Who Can Use Army Remote Workspace?
In short, if you are reading this and actively serving in the Army (Active, Guard, or Reserve), then you are set. Register, download, login, and you’re welcome! Any soldier or DA Civilian with an active A365/M365 license has access to the Army Azure Virtual Desktop. The user must have a login/email that ends with ‘@army.mil.’).
NOTE: Army Google Workspace (AGWS) users will not have access to the virtual desktop. Most AGWS users are soldiers in non-critical positions, junior ranking, or Cadets who do not need a productivity suite and access to NIPR systems.
How Can I Sign-Up for Army AVD?
The following instructions will help you sign-up (register) for the Army Virtual Desktop (AVD). Keep in mind that this is best done from a work/government computer as having access to your email is helpful. Otherwise, you may complete all the steps and then wait 15-20 minutes and try to login. Ensure you download the correct applications. Do no use the Windows Store app.
- Step 1: Login to a NIPR computer or use a personal computer with CAC capabilities
- Step 2: Sign up for onboarding here (CAC required).
- Step 3: Sign into MilSuite. The link in Step 2 will take you to the Army Enterprise AVD Onboarding. page.
- Click on A365 SharePoint Online Onboarding (NIPR Clients) if you are on a government computer, network, or GFE.
- Click on Access Package Onboarding (Commercial Clients) if you are signing up from home.
- Step 4: Sign in to your A365 Account (CAC Required).
- Step 5: Click on ‘access page’ if you are not already there.
- Step 6: Request to access package for the ‘Army 365 Enterprise Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Onboarding‘ for your account.
- Step 7: Acknowledge responsibilities and Terms of Use and then click continue.
- Step 8: Wait 15-20 minutes.
- Step 9: Refresh your page and click on Approvals.
- Step 10: When the package status is ‘delivered’, your AVD request is complete.
- Step 11: Wait for an email to your Army Email stating: “Welcome to the new Army desktop experience! You have now been enabled for access to Army Enterprise AVD.”
How Can I access Army Enterprise AVD?
The Army AVD is available from most home and commercial networks using a personal or government device using Windows, MacOS , iOS/iPadOS, and Android. Readers reported that the Army Azure Virtual Desktop applications work on Windows, Mac, and the Apple iPad.
- Step 1: Install the Army Azure Virtual Desktop application of your choice or use the browser. See the chart below.
- Step 2: For the Remote Desktop Application:
- Open the application and select ‘subscribe with URL’ on Windows or ‘add workspace’ on MacOS.
- Input the following link: “rdweb.wvd.azure.us” (without the quotes).
- Login to AVD using your A365/M365 account username ([emailprotected] email).
- Select the correct CAC certificate and enter your PIN.
- Select the server closest to you; East or West.
- Step 3: When using a web browser. NOTE: there are limitations, see below.
- Ensure you have a CAC reader plugged in.
- View the table below or visit the Army AVD web portal here.
- Login with your A365 email and PIN.
What Applications Can Access the Army Azure Virtual Desktop?
What Are the Benefits of Using Army Azure Virtual Desktop on a Personal Device?
Using Army Azure Virtual Desktop on a personal device offers several compelling benefits, enhancing both the flexibility and security of military computing resources. Here are six key advantages:
- Access from Anywhere: One of the most significant benefits of the Army Remote Desktop is the ability to access virtualized Windows 11 and Windows 10 desktops and apps from any location. This feature is particularly advantageous for military personnel who may need to access sensitive information or applications from various locations, ensuring they can stay productive and connected no matter where they are stationed.
- Maintain Full Control: Despite the flexibility offered by remote access, the Army AVD allows for complete control over configuration and management. This means that IT departments can ensure that all security protocols are followed, updates are applied, and configurations are set according to the specific requirements of the military, all while users access the system remotely.
- Enhanced Security: Given the sensitive nature of military data, security is of paramount importance. Azure Virtual Desktop benefits from the robust security measures of Azure, including data encryption, network security, and compliance features designed to protect sensitive information. This means that even when accessed from personal devices, the data and applications remain secure against potential threats.
- Privacy and Accountability: Army AVD ensures robust security and privacy by implementing isolation mechanisms that separate the virtual desktop environment from the host machine. This isolation is critical in maintaining the integrity of sensitive data and applications.
- Network Isolation: Azure Virtual Desktop establishes network isolation between the virtual desktop environment and the host machine, ensuring that communication between the two is restricted and secure. This prevents unauthorized access to the virtual desktop from the host machine and vice versa, enhancing overall security.
- Data Encryption: All data transmitted between the host machine and the Army Remote Workspace in AVD is encrypted, adding an extra layer of protection to prevent unauthorized interception or tampering. This encryption ensures that sensitive information remains secure even if intercepted during transmission.
The Army Remote Desktop presents a flexible, secure, and cost-effective solution for accessing military computing resources from personal devices, offering significant advantages in terms of accessibility, control, cost management, security, and reliability.
What Are the Limitations of Army AVD?
Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and app virtualization service that operates on Azure. It offers the ability to deliver a Windows experience, present individual apps, optimize Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, run custom apps, deliver SaaS, replace existing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) like Citrix, and manage desktops and apps across different Windows operating systems.
- Limited CAC Certificate Use: The Army does not install ActivClient and the HID Credential Management Extension on the Army Azure Virtual Desktop. Users report that S/MIME is not available when using the browser option. We recommend that all users on AVD and those on GFE transition to sensitivity labels.
- No Local Access: The Army prioritized safety, network security, and user privacy by cutting access to shared drives, printers, and intranets. This reduction helps maintain the fidelity of the system.
- No Other Remote Desktop Clients: Citrix, Microsoft RDS, or VMware will not work inside the AVD application. The Army calls this “double hopping” and prohibits it.
- Limited Software: The Army only installs software with an enterprise license; no other software is available, which may limit the number of users. They can fall back to their issued GFE.
- No Local Printing: We mentioned there is no local access which also includes printers. While printing in most instances is a thing of the past, there are times you will need to access your officer multifunction device to deliver a hard copy of your trusty TPS Reports for the next meeting.
How Can I Use AVD Printing With the Army Remote Workspace?
Yes, we just wrote about how there is no printing access, but PrinterLogic successfully completed a print client trial with USSOCOM where they “improved print availability, streamlined printer deployments and future-proofed their print environment.” PrinterLogic enables users logged into the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
- Step 1: Login to the Army Remote Workspace (AVD).
- Step 2: Login to the Army Unified Directory Service (AUDS).
- Option 1: Go to https://print.army.mil in your browser.
- Option 2: Click on the PrinterLogic client icon in the task tray. Click on the down-facing or upside-down chevron.
- Step 3: Verify the correct printer client login. Click on your profile picture in the upper right.
- There are two login credentials for the print client.
- Verify you are logged in with your A365/M365 account. For example: [emailprotected].
- Logout if you see your login in the following format: \123456789.mil and login with your A365/M365 account.
- Step 4: Select your printer based on your location, installation, building and room number.
- Step 5: Once selected, install the printer.
Note: Only users with Administrative access to the Army Remote Desktop on Army AVD can ensure your printer is part of the PrinterLogic system. Unfortunately, not every installation is present. Speak with your S6 and G6 on your locations timeline to onboard to PrinterLogic. Also, you cannot use local printers while on AVD. Local resources include printers, fax machines, scanners, and more that are government or civilian in your office or home respectively.
