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Streamlining Access: Single DD Form 2875 NETCOM Directive Explained

ByArmyConnect™ Reading Time: 8 minutes

Read, Learn, and Understand This Too Shall Pass

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Changes are coming regarding the DD Form 2875. The NETCOM Directive represents a significant shift in how the Army manages system access requests using the form. The Army provides updated guidance for system access requests to streamline the process, reduce redundancy, and maintain compliance with security requirements. The full implementation of this directive is still in progress, with key milestones set for the near future.

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Introduction

Some of you might be filling out your 2nd or 10th system access request and wonder, “Why am I doing this so many times?!” You have every right to think that. It seems oddly out of place to request access to the same Army systems, just at a different location. The need for a local account is widely understood, and some soldiers still wait weeks to connect to the local network. Inefficiency is so prevalent that some soldiers have accepted it as the norm. Besides, if network and system access is not a priority for the Army, surely it cannot be a priority for the soldier.

Army information security and access authorization using the DD Form 2875 is crucial. Recently, there have been updates regarding the management and storage of DD Form 2875 to streamline the process and enhance security measures. Understanding these changes is essential for individuals operating within the Army network, particularly under NETCOM. Let’s delve into a detailed outline to grasp the ins and outs of the DD Form 2875 updates.

Get the DD Form 2875

NOTE: This is a link to the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) website. We do not host this form.

What Is the Purpose of the DD Form 2875?

The DD Form 2875, or the System Authorization Access Request form, is a critical document for individuals to request access to specific systems or applications within the Army network. It outlines the user’s access privileges, responsibilities, and the terms of usage for the requested systems.

What Is the Recent Change Concerning DD Form 2875?

NETCOM published a directive that changes how the Army personnel register for information systems. The NETCOM 2875 Directive is a policy aimed at streamlining the process of requesting and granting access to Army systems across all components (Active, Army National Guard, and US Army Reserve). The recent change regarding DD Form 2875 aims to limit the number of forms to one per person. Army Regulation 25-2 states that soldiers will store their DD Form 2875 in their Army Training and Certification Tracking System (ATCTS) profile. This change separates the authorization process from the system access request process.

Benefits of Adopting the New System Access Approval Workflow

The adoption of the new Single DD Form Initiative brings forth numerous benefits for both soldiers and the Army as a whole. One of the key advantages is improved efficiency in granting system access. With a streamlined process, soldiers no longer have to wait for extended periods or deal with unnecessary paperwork when requesting access. Additionally, this initiative significantly reduces redundancies in managing multiple DD Form 2875s for different systems or applications. By consolidating all authorizations into a single form stored within each soldier’s ATCTS profile, it becomes easier to track and manage permissions effectively. Furthermore, by embracing this new system, the Army demonstrates its commitment to innovation and adaptability. The Single DD Form Initiative aligns with the Army’s broader digital transformation efforts, enabling a more agile and responsive approach to managing access to critical systems.

How Does the Change Impact Access to Army Systems?

With the updated process, individuals can leverage the Army Enterprise Service Management Platform (AESMP) to request access to Army systems at or below the same classification level previously authorized on their DD Form 2875. The form stored within the ATCTS profile is a reference point for determining access levels to various systems.

A generic ticket requesting access based on an existing DD Form 2875 should also be available by September 1st, 2024. NETCOM will implement a fully automated DD Form 2875 workflow in AESMP later.

Why Is NETCOM Pushing Out a Directive?

That is a great question. First, let’s look at the definition of ‘directive’ as “an authoritative order or instrument issued by a high-level body or official (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. 2024).” NETCOM purposely ensures that this updated instruction is received by the NEC, G6, S6, and IMOs and implemented promptly without fussing or rebuttals. We all know this briefs well in the Commander’s update, but in real life, the multi-storied echelons that are the U.S. Army IT infrastructure are slow-moving monoliths etched in a slow and “that’s now how we do it here” approach.

How Will the Army Implement This Directive?

