This part:

(a) Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for the issuing of distinct DoD ID cards. The ID cards shall be issued to uniformed service members, their dependents, DoD civilian employees, and other eligible individuals and will be used as proof of identity and DoD affiliation.

(b) Sets forth responsibilities and procedures for the DoD ID card life-cycle in accordance with this part.

(c) Prescribes the benefits for commissary; exchange; morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR); Military Health Services direct care in military treatment facilities (MTFs); and TRICARE civilian health care (CHC) in support of the members of the uniformed services, their dependents, and other eligible individuals, in accordance with this part.

(d) Provides procedures and defines acceptable documentation for enrollment and eligibility verification, as necessary, for DoD ID card issuance and as described in DoD Instruction 1000.13 and subparts B and C of this part.

[79 FR 709, Jan. 6, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 74875, Oct. 27, 2016]

This part applies to:

(a) The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the Department of Defense (hereafter referred to collectively as the “DoD Components”).

(b) The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), under agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under agreement with the Department of Commerce.

Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the purpose of this part.

20/20/20, 20/20/15, or 10/20/10. See definition of “former spouse.”

Abused dependent. Dependents of active duty uniformed service members:

(1) Entitled to retired pay based on 20 or more years of service who, on or after October 23, 1992, while a member, are eligible to receive retired pay terminated as a result of misconduct involving the abuse of the spouse or dependent child pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1408(h); or

(2) Not entitled to retired pay, who have received a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, dismissal from a uniformed service as a result of a court martial conviction for an offense involving physical or emotional abuse of a spouse or child, or were administratively discharged as a result of such an offense, separated on or after November 30, 1993.

Access to a DoD network. User logon to a Windows active directory account on the Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) or an authorized network operating system account on the NIPRNet.

Access to a DoD network (remote). Authorized NIPRNet users accessing a NIPRNet resource from:

(1) Another NIPRNet resource outside of the originating domain; or

(2) An authorized system that resides outside of the NIPRNet. This includes domain-level access from handheld devices. Remote access includes logon for the purposes of telework, Virtual Private Network, and remote administration by DoD or non-DoD personnel.

Active duty. Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. This includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned. Active duty does not include full-time National Guard duty.

Active duty for a period of more than 30 days. Active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less. When the “Active Duty for a Period of More than 30 Days” is established by consecutive sets of orders, their eligible dependents become entitled to TRICARE medical benefits on the first day of the set of orders that brings the period of active duty over 30 days.

Adopted child. A child adopted before the age of 21 or, if enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning, before the age of 23. Except for entitlement to medical care, a child with an incapacitating condition that existed before the age of 21 or that occurred while the child was a full-time student prior to the age of 23, may be adopted at any age provided it is determined that there is a BONA FIDE parent-child relationship. Surviving children adopted by a non-military member after the death of the sponsor remain eligible for medical care only.

Annulled. The status of an individual, whose marriage has been declared a nullity by a court of competent jurisdiction, that restores unremarried status to a widow, widower, or former spouse for reinstatement of benefits.

Annulment decree. An order or other appropriate document from a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or U.S. territory or possession) that grants an annulment of a marriage.

Attainment of age 65. The first day of the month of the anniversary of the 65th birthday, unless the birthday falls on the first of the month. If the birthday is the first of the month, attainment of age 65 occurs on the first day of the preceding month.

Benefits. Entitlements or privileges that are assigned to a person or group of persons.

CAC PIN reset (CPR). A portable, single-purpose system capable of providing timely PIN reset capability to the field without requiring a Common Access Card (CAC) holder to return to a CAC issuance facility (i.e. Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS), workstation).

Certificate of live birth. A certificate authenticated by an attending physician or other responsible person from a U.S. hospital or a military treatment facility showing the name of at least one parent.

