New: Updated Information About What to Do After Civilian ID Retiree Cards Ended
Updated Nov. 27, 2023, with additional information in answers 3 and 5
The Department of Defense recently announced that it has terminated all Civilian Retiree ID cards. The decision affects all associates who are planning to retire as well as current retirees.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Installation and Security (I&S) has released new procedures for cardholders to gain installation access.
Installations have varying missions and therefore sometimes set differing access rules. Installation commanders are authorized to adjust based on local force protection requirements.
Below is an updated Q&A that explains the changes, including why the decision was made. If you have additional questions, contact HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Q1. Who is affected by the termination of Department of Defense Civilian Retiree Identification cards?
A1. All appropriated and non-appropriated fund civilians who have retired from any DoD service or component or agency, including military services exchange retirees, are affected. Therefore, the DoD Civilian Retiree ID card will no longer be valid.
Q2. Why are the ID cards being terminated?
A2. I&S eliminated the 14-year-old requirement of the DoD Civilian Retiree ID card because of advancements in installation physical access control systems and procedures and the implementation of the REAL ID Act. The termination of the DoD Civilian Retiree ID card does not take away any privileges earned as a retired DoD civilian.
Q3. What’s next?
A3. Military service exchange retirees must register at the local Visitor Control Center (VCC) at each DoD installation with their Real ID-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card and DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card. If you do not possess a DD 2574, you must provide an SF 50 Equivalent, Exchange Form 1200-100, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Personnel Request (Retirement Personnel Request) to facilitate future visits to the installation.
After initial enrollment, retirees present their REAL ID to enter the installation. Enrollment is valid for three years or one year after the last visit to the installation. If a retiree’s REAL ID expires, the retiree will need to reenroll with a new REAL ID and DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privileges Card or SF-50 equivalent Exchange Form 1200-100, Army and Air Force Exchange Personnel Request (Retirement Personnel Request) to establish purpose.
Q4. How do I gain installation access?
A4. Procedures for accessing DoD installations are established in Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 5200.08, Volume 3, “Physical Security Program: Access to DoD Installations,” and requires all people seeking access to establish their identity, fitness, and purpose:
- Identity: REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card issued by a state, territory, possession, the District of Columbia or other approved credentials.
- Fitness: DoD civilian retirees must have no pending criminal cases or actions against them and not be listed on any U.S. government terrorism lists that would indicate they may pose a risk to the safety, security and efficiency of the installation.
- Purpose: Retirees of Armed Forces Exchange Services must possess DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card or SF-50 equivalent, Exchange Form 1200-100, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Personnel Request (Retirement Personnel Request).
The limited use of morale, welfare and recreation activities by DoD civilian retirees will remain at the discretion of the installation commander, subject to the DoD civilian retiree’s meeting the above identity, fitness and purpose requirements for installation access.
Q5. How do I obtain credentials for purpose?
A5. You may obtain the DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card at the local Exchange Human Resources office or an electronic copy of Form 1200-100, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Personnel Request (Retirement Personnel Request), through the Retiree Self-Service (home.aafes.com), under Official Personnel Folder.
Q6. I received an email from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) stating I am required to return my DoD retiree ID card to DoD. Is this a legit email?
A6. Yes. DMDC has sent an email message to current DoD retiree ID card holders to inform them that the card must be returned to the nearest Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site or mail it to:
DMDC Support Center (DSC) Warehouse
Attn: DoD Civilian Retiree ID Card Returns
2102 E. 21st Street N
Wichita, KS 67214
For more information, please visit https://www.cac.mil/about/