To implement the directive effectively, the Army will streamline the management of the DD Form 2875 within the Army network. Personnel will now maintain a single DD Form 2875 per individual, stored in their Army Training and Certification Tracking System (ATCTS) profile, as mandated by Army Regulation 25-2. This approach separates the authorization from access request processes, enhancing clarity and security. By utilizing the Army Enterprise Service Management Platform (AESMP), soldiers can request access to systems that align with the classification level previously authorized. This shift simplifies access and reinforces the integrity of information access authorization across the Army network. AESMP will become the system of record for access requests but not for authorizations (which remain in ATCTS). System owners, Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), and supervisors across the Army will have access to AESMP.

What Is the Scope of This Directive?

The directive applies to all Army systems across all three components. It does not apply to systems outside the Army (e.g., DoD, Air Force, Navy).

What Role Does NETCOM Play In This Process?

As a vital component of the Army network, NETCOM oversees the implementation and management of these access authorization processes. They ensure that individuals follow the updated guidelines for storing and utilizing DD Form 2875 within the Army network.

Enhancing Security Measures with AESMP Integration

Integrating AESMP into the Single DD Form Initiative is crucial in enhancing security measures within the Army’s digital ecosystem. AESMP serves as the mechanism through which soldiers can request access to systems at or below their authorized classification level based on their stored DD Form 2875. This integration ensures access requests are securely processed and granted to individuals with valid authorizations. By leveraging AESMP, soldiers can have confidence in knowing that their sensitive information remains protected throughout the process. Furthermore, AESMP provides an additional layer of accountability by maintaining a comprehensive audit trail of all access requests. This integration enables better monitoring and oversight while facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements.

Compliance With Army Regulation – Ensuring Accountability

The Army designed the single DD Form 2875 initiative to ensure compliance with Army Regulation 25-2, which governs Army information systems and applications management. By consolidating access authorizations into a single form stored within each soldier’s ATCTS profile, the Army establishes a standardized and accountable process for managing system access. Compliance with Army Regulation 25-2 is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding sensitive information. By adhering to these regulations, the Army demonstrates its commitment to upholding the highest standards of security and accountability.

Is the NETCOM Directive Different from the System Access Management Application (SAM)?

Great question. Yes and no.

What Is the DISA System Access Management Application (SAM)?

For the uninitiated, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) developed the System Access Management (SAM) (CAC and NIPRNet required) application to modernize how system access requests are processed within the Department of Defense. By automating the long-standing DD Form 2875 process, SAM significantly reduces the time needed to obtain system access, streamlining approvals from requestors to security managers. This innovative solution eliminates reliance on traditional paper forms, reducing processing times from weeks or months to mere minutes. With SAM integrated into the Enterprise Security Posture System, new employees can swiftly gain access to the necessary systems, enhancing overall productivity and operational efficiency across the DoD.

We should mention DISA launched SAM in 2018. Six years sounds like a lot of time to work out the bugs and expand it to all the Armed Forces. We do not know why the military branches of service are not using it, notably the Army. We are speculating and using a lot of Kentucky windage to stay on target. Still, we believe it was a potential candidate for broader use across the Armed Forces. As late as 2022, DISA released an updated DD Form 2875, including information about using SAM (U.S. General Services Administration 2022).

So why all the extra work to recreate the wheel? We are not sure, but it speaks to how large and complex DoD information systems are and also how inefficient they are.

How Does SAM Work?

SAM is an automated workflow designed to streamline and manage requests efficiently. After the user enters their information, a supervisor will validate it, and then a security manager will verify clearance, like in the DD Form 2875 workflow (Defense Information Systems Agency 2018). However, in SAM and the new NETCOM directive, after a soldier’s submission, they will not have to fill out the form again unless there is a material change such as name or security clearance.

Embracing Innovation: The Path Forward

Staying informed about the changes related to DD Form 2875 and information access authorization is crucial for personnel operating within the Army network. By adhering to the updated procedures and leveraging platforms like ATCTS and AESMP, individuals can navigate the system access request process efficiently while enhancing overall security measures. NETCOM’s oversight further reinforces the importance of compliance with these regulations to maintain a secure and efficient Army network environment.

In conclusion, the NETCOM 2875 Directive represents a significant shift in how the Army manages system access requests, aiming to streamline the process, reduce redundancy, and maintain compliance with security requirements. The full implementation of this directive is still in progress, with key milestones set for the near future.

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