Certified document. A document that is certified as a true original and:

(1) Conveys the appropriate seal or markings of the issuer;

(2) Has a means to validate the authenticity of the document by a reference or source number;

(3) Is a notarized legal document or other document approved by a Judge Advocate, other members of the armed forces designated by law and regulations to have the powers set forth in 10 U.S.C 1044a, or other eligible persons in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1044a; or

(4) Has the appropriate certificate of authentication by a U.S. Consular Officer in the foreign country of issuance which attests to the authenticity of the signature and seal.

Certified English translation. See requirements for certified document.

CHC. Medical care provided through the TRICARE program including networks of CHC professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers to provide access to high-quality health care services.

Child. A legitimate child, illegitimate child, stepchild, or adopted child of the sponsor, who is younger than 21 years of age. If 21 or older, the child may remain eligible if the child is:

(1) 21 or 22 years old and enrolled in a full-time course of higher learning;

(2) 21 or older but incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that existed before the 21st birthday; or

(3) 21 or 22 years old and was enrolled full-time in an accredited institution of higher learning but became incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical condition while a full-time student.

Civilian employee. DoD civilian employees, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2105 are individuals appointed to positions by designated officials. Appointments to appropriated fund positions are either permanent or time-limited and the employees are on full-time, part-time, or intermittent work schedules. In some instances, the appointments are seasonal with either a full-time, part-time, or intermittent work schedule. Positions are categorized further as Senior Executive Service (SES), Competitive Service, and Excepted Service positions. In addition, DoD employs individuals paid from NAFs, as well as foreign national citizens outside the United States, its territories, and its possessions, in DoD activities overseas. The terms and conditions of host-nation citizen employment are governed by controlling treaties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding with the foreign nations.

Civilian noncombatant personnel. Personnel who have been authorized to accompany military forces of the United States in regions of conflict, combat, and contingency operations and who are liable to capture and detention by the enemy as POWs.

Commissary. A benefit granted to eligible personnel in accordance with this part and DoD Instruction 1330.17 (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133017p.pdf).

Competitive service positions. See 5 U.S.C. 2102.

Contingency operation. Defined in Joint Publication 1-02 (available at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jp1_02.pdf).

Contractor employee. An employee of a firm, or individual under contract or subcontract to the DoD, designated as providing services or support to the Department.

Contractors authorized to accompany the force. Defined in Joint Publication 1-02.

Cross-servicing. Agreement amongst all uniformed services to assist Service members, regardless of the Service member's responsible uniformed service, and their dependents, for all ID card or benefits-related matters, when appropriate and not restricted by subpart B of this part.

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The definitive centralized person data repository of identity and enrollment and eligibility verification data and associated contact information on members of the DoD Components, members of the Uniformed Services, and other personnel as designated by the DoD, and their eligible dependents and associated contact information.

Dependent. An individual whose relationship to the sponsor leads to entitlement to benefits and privileges.

Direct Care (DC). Medical care that TRICARE provides through the health care resources of the uniformed services through their clinics and MTFs. This does not include any medical care provided through the TRICARE CHC network.

Dissolution decree. An order or other appropriate document from a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or U.S. territory or possession) that grants dissolution of a marriage.

Divorce decree. An order or other appropriate document from a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or U.S. territory or possession) that grants termination of a marriage.

Dual eligible. A person who is entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B and is also entitled to TRICARE medical benefits, in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 106-398 and Public Law 102-190, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993” (available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c102:./temp/∼c102UvpYbH).

Dual status. A person who is entitled to privileges from two sources (e.g., a retired member, who is also the dependent of an active duty member; a retired-with-pay member who is employed overseas as a civilian by the U.S. Government and is qualified for logistical support because of that civilian employment; a member of a Reserve Component who is an eligible dependent of an active duty military sponsor; or a child, who is the natural child of one sponsor and the stepchild and member of a household of another sponsor).

