The Army will end the Army Training and Certification Tracking System (ATCTS) on May 1, 2025. This change will greatly affect how the Department of Defense handles cyber workforce qualifications and network access. ATCTS has been the main platform for these functions. Its retirement will affect all Army personnel. This includes service members, civilian staff, contractors, and foreign nationals. In the new system, the way to request network access will change. Also, leadership will have new methods to monitor cyber readiness.
Download Your Training and Certification Records from ATCTS Before April 30, 2025
All Cyber Workforce members, soldiers, civilians, contractors, and foreign nationals must save their training and certification records by April 30, 2025. Personnel can access the system to download key documents. These include certificates and appointment letters. This helps them keep important records. It also prevents losing access before the system retires.
Army Information System Security Managers and Unit Managers must log in and download User Compliance and Training Reports by April 30, 2025. Using proper filters will help ensure all relevant data is captured. Store these records locally until the Army launches a new enterprise system. More guidance will come through official channels.
After May 1, 2025, new entries will stop. However, the Army will keep the system in read-only mode until October 1, 2025. This lets users access records for reference.
Streamlined Network Access Requests with the New Account Validation System (AVS)
Starting April 25, 2025, all network access requests will use the new Account Validation System (AVS). ATCTS will remain active until April 30 for a short grace period. However, requests not finished by April 25 must be submitted again through AVS.
The Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, E-ICAM, and AESMP teams created the new Account Validation System. This system updates an old manual process that used paper forms for approvals. Switching to a fully digital workflow eliminates PDFs. This change speeds up the completion of network access requests significantly.
AVS won’t completely replace ATCTS. Its features will be shared across various systems. NETCOM and the Army G-6 will keep sharing updates. They will answer questions and provide training. This will help the Army community transition smoothly.
LTG Jeth Rey, the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, praised NETCOM and its partners. They created a better way to request network access. The new system replaces an old, slow process. Now, users can finish their applications much faster.
How to Request Network Access Starting May 1, 2025
Starting May 1, 2025, all Army personnel must use AESMP. This includes military members, civilians, contractors, and local nationals. They need AESMP to request new or renewed access to the DoD Information Network. Starting April 25, some manual steps will still be needed. Full automation will come in later phases.
There are two categories of requests:
- Category One: New access requests for NIPR and SIPR networks now follow updated System Authorization Access Request processes. This replaces the old method that relied on DD Form 2875.
- Category Two: Access requests that exceed the standard baseline, such as eMASS or elevated privilege roles, will now be handled with Privileged Access Agreements. This replaces the old DA Form 7789 process.
AVS will utilize web forms to generate the equivalent of these forms.
Steps for Submitting a Network Access Request
STEP ONE
Ensure you meet the following criteria before submitting your request:
- Own a valid CAC
- Complete baseline training (Cyber Awareness training and the Army’s standard Authorized Use Policy (AUP) for NIPR Baseline, and Derivative Classification training for SIPR Baseline).
- Complete system training or meet certification needs for above-baseline access set by system owners.
STEP TWO
Users can submit requests using AESMP’s New System Access Request workflow. Just visit the platform and search for “New Access Request.” For those without network access, Unit Managers, Office Admins, or IMOs can help. They can use two CAC readers: one to access the system and another for the requester’s digital signature.
STEP THREE
If a SAAR or PAA has not yet been completed, users will be redirected to AVS to provide the necessary details. Before you start, have contact info for key approvers ready. This includes supervisors, security managers, and relevant intelligence or security officers. After submission, the system sends the request for approval by email. You may also need to provide extra documents, like training or certifications. Applicants will be notified by email once the process is completed or if any issues arise.
STEP FOUR
Once you finish the SAAR or PAA, go back to AESMP. There, start your access request. Provide the necessary details and list the approvers. This includes your supervisor, security officials, and system owners. The system will send approval requests by email. You might also need to provide supporting documents, like training records. After getting all approvals, the request goes to account creation or access. Updates or rejections are sent by email.
Stay Informed About the ATCTS Sunset
With the ATCTS shutdown on May 1, 2025, users must act quickly. They need to secure their records and get ready for the transition. Check NETCOM’s SharePoint site for guidance, timelines, training resources, and updates. Personnel and administrators should check it often for the latest information.
FAQs
What is happening to the Army Training and Certification Tracking System (ATCTS)?
The army will retire its ACTS on May 1, 2025. Then, it will switch to new systems for training, certifications, and network access.
WHO is affected by the acts sunsetting?
All army personnel, including soldiers, civilians, contractors, and foreign nationals, will be charged.
What should users do before the acts are shut down?
Users must download all training and certification records by April 30, 2025. This way, they won’t lose access.
Will acts still be accessible after May 1, 2025?
Acts will be in read-only mode until October 1, 2025. You can still access historical data.
What system will replace ATCTS for network access requests?
The account validation system (AVS) and AESMP will now handle network access requests.
When does the new account validation system (AVS) start?
Avs begins handling requests on April 25, 2025.
What happens to requests not completed before April 25, 2025?
Any incomplete requests must be resubmitted through AVS.
How will Network Access Requests change?
The new system swaps out paper forms for a digital process. This change cuts down processing time.
Conclusion
The retirement of ATCTS is a major move. It modernizes how the Army manages training records and network access. As new systems like AVS and AESMP come in, staff should act quickly. They need to secure their data and learn the new processes. Staying informed and prepared helps make transitions smoother. It also reduces disruptions to access and keeps operations ready.
