What Does a Military ID Look Like?
The military ID, also known as the Common Access Card (CAC), is a standard identification card issued to active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel in the United States military. It serves as a proof of identity and provides access to military bases, facilities, and systems. In this article, we will delve into the details of what a military ID looks like, its components, and the process of obtaining one.
Design and Layout
The military ID is a smart card, measuring 2.125 inches wide by 3.370 inches long. It has a hologram image of the Great Seal of the United States on the front side, which changes color when tilted. The card is made of a polycarbonate material and has a contactless chip embedded in it.
Front Side
The front side of the military ID features the following information:
- Name: The individual’s full name, including middle name(s) and suffix (e.g., Jr., Sr.)
- Rank: The individual’s military rank
- Branch: The branch of the military (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
- Social Security Number: The individual’s Social Security number
- Date of Birth: The individual’s date of birth
- Expiration Date: The expiration date of the ID (typically 4-6 years from the date of issuance)
Back Side
The back side of the military ID features the following information:
- Photograph: A digital photograph of the individual
- Biometric Data: Fingerprint data and/or facial recognition data
- Unique Identifier: A unique identifier assigned to the individual
- Access Control: Information used to control access to military bases and facilities
Components
The military ID has several components that work together to provide secure authentication and access control:
- Contactless Chip: A smart card chip that stores the individual’s biometric data, fingerprints, and other sensitive information
- Magnetic Stripe: A magnetic stripe on the back of the card that contains the individual’s identification information
- Hologram: A hologram image of the Great Seal of the United States that changes color when tilted
- Watermark: A transparent image of the Great Seal of the United States that can be seen when the card is held up to light
How to Obtain a Military ID
To obtain a military ID, individuals must follow these steps:
- Enlist or Commission: Enlist in the military or commission as an officer
- Apply for ID: Submit an application for a military ID through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)
- Provide Required Documents: Provide required documents, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and date of birth
- Fingerprinting: Provide fingerprints for biometric data
- Passport-style Photo: Provide a passport-style photo for the ID
- Wait for Processing: Wait for the ID to be processed and issued
Types of Military IDs
There are several types of military IDs, including:
- Active Duty ID: Issued to active duty personnel
- Reserve ID: Issued to reserve personnel
- National Guard ID: Issued to National Guard personnel
- Retiree ID: Issued to retired military personnel
- Veteran ID: Issued to veterans who have been honorably discharged
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military ID is a standard identification card issued to active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel in the United States military. It serves as a proof of identity and provides access to military bases, facilities, and systems. The ID has a unique design and layout, with a hologram image of the Great Seal of the United States on the front side and biometric data on the back side. Individuals can obtain a military ID by enlisting or commissioning, applying for the ID, providing required documents, and undergoing fingerprinting and photographing.