Eligibility documentation. Properly certified birth certificate or certificate of live birth authenticated by attending physician or other responsible person from a U.S. hospital or a MTF showing the name of at least one parent; properly certified marriage certification; properly certified final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage and statements attesting to nonremarriage and status of employer-sponsored healthcare; court order for adoption or guardianship; statement of incapacity from a physician or personnel or medical headquarters of sponsor's parent uniformed service; letter from school registrar; retirement orders (providing entitlement to retired pay is established) or DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty;” DD Form 1300, “Report of Casualty;” certification from the Department of Veterans' Affairs of 100 percent disabled status; orders awarding Medal of Honor (MOH); formal determination of eligibility for Medicare Part A benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA); civilian personnel records; and invitational travel orders.

Entitlements. Rights or authorities that are provided based on legislative statute.

Entry level separation. As defined in DoD Instruction 1332.14, “Enlisted Administrative Separations” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/133214p.pdf), an enlisted service member is considered in an entry-level status during the first 180 days of continuous active military service, or the first 180 days of continuous active service after a service break of more than 92 days of active service. A Service member of a Reserve Component who is not on active duty or who is serving under a call or order to active duty for 180 days or less begins entry-level status upon enlistment in a Reserve Component. Entry-level status for such a Service member of a Reserve Component terminates as follows:

(1) 180 days after beginning training if the Service member is ordered to active duty for training for one continuous period of 180 days or more; or

(2) 90 days after the beginning of the second period of active duty training if the Service member is ordered to active duty for training under a program that splits the training into two or more separate periods of active duty. For the purposes of characterization of service or description of separation, the Service member's status is determined by the date of notification as to the initiation of separation proceedings.

Excepted service positions. Defined in 5 U.S.C. 2103.

Exchange. A benefit that is extended to eligible individuals in accordance with DoD Instruction 1330.21.

Family member. An individual who receives benefits based on his or her association to a sponsor. A family member is often a dependent.

Federal employee. Defined in 5 U.S.C. 2105.

Federally controlled facility. Defined in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-05-24, “Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12—Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors” (available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf).

Federally controlled information systems. (1) An information technology system (or information system), as defined by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3502(8)).

(2) Information systems used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency or other organization on behalf of an agency (44 U.S.C. 3544(a)(1)(A)).

Financial dependency determination. Service-level process used to determine whether the financial dependency of a dependent on a sponsor meets the requirement for benefits eligibility.

Foreign affiliate. A foreign national, including foreign civilian, foreign contractor, or foreign uniformed services personnel, who is sponsored by their government in accordance with DoD Directive 5230.20, “Visits and Assignments of Foreign Nationals” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/523020p.pdf) through an assignment, temporary duty, school, training, policy board, or other defined agreement to work or reside on a DoD facility, or require access to DoD networks on-site or remotely.

Former member. An individual who is eligible to receive retired pay, at age 60, for non-regular service pursuant to 10 U.S.C. chapter 1223 but who has been discharged and who maintains no military affiliation. These former members, at age 60, and their eligible dependents are entitled to medical care, commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges. Under age 60, they and their eligible dependents are entitled to commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges only.

Former spouse. An individual who was married to a uniformed services member for at least 20 years, and the member had at least 20 years of service creditable toward retirement, and the marriage overlapped as follows:

(1) 20 years marriage, 20 years creditable service for retirement, and 20 years overlap between the marriage and the service (referred to as 20/20/20). The benefits eligibility begins on the date of divorce;

(2) 20 years marriage, 20 years creditable service for retirement, and 15 years overlap between the marriage and the service (referred to as 20/20/15). The benefits eligibility begins on the date of divorce; or

(3) A spouse whose marriage was terminated from a uniformed service member who has their eligibility to receive retired pay terminated as a result of misconduct based on Service-documented abuse of the spouse and has 10 years of marriage, 20 years of creditable service for retirement, 10 years of overlap between the marriage and the service (referred to as 10/20/10). The benefits eligibility begins on the date of divorce.

Foster child. A child without parental support and protection, placed with a person or family, usually by local welfare services or by court order. The foster parent(s) do not have custody, nor is there an adoption, but they are expected to treat the foster child as they would their own in regard to food, housing, clothing, and education. This is a non-medically entitled dependent.

