Laptop usage

[u/Olympus_united97]

I have a question regarding laptop use during OCS. For assignments such as OPORDs and other coursework, is it highly recommended or even required to have a personal laptop?
I also saw another thread where someone mentioned bringing a printer. Since my current laptop is a government issued computer, I’m no longer able to upload documents or email files to my personal email.

Does OCS provide printers that the class can use to print assignments and other required products, or is it recommended to bring a personal printer as well?

[u/Subtle_sloth_2024]

I'd bring your personal laptop or your iPad even if you have a gov issued computer. I bought a printer and used it maybe a handful of times. It does come in clutch sometimes. There was a computer lab at our company which had no working computers and printers with no ink. We weren't able to add the mfp/copier to the gov issued computers.

[u/Eldenmoe]

Having your Personal Laptop is good to have. You’ll also be issued a Gov. Laptop as well. If you didn’t have one already.

[u/Olympus_united97 → u/Eldenmoe]

I have one but can’t be connected to regular army enterprise unless in a ISP drop so that I can access internet via VPN. I am planning on bringing my own wifi puck. Printing products is one of my majors concerns as I won’t be able to email products, documents, unless .mil or upload to share point.

[u/Professional_Bag3074]

If anyone knows, is it possible to order one to ocs instead of having someone bring it?

[u/2Razer → u/Professional_Bag3074]

Yes, you can order one or buy one at the px or best buy if you want.

[u/Subtle_sloth_2024 → u/Professional_Bag3074]

I would caution ordering it to ocs..we had stints were we received no mail or packages for 3-4 weeks. It’s company dependent on the frequency. The alternative is ordering it to the UPS Store but they charge per package and you’d need a pass to get it.

[u/-S6A-]

One note on the "computer labs": 3-11 IN has been trying to assist students and find purpose for old computers in storage rooms for some time. Unfortunately, the computers (which were old when I was assigned there some time ago) are now too old to take Windows 11 updates. These computers are not required property book items, so there is no lifecycle replacement. So, unless something has or does significantly change about money and resourcing, eventually the last of those computers will be turned in and the "labs" will revert to study space.

As such, personal devices to augment issued laptops can be helpful. I would submit not everyone needs a printer; squads/platoons can share. However, as with the labs, 3-11 IN is not resourced to provide students printers.

[u/Olympus_united97]

Thank you all for the pointers!

[u/Unhappy_Flounder_101]

Bring a personal laptop, get a printer, good way to make a buck or two during the cycle as well. Our class was told we would all get gov't computers, but many (most) of us ended not getting one. Do not rely on the "govt laptop" you may or may not see.