Does A CAC Card Get You On Any Base?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Does a CAC card get you on any base? This card — known as a CAC card — gets you exclusive access to your base and restricted areas on various military installations . It's as important as your driver's license or social security card, so making sure it's on you at all times is a must.

Can you use CAC card on any base?

This trusted credential for civilian retirees can be used at DoD base installations at the discretion of installation commanders . Although it is DoD policy to issue ID cards to retirees, installation commanders retain the authority to deny access to base installations.

What can a CAC card be used for?

In addition to its use as an ID card, a CAC is required for access to government buildings and computer networks . A CAC is about the size of a standard debit card and has an embedded microchip that enables the encryption and cryptographic signing of email and use of public key infrastructure (PKI) authentication tools.

Can I go on any military base?

Can you get on base with a contractor CAC?

Call to verify but if you have a DOD civilian CAC you can get in . When making reservations for on base lodging active duty usually have priority. As retired DOD civilians we can stay on base including the Hale Koa resort in Honolulu.

Does a CAC card count as a military ID?

The Common Access Card is the standard ID for active-duty service members, as well as activated reservists and National Guard, Defense Department civilian employees and some contractors . The CAC enables entry to installations and buildings and access to secured computer networks and systems.

How do civilians get on military bases?

TLDR – Civilians can get on if they are a spouse or dependent of a service member or sponsored by a service member . However, the policies vary from base to base. Many bases also have visitor centers that are open to the public or require a special visitor pass.

Can DoD civilians buy gas on base?

Hardship – Persons who are “stranded on an installation” may purchase small quantities of gasoline, oil, other automotive items, or items necessary for an individual's health. DoD Civilian Employees using Government-authorized vehicles for official business may purchase gasoline for those vehicles .

Can you use a CAC card to fly?

You cannot go straight to the TSA Pre✓® line with your CAC ; you must enter the number when you book your travel. Additionally, you do not have to be in uniform to go through TSA Pre✓® using your DOD identification number.

Is a CAC card a security clearance?

It is identification that gives you access to federal or other secure facilities (e.g. ports). A CAC is different than a security clearance in that the latter authorizes access to classified material, while the former only authorizes access to sensitive spaces .

Can my girlfriend live with me on base?

Military Housing for Married Couples or Those with Dependents. If you are married and living with your spouse or minor dependents, you will either live in on-base housing or be given a monetary allowance called Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to live off-base.

Can civilians shop at the PX?

The Exchange is honored to welcome the 575,000 DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees who can now shop at their local Exchange .

What disqualifies you from getting on a military base?

If you have a criminal record , you will automatically be denied access to the military base. If you have an active warrant outstanding, you will immediately be taken into custody and may need legal counsel.

Can I get military discount with a CAC card?

While a green-striped contractor Department of Defence Common Access Card (DoD CAC) is not sufficient for accessing discounts and benefits for active-duty and retired members of the military , it may still be useful as a form of ID in some situations.

Can you live on a military base as a civilian?

Yes, You Can ! We all know that military members with families are eligible to live in base housing when it is available, while single troops are relegated to living in barracks, onboard ships or, if lucky enough, off base.

What does white mean on a CAC card?

Beginning in July 2015, all Common Access Cards (CACs) will be issued with an affiliation color code in a white circle under the expiration date, including “W” for white , “G” for green, and “B” for blue.

Can you have 2 CAC cards?

Yes, a person can have multiple CAC but only one of them can have full certificate and email functionality at a time. Possession of a duplicate CAC or ID card in the same category is prohibited.

Who gets a CAC card?

What is CAC in military?

Can non military work on base?

Most bases don't allow government or civilian employees to live on base , mostly due to the number of active-duty members who have priority. However, when bases aren't able to fill their housing, they may make vacant housing available to certain government employees.

What is needed to get on a military base?

  • Federal I.D., state issued I.D., or driver's license. (Expired I.D.'s will not be accepted.)
  • Passport (Expired passports will not be accepted.)
  • Vehicle registration (if renting, the car rental agreement will suffice)
  • Proof of vehicle insurance.

Can civilians shop at the commissary?

Yes, since November 2003, members of the Guard and Reserve – including the Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, Inactive National Guard, Guard and Reserve retirees and their authorized family members – have enjoyed unlimited access to commissaries in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Can civilians get a Military Star Card?

Can DoD civilians purchase alcohol?

All of the new authorized civilian shoppers are restricted from purchasing alcohol offered in the package store, tobacco and uniform items . The new directive allows DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees in the United States and locally hired in the U.S. territories and possessions to shop in military exchange stores.

Is liquor cheaper on a military base?

DOD policy, Bollinger points out, is that the shelf price on military bases for spirits brands should be 5 percent below the everyday shelf price of Walmart, Total Wine, and similar off-base competitors . “The military patrons are brand loyal and look for value when shopping on base,” he says.

Can you skip TSA with military ID?

No. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DoD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field when making flight reservations and a TSA PreCheck® indicator must be visible on your boarding pass.

Can military skip TSA?

Yes! TSA PreCheck is free for US military with a CAC and DOD ID . Enter the DOD ID number from the back of your CAC into the “Known Traveler Number” when you purchase your ticket and you can go through TSA PreCheck. It's much faster and convienent.

Can I enter the US with a military ID?

Military members can also enter the United States with a copy of their travel orders and military ID . However, family members do need passports to travel to Germany or back to the United States.

What level of clearance is a CAC card?

How much does a CAC card cost?

Why would a CAC card be denied?

Individuals that are deemed an unacceptable risk, or deemed unsuitable , will be denied a Common Access Card. CAC holders may be deemed an unacceptable risk in the future, which will cause the revocation of a Common Access Card.

Can a drill sergeant hit you?

Does military pay for wedding?

Holding your wedding in a military chapel is usually free , and the chaplin is performing his military duties so you do not normally have to pay him a fee, either. Be sure to ask, however, about their wedding requirements.

Do male and female soldiers sleep in the same barracks?

In the U.S., nearly all barracks are coed, though individual bedrooms are still segregated. Once you are deployed, however, men and women often share the same quarters , especially if the base is in a remote location like Afghanistan.

Can I get on base with expired CAC?

Per direction of Headquarters Air Force, effective immediately, installations may accept an expired DoD Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID Card (such as those issued to dependents or retirees) as long as the printed expiration date is January 1, 2020 or later.

Can a veteran get a CAC card?

As such, a new law that I had the privilege of supporting is fixing this problem by adding the word “veteran” to California identification cards. Veterans can now easily prove their eligibility to receive California state and federal veterans benefits without having to carry inconvenient and inefficient papers.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.