Full-time student. A child who has not attained the age of 23, who is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, dependent on the member or former member for more than 50 percent of the child's support.

Full-time work schedule. Full-time employment with a basic 40-hour work week.

Inactive National Guard (ING). Part of the Army National Guard. These individuals are Reservists who are attached to a specific National Guard unit, but who do not participate in training activities. On mobilization, they shall mobilize with their assigned units. These members muster with their units once a year. Issuance of DD Form 1173-1 “United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (Guard and Reserve Family Member)” to ING dependents is mandatory.

Incapacitated person. An individual who is impaired by physical disability, mental illness, mental deficiency, or other causes that prevent sufficient understanding or capacity to competently manage his or her own affairs.

Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Trained individuals who have previously served in the active component or Selected Reserve (SelRes) and have time remaining on their military service obligation. Includes volunteers who do not have time remaining on the military service obligation, but are under contractual agreement to be a member of the IRR. These individuals are mobilization assets and may be called to active duty pursuant to the provisions of 10 U.S.C. chapter 1209. Issuance of DD Form 1173-1 to IRR dependents is mandatory.

Institution of higher learning. A college, university, or similar institution, including a technical or business school, offering post secondary-level academic instruction that leads to an associate or higher degree, if the school is empowered by the appropriate State education authority under State law to grant an associate or higher degree. When there is no State law to authorize the granting of a degree, the school may be recognized as an institution of higher learning if it is accredited for degree programs by a recognized accrediting agency. The term also includes a hospital offering educational programs at the post secondary level regardless of whether the hospital grants a post secondary degree. The term also includes an educational institution that is not located in a State that offers a course leading to a standard college degree or equivalent and is recognized as such by the Secretary of Education (or comparable official) of the country or other jurisdiction in which the institution is located.

Intergovernmental Personnel Act personnel. Employees covered by Public Law 91-648, “Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970.” The Intergovernmental Personnel Act mobility program provides temporary assignment of personnel between the Federal Government and State and local governments, colleges and universities, tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations.

Intermittent work schedule. Employment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty.

Invitational travel order (ITO). The document authorizing travel by individuals either not employed by the government or employed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5703 intermittently in the government's service as consultants or experts and paid on a daily basis, when actually employed. ITOs include the names of accompanying dependents who may be eligible for DoD benefits in accordance with DoD policy and reciprocal international agreements.

Letter of authorization (LOA). A document generated by Synchronized Predeployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT) that states the intended length of assignment, planned use of government facilities and privileges, and name of the approving governmental official.

Letter from a school registrar. A letter certifying enrollment in a full-time in-residence, or online course of study, leading to an associate degree or higher and listing an anticipated graduation date. Students attending two institutions less than full-time may not combine courses from both institutions to meet full-time student status. Most colleges and universities contract with third parties, such as the National Student Clearinghouse, to verify student enrollment. These third parties must comply with 20 U.S.C. 1232g and 34 CFR part 99 and are considered official agents of the institution for that purpose. Such documentation is considered equivalent to and accepted in lieu of a letter from the registrar's office. For graduate students, a letter of acceptance of enrollment signed by an authorized officer of the college or university is required to serve as the school letter.

Marriage certificate. State-certified record of marriage.

Medical sufficiency statement. A statement from a physician from a military treatment facility or approved TRICARE provider used in conjunction with eligibility and dependency determinations. The statement includes a recent medical or psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, a statement of illness (including the date, child's age, and onset of incapacity), the current treatment being rendered, the prognosis for recovery, and the ability to become self-supporting.

Medicare. Health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with end-stage renal disease. The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services if certain conditions are met.

(1) Medicare part A. Covers hospice care, home health care, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient hospital stays.

(2) Medicare part B. Covers doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and other medical services that Part A does not cover, such as physical and occupational therapy. Other examples include X-rays, medical equipment, or limited ambulance service.

Member. An individual who is affiliated with a Service, either active duty, Reserve, active duty retired, or Retired Reserve. Retired members are not former members. Also referred to as the sponsor.

