So I've gotten a little bit confused by the usmma website and by the materials I was sent on what to purchase, indoc preparation, etc. Do I have to buy the surface pro laptop? Or can I bring my own laptop. My laptop far exceeds the specifications of the surface pro, is still ultra light weight, has a touchscreen, and I spent like 1.8k on it for Christmas. So it would be a shame to have to purchase another laptop just for it to be a downgrade from what I already have.
If ALL of the specifications are adequate, you should be fine NOT buying an academy laptop/tablet. You just have to turn it into the DoIT at the academy for them to format it/put their software on it. Weird how there is not specific instructions regarding this.
Worst case they make you buy the laptop later, but it shouldnt be a big deal right away.
There are... Pg 22 of the Logging Book,
"Important Note: The Firmware requirement is established by the Department of Transportation and the
Department of Homeland Security. At the time this document was written, a limited number of personal computer
manufacturers satisfy this requirement. Computers that do not feature NIST 800-147 compliant firmware cannot
be connected to the Academy network. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 tablets are compliant with NIST 800-147. Plebe
Candidates with other brands or models are required to provide written documentation from the manufacturer
attesting to compliance.
Additional information regarding NIST 800-147 can be found at
https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-147/final.
The Department of Information Technology maintains the software configuration on Midshipman computers.
Only authorized software is permitted. All required software will be provided. Midshipman computers are
reimaged on a regular basis at the discretion of the Department of Information Technology.
Registering Your Computer for Use on the Academy Network
During Indoctrination, your computer will be registered for use on the Academy network. Only registered personal
computers are permitted to access and use the USMMA Midshipman Network. As part of the registration process, your
computer will be re-imaged and all required software will be installed. You are strongly advised to make copies of all
important programs, files, and documents on your personal computer before reporting for Indoctrination. During the
registration process, all data on the hard drive will be overwritten. The Academy is not responsible for any loss of
software or personal files and documents during this process."