posted on Nov, 1 2011 @ 12:16 AM
Okay, I read through most of the posts on the subject at hand and decided to finally join just because of this thread so I could reply. First off let
me say that I DO have experience about/with the aforementioned subject. I am a SGT with the US Army, at Fort Gordon, 551 Signal BTL, 15th SIG BDE.
Over the course of the past 6 years in service as a 25U (Signals Support System Specialist) and 2 deployments, I can tell you that yes, SIPRNet exists
and so does JWICS.
The problem is people seem to think that there is some sort of super secret way to backdoor, or hook trap such a system, which is grossly wrong. First
off there are two nets to speak of, the intranet and extranet. the intranet being the DoD side of things. The system is accessed in many ways
credentials wise, and only is you have a security clearance. Secret or a TS. My MOS requires that you maintain a SECRET clearance at ALL times, as
losing it or it being revoked typically calls for a reclass. I currently use my CAC card to access it and even then I must have a RSA encrypted
certificate for my CAC INSTALLED on that computer by my Commander. Next you have the CAC card's PIN number, and then the server generated password
for your account installed on the system. Next is the secure connection. Our Battalion usually uses an ISDN over a PTSN for connecting.
Example:
John Doe -> CAC card inserted -> Windows Domain login via CAC card (typically my CAC pin) -> regular internet -> ISDN certificate validation and
password -> SIPRNet
The systems are NEVER access via any form of a wireless signal but it IS able to transmit via SATCOM in non-fixed tactical systems, such as deployment
and on a SATCOM connection in a Humvee.
I run Fiber Optics, part of my job, and as such we (25U's and other 25'ers) are responsible for setting up an intranet at FOB's or updating
protocols, or upgrading routers. That's what we do. We maintain these systems so that our chain of command is able to access the NIPRNet or SIPRNet.
Moving on, the attainability and ex-tractability of ANY data on the SIPRNet is something that brings to mind the word prison. Besides, more oft than
not, any one individual only has access to whats MC at the time on the system. It isn't like a PVT E-2 who just got his clearance can run rampant on
the SIPRNet and download files to his thumb drive. Once you put your CAC card in the reader on a computer, EVERYTHING that you click, modify, email,
delete, or move is tracked, backed by YOUR SSN. Likewise, even surfing the regular internet (which yes, you can inside the SIPRNet) is grounds for an
INTREV or being flagged.
I hope I have shed some sort of light on the matter for you guys, and welcome and feedback, or questions.