MWR. A benefit that is extended to eligible individuals in accordance with DoD Instruction 1015.10, “Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/101510p.pdf).

National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). Is the minimum investigation conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for federal employment in nonsensitive positions and for individuals requiring eligibility for logical and physical access. The NACI consists of a records check (of designated agencies of the Federal Government that maintain record systems containing information relevant to making a personnel security determination) plus Written Inquiries to law enforcement agencies, former employers and supervisors, references and schools covering the last 5 years.

Nonappropriated fund (NAF) employees. NAF employees are Federal employees within the Department who are paid from NAFs. 5 U.S.C. 2105 explains the status of NAF employees as Federal employees.

Non-regular service retirement. A person who, as a member of the Ready Reserve, serves on active duty or performs active service, after the date of the enactment of sections 647 and 1106 of Public Law 110-181 and may receive retired pay in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 12731. Under these provisions the eligibility age for applying for retired pay shall be reduced below 60 years of age by 3 months for each aggregate of 90 days on which the member performs in any fiscal year after such date, providing the applicant is at least 50 years of age. However, the member must be age 60 to qualify for CHC and CD.

Notarization. The official fraud-deterrent process that assures that the signatures on a document are authentic and valid. The signature of any such person acting as notary, together with the title of that person's offices, is prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine, that the person holds the designated title, and that the person is authorized to perform a notarial act. A person acting as notary must be impartial.

Part-time work schedule. Part-time employment of 16 to 32 hours a week under a schedule consisting of an equal or varied number of hours per day.

Permanent employee. Career or career-conditional appointment in the Competitive or SES or an appointment in the Excepted Service that carries no restrictions or conditions.

Placement agency (recognized by the Secretary of Defense). An authorized placement agency in the United States or U.S. territories or possessions that must be licensed for adoption by the State, territory, or possession in which the adoption procedures will be completed. In all other locations, a request for recognition must be approved by the appropriate Assistant Secretary of the Military Department concerned or an appropriate official who has been delegated approval authority.

Placement agreement. An agreement between the State and the parent(s) placing the child in the legal custody of the parent(s). To establish the child as a pre-adoptive child, the placement agreement must include the intent to adopt.

Pre-adoptive child. With respect to determinations of dependency made on or after October 5, 1994, an unmarried person who is placed in the home of the member or former member by a placement agency (recognized by the Secretary of Defense) or by any other source authorized by State or local law to provide adoption placement, in anticipation of the legal adoption of the child by the member or former member, and:

(1) Has not attained the age of 21; or

(2) Has not attained the age of 23, is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child's support; or

(3) Is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurs while a dependent of a member or former member and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child's support.

Privileges. Benefits or advantages allowed based on position, authority, relationship, or status and which may be removed by proper authority. Privileges are not necessarily “rights” specifically granted by law.

Ready Reserve. Military members of the National Guard and Reserve, organized in units or as individuals, liable for recall to active duty to augment the active components in time of war or national emergency. The Ready Reserve consists of three Reserve Component subcategories: The SelRes, the IRR, and the ING.

Remarried parent. A dependent parent of a deceased military member who loses dependency-based eligibility for benefits on remarriage.

Retired Reserve entitled to pay at age 60 (Gray Area Retirees). Reserve members who have completed 20 qualifying years for retirement and are entitled to receive pay at age 60, but have not yet reached age 60. Reserve Retirees and their dependents receive commissary, MWR, and exchange benefits until the sponsor receives retired pay. Individuals may be recalled to active duty in accordance with 10 U.S.C.

Seasonal employment. Annually recurring periods of work of less than 12 months each year. Seasonal employees generally are permanent employees who are placed in non-duty or non-pay status and recalled to duty in accordance with pre-established conditions of employment. Seasonal employees may have full-time, part-time, or intermittent work schedules.

