Military ID Card: An Introduction

Military ID cards are essential for members of the armed forces, including active-duty and veteran service members, reservists, retirees, dependents and national guard members. Strongly resembling the driver's license familiar to the civilian population, these cards are used for identification and security purposes.

Types of Plastic Cards

The four primary types of military ID cards are DD Form 1173, the Common Access Card (CAC), the Uniformed Services ID Card, and the Retiree ID Card. DD Forms 1173 and CAC cards are printed on plastic the size of a standard credit card, while Uniformed Services ID Cards and Retiree ID Cards are printed on laminated paper.

DD Form 1173

The DD Form 1173 is a general-purpose card issued to active-duty and Reserve Component personnel, dependents and retirees. Used for identification and building access, it is also accepted by many foreign governments in lieu of a passport for travel. This type of identification card contains biometric data.

CAC cards

The Common Access Card (CAC) is a multifunction smart card issued to DoD-affiliated personnel. It contains biometric data and is used for building access, PKI-encrypted digital signatures, health and dental benefits, and more. It is a white or light gray card printed on plastic, imprinted with the service member's name, picture, rank, social security number, and other pertinent information.

Uniformed Services ID Card

The Uniformed Services ID Card, or Form 5960, is issued to dependents and family members of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. This form of identification is also used by Army and Air Force retirees for health benefits. The Chemically Milled, commonly known as CM, ID card is a slightly heavier, hard-stock card issued to certain service members.

Retiree ID Card

The Retiree ID Card is issued to eligible members when they leave the military. The standard card is printed on paper, but some retirees prefer an upgraded version made of plastic to replace the original card so they can benefit from a fuller range of identification. Retirees can use the card to access military installations, access certain medical facilities, and more.

The Benefits and Features of Military ID Cards

Military ID cards are a valuable source of identification for active-duty and retired service members. Benefits and features of a military ID card include:

• Free travel on public transportation
• Reciprocal privileges at military lodging facilities
• Exchange Shopping Privileges at military bases
• Access to medical care at military hospitals and facilities
• Access to international airports, proof of age,
• Access to recreational activities

Case Studies

Case Study 1 A veteran uses his military ID card to travel to his former base in California for a reunion event. He is able to get on public transit for free using his military ID, and uses his exchange shopping privileges to ensure he is properly outfitted in his dress uniform for the event.

Case Study 2 An active-duty service member deployed to a base in the Middle East is in need of medical attention. He is able to access the a local military hospital and receive the medical care he needs for free using his Common Access Card.

Case Study 3 An army veteran whose identification has been lost or stolen uses his military ID for back-up identification for drought at DMV. His military ID card is accepted as identification and he was able to obtain a new driver's license.

Summary Review

Military ID cards are essential for any member of the armed forces, and provide important benefits such as free travel on public transport, access to medical benefits, and access to international airports. Different types of military ID cards are available depending on a service member's status, each of which provide specific benefits and features that may be most valuable to them. Understanding the benefits and features of each military ID card can help service members plan ahead for using any type of military identification in the future.