Here’s another great program for all Army soldiers - active and reserve.

Any soldier can request a free copy of Microsoft Office for use on a home computer through the Army Small Computer Program (ASCP) and the Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP). You will need to pay shipping and handling (which, when I looked earlier today, was $19.95 for the CD). So far, it looks like Office 2003 and Office XP are available. Office 2007 is not listed as available - yet. 2/5/07 Update: I received an email from ASCP. The target date to release Office 2007 through ASCP and HUP is 3/1/07. In my opinion, it’s prudent to wait until then. 3/23/07 Update: Office 2007 is now available. See the related MyTroops Blog article linked below.

This information and the entire article below was published in an Army Times article - Personnel eligible for Microsoft Office - by Jim Tice (posted January 30, 2007).

All Army personnel are eligible to receive licensed copies of Microsoft Office desktop applications for use on their home computers under an enterprise licensing arrangement with the software manufacturer.

Army employees — active component, National Guard, Army Reserve and Army civilian — are responsible for paying handling and shipping costs for the software. They can use the software as desired, but can obtain only one version of a product at any time.

Army participation in the Microsoft Home Use Program was authorized Jan. 19 by Lt. Gen. Steven W. Boutelle, the service’s chief information officer and G-6.

Information about the Home Use Program, available products and instructions for ordering software can be obtained online.

Participation in the program requires an Army Knowledge Online account.

MyTroops Blog related articles:

• Update on free Army software - Microsoft Office 2007 available