Selected Reserve (SelRes). Those National Guard and Reserve units and individuals within the Ready Reserve designated by their respective Services and approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as so essential to initial wartime missions that they have priority over all other Reserves. They must be prepared to mobilize within 24 hours. The issuance of DD Form 1173-1 to their dependents and participation in the Guard and Reserve DEERS Enrollment Program are mandatory.

Service Project Officer (SPO). The uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve Component, and agency-level office that coordinates with OUSD(P&R) on policy and functional matters related to DEERS, RAPIDS, and Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS), and manages ID card operations within the respective organization.

SES positions. Appropriated fund positions in an agency classified above General Service-15 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5108 or in level 4 or 5 of the Executive Schedule, or an equivalent position, which is not required to be filled by an appointment by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Site security manager (SSM). The SPO-appointed individual that manages the daily operations at a RAPIDS site to include managing users, cardstock, and consumables.

Sponsor. The person affiliated to the DoD, uniformed service, or other Federal agency who is delegated the responsibility for verifying and authorizing an applicant's need for an ID card. This term also refers to the prime beneficiary who derives eligibility based on individual status rather than dependence upon or relationship to another person. This beneficiary receives benefits based on the beneficiary's direct affiliation to the DoD or other unformed service.

Spouse. A person legally married to a current, former, or retired uniformed service member, eligible civilian employee, or other eligible individual in accordance with subpart C of this part, regardless of gender or State of residence.

Standby Reserve. Personnel who maintain their military affiliation without being in the Ready Reserve, who have been designated key civilian employees, or who have a temporary hardship or disability. These individuals are not required to perform training and are not part of units. These individuals are trained and could be mobilized, if necessary, to fill manpower needs in specific skills.

Stepchild. A natural or adopted child of a spouse of a sponsor and who qualifies as a child.

Surviving dependent. The dependent of a member who died while on active duty under orders that specified a period of more than 30 days, or a member who died while in a retired with-pay status.

Temporary assignment. An appointment for a specified period not to exceed 1 year. A temporary assignment can be extended up to a maximum of 1 additional year.

Transitional Health Care (THC). A healthcare system, formerly known as Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP), instituted in section 502 of Public Law 101-510. It includes pre-separation and separation services, the Continued Health Care Benefit Program, a voluntary insurance program for sponsors and eligible dependents separating from active service; pre-separation counseling service for separating uniformed services members; and various other transitional initiatives. Uniformed service members separated as uncharacterized entry-level separations do not qualify for THC. Section 706 of Public Law 108-375 replaced the TAMP with the THC program. Section 651 of Public Law 110-181 included the 2-year commissary and exchange privilege for involuntarily separated uniformed service members. The DoD added MWR to the benefit set and extended the same benefits to the eligible dependents. To qualify for benefits under this program, individuals must be separated with service characterized as honorable or general under honorable conditions meeting the separation reasons identified in 10 U.S.C. 1145. The THC program is a permanent program and made the medical eligibility 180 days for all eligible uniformed service members and eligible dependents. Enlisted uniformed service members discharged for reasons of misconduct, discharge in lieu of court-martial, or other reasons for which service normally is characterized as under other than honorable conditions are not eligible for transition benefits. Officers discharged as a result of resignation in lieu of trial by court-martial, or misconduct or moral or professional dereliction if the discharge could be characterized as under other than honorable conditions are not eligible for transition benefits. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1145, the qualifying periods of active duty include:

(1) A member who is involuntarily separated from active duty.

(2) A member of a Reserve Component who is separated from active duty to which called or ordered in support of a contingency operation if the active duty is for a period of more than 30 days.

(3) A member who is separated from active duty for which the member is involuntarily retained in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 12305 in support of a contingency operation.

(4) A member who is separated from active duty served pursuant to a voluntary agreement of the member to remain on active duty for a period of less than 1 year in support of a contingency operation.

(5) A member who receives a sole survivorship discharge (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 1174); or

(6) A member who is separated from active duty who agrees to become a member of the SelRes. Section 734 of Public Law 110-417, which took effect on October 14, 2008 extended THC benefits to a uniformed service member who is separated from active duty who agrees to become a member of the SelRes of the Ready Reserve of a Reserve Component.

