DoD Civilian Retiree ID Cards are Ending. Here’s What That Means (Update)
Updated June 15, 2023, with additional information in the answers to Q2. and Q3.
The Department of Defense recently announced that it has terminated all Civilian Retiree ID cards. Current cards remain valid until Aug. 31. 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.
Below is a 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 Form 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card.
After initial enrollment, retirees only need 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.
If you do not possess a DD Form 2574, you must provide an SF 50 Equivalency, Exchange Form 1200-100, Retirement Personnel Request, to facilitate future visits to the installation.
Q4. How do I gain installation access?
A4. Procedures for accessing DoD installations are established in Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 5200.18, 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: Armed Forces Exchange Services retirees must possess DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card, or SF-50 Equivalency, Exchange Form 1200-100, 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 the DD 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services Privilege Card or SF-50 Equivalency, Exchange Form 1200-100, Retirement Personnel Request?
A5. You may obtain credentials for purpose at the local Exchange Human Resources office.
I never discarded my DD2574. It has an indefinite expiration date. I take it that it is still good? I am non-appropriate DOD.
Hi, Heinz,
Please contact HRPolicy@aafes.com. They’ll be able to give you a complete answer.
Vr,
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
What about access to AAFES Hq?
Hi, Michael — sorry for the late reply. We’ve been asked to refer all questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Does this apples to overseas retirees also?
Hi, Terry,
Thanks for asking. We have been asked to direct all additional questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Roebrt Philpot
The Exchange Post
Will I receive an answer to my question.
Terry…..You will probably get the same answer we all got….call HR. I wish HR would put something on the Exchange Post that better outlines what we are suppose to do. Maybe they don’t know.
I agree with you, basically they aren’t telling us anything. Base overseas and going to visit the states, need to know if are cac card is still valid
Mike: This is Jerry Johnston. I would love to catch up. Please give me a call at (817) 988-1683
Updates! Keep them coming.
So does the spouse do the same as the retiree for access?
Hi, Warren,
We have been asked to refer all additional questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com, which will answer them directly.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Will the gate guards accept form 2574 or will we be required to go to the visitor’s center every time we want to go to the BX???
Hi, Tom,
We have been asked to send additional questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com, which will answer them directly.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
I have a Form 2574 marked indefinite, I assume I have to report to the visitor center everytime I want to use the Exchange.. in addition the spouse will have to present her driver’s license to validate that she is my spouse.
Hi, Richard,
We have been asked to direct all additional questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com, which will answer them directly.
Vr,
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Will gate guards allow me to enter base with my DD 2474 or will base issue another kind of ID for entrance?
Hi, Jimmie,
Thanks for the question. We have been asked to direct all additional questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
I have a navy civilian retiree identification card what do i need to do.
Hi, Charles,
We have been asked to direct all questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Will we be able to sponsor someone else on the base like we do now??
Hi, Sandra,
We have been asked to direct all questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
I have a question not pertaining to this but here goes. Do DOD AFFES employees have access to use the Commissary now.
Hello, I am living overseas and don’t have real id card. Is a passport same as a real id card? Can I take my passport and form 50 for get a base access card?
Hi–we have been asked to refer all questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
I am a DoD retired civilian since 2010, due to a tragic house fire I no longer have an SF 50. I do have an ID card which would have been valid through 2027 but because of this new directive it will be terminated on 31 August 2023
My question is how do I get an SF50 to initiate the process at the Visitor’s Center?
Hi, Emma,
We have been asked to direct all questions to HRPolicy@aafes.com.
Vr,
Robert Philpot
The Exchange Post
Thank you for the update. Hope DoD can update their base access for DoD retirees, as to make it less complicated.