three devices at will you're a failure, there is no middle ground. But that is the job you signed up for.....now why can't I talk?

A GREAT G6 is an awesome thing and a rarity..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 8:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:56:47 -0500

I agree the computers on "the" network are loosing their productivity due to all the huddles users have to go through to use them. I am concerned inexperienced users in a moment on inconvenience may default to a privately owned computer to bypass the speed bumps which is not what anyone needs to do for security reasons.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Nov 14 at 2015 9:03 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 09:03:49 -0500

Just blame your S6 shop. We feel your pain x10. =)

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Nov 14 at 2015 9:33 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 09:33:54 -0500

Hi CSM,

Just did a quick search and found some people who might be able to point you in the right direction. CW2 Arnold would probably be my first stop.

CW2 G6 at MIRC, USARC | 255N: Network Management Technician | RallyPoint

View the full military profile of CW2 (Join to see), G6 at MIRC, USARC | Fort Belvoir, VA | RallyPoint professional military profile.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 14 at 2015 11:45 AM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:45:26 -0500

CSM David Heidke The struggle is real, Sir... Seriously, I feel your pain...

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 14 at 2015 11:52 AM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:52:19 -0500

I remember being just as aggravated with the work computers. NMCI (Navy Marine Corps Intranet) was commonly referred to as Non-Mission Capable Internet. Hours of aggravation and heaven help you if you needed to install a printer or scanner.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 2:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:13:46 -0500

It is brutal on the Army networks. I have all but given up except where I absolutely must use the Army systems due to PII or other sensitive stuff.
Good God it is terrible.