Trusted Agent (TA). An individual appointed by a TASM that serves as a sponsor for eligible populations within TASS, utilizes TASS to register data for the DD Form 1172-2 (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd1172-2.pdf), re-verifies CAC holder affiliation, and revokes CACs.

Trusted Agent Security Manager (TASM). An individual appointed by a SPO to oversee the activity for a specific TASS site and associated TAs. These individuals also serve in the TA role.

Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS) (formerly known as Contractor Verification System (CVS)). A Web application used to verify that CAC applicants have the appropriate government sponsorship for the purpose of issuing CACs. The TASS web interface automates the DD Form 1172-2 for tracking the request process and updating DEERS with applicant information required for CAC issuance. The system also provides a mechanism for periodic re-verification of contractor eligibility to ensure that information is current and contractor CACs do not remain active when not appropriate. This capability will be expanded to support registration and background investigation confirmation for additional CAC eligible populations.

United States. The 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

Unmarried. A widow or widower who remarried and whose remarriage ended by death or divorce, or a former spouse of a sponsor whose subsequent remarriage ended by death or divorce.

Unremarried. A widow or widower who has never remarried, or a former spouse whose only remarriage was to the same military sponsor. Periods of marriage in this case may be combined to document eligibility for former spouse benefits.

U.S. territories and possessions. Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

VA rating determination letter. A letter from the appropriate VA authorities that establishes that the uniformed service member has been rated as 100 percent disabled or incapable of pursuing substantially gainful employment by the VA.

Verifying Official (VO). An individual who is responsible for validating eligibility of bona fide beneficiaries to receive benefits and entitlements.

Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. A document recognized by relevant and applicable State law as establishing legal paternity. Such documents must be certified as a “true copy” by the appropriate state office.

Ward. An unmarried person who is placed in the legal custody of the member or former member as a result of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or a U.S. territory or possession) for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; is dependent on the member or former member for more than 50 percent of the person's support; resides with the member or former member unless separated by the necessity of uniformed service or to receive institutional care as a result of disability or incapacitation or under such other circumstances as the administering Secretary may by regulation prescribe; is not a dependent of a member or a former member under 10 U.S.C. 1072(2); and either:

(1) Has not attained the age of 21;

(2) Has not attained the age of 23 and is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary; or

(3) Is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurred while the person was considered a dependent of the member or former member.

Widow. The female spouse of a deceased member of the uniformed Services.

Widower. The male spouse of a deceased member of the uniformed Services.

[79 FR 709, Jan. 6, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 74875, Oct. 27, 2016; 89 FR 11179, Feb. 14, 2024]

(a) It is DoD policy that a distinct DoD ID card shall be issued to uniformed service members, their dependents, DoD civilian employees, and other eligible individuals and will be used as proof of identity and DoD affiliation.

(b) DoD ID cards shall serve as the Geneva Convention Card for eligible personnel in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.1, “Identity Cards Required by the Geneva Convention” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/100001p.pdf).

(c) DoD ID cards shall be issued through a secure and authoritative process in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.25, “DoD Personnel Identity Protection (PIP) Program” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/100025p.pdf).

(d) The CAC, a form of DoD ID card, shall serve as the Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card for DoD implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, “Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors” (available at http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/gc_1217616624097.shtm).

(e) ID cards, in a form distinct from the CAC, shall be issued and will serve as proof of identity and DoD affiliation for eligible communities that do not require the Federal PIV card that complies with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and FIPS Publication 201-3, “Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors” (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.6028/NIST.FIPS.201-3).

[79 FR 709, Jan. 6, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 74877, Oct. 27, 2016; 89 FR 11179, Feb. 14, 2024]

(a) The USD(P&R) shall:

(1) Oversee implementation of the procedures within this part.

(2) Establish overall policy and procedures for the issuance of ID cards to members of the uniformed services, their dependents, and other eligible individuals.

(3) Establish minimum acceptable criteria for establishment and confirmation of personal identity, policy for the issuance of the DoD enterprise personnel identity credentials, and approve of additional systems under the PIP Program in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.25.

(4) Act as the Principal Staff Assistant (PSA) for the DEERS, the RAPIDS, and the Personnel Identity Protection (PIP) Program in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.25.

(5) Maintain the DEERS data system in support of the Department of Defense in accordance with applicable law and directives.

(6) Develop and field the required RAPIDS infrastructure and all elements of field support to issue ID cards including but not limited to software distribution, hardware procurement and installation, on-site and depot-level hardware maintenance, on-site and Web-based user training and central telephone center support, and telecommunications engineering and network control center assistance.

(7) In coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L)), and the DoD Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO) establish policy and oversight for CAC life-cycle compliance with FIPS Publication 201-3.

(8) Establish procedures that will uniquely identify personnel with specific associations with the Department of Defense and maintain the integrity of the unique personnel identifier in coordination with the DoD Components in accordance with DoD Directive 8320.03, “Unique Identification (UID) Standards for a Net-Centric Department of Defense” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/832003p.pdf).

(b) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (ASD(RA)), under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), shall develop policies and establish guidance for the National Guard and Reserve Component communities that affect benefits, entitlements, identity, and ID cards.

(c) The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (DASD(MC&FP)), under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), shall develop policy and procedures to determine eligibility for access to DoD programs for MWR; commissaries; exchanges; lodging; children and youth; DoD schools; family support; voluntary and post-secondary education; and other military community and family benefits that affect identity and ID cards.

(d) The Director, Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R) and in addition to the responsibilities in paragraph (h) of this section, shall, in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.25:

(1) Develop policies and procedures for the oversight, funding, personnel staffing, direction, and functional management of the PIP Program.

(2) Coordinate with the Principal Under Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)), and the ASD(RA) on changes to enrollment and eligibility policy and procedures pertaining to personnel, medical, and dental issues that affect the PIP Program.

(3) Develop policies and procedures to support the functional requirements of the PIP Program, DEERS, and the DEERS client applications.

(4) Secure funding in support of new requirements to support the PIP Program or the enrollment and eligibility functions of DEERS and RAPIDS.

(5) Approve the addition or elimination of population categories eligible for ID cards in accordance with applicable law.

(6) Establish the type and form of ID card issued to eligible populations categories and administer pilot programs to determine the suitable form of ID card for newly identified populations.

(7) Determines and maintains a list of forms of documentation that are acceptable for the purpose of eligibility verification, in accordance with applicable law.

(8) Through the Director, Defense Manpower Data Center:

(i) Provides and maintains training on the examination and inspection of documentation for the purpose of eligibility verification for DEERS enrollment, record management, and ID card issuance.

(ii) Supports and maintains the development of automated data feeds to DEERS that serve as authoritative eligibility sources for applicable DoD ID card-eligible personnel.

(iii) Supports and maintains the development of the Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) as the application used to incorporate and collect eligibility documentation.

(e) The USD(AT&L) shall:

(1) Update the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), current edition (available at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html) to support requirements for CAC and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 for contracts.

(2) Ensure that the requirement for contractors to return CACs at the completion or termination of each individual's support on a specific contract is included in all applicable contracts.

(f) The USD(I) shall:

(1) Establish policy for the use of DoD issued ID cards for physical access purposes in accordance with DoD 5200.08-R, “Physical Security Program” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/520008r.pdf).

(2) Establish policy for military, civilian, and contractor employee background investigation, submission, and adjudication across the Department of Defense, in compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and Office of Personnel Management Memorandum, “Final Credentialing Standards for Issuing Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards Under HSPD-12” (available at http://www.opm.gov/investigate/resources/final_credentialing_standards.pdf).

(g) The DoD CIO shall:

(1) In coordination with the USD(I), USD(P&R), and USD(AT&L), establish policy and oversight for CAC life-cycle compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 201-1.

(2) Provide guidance regarding the use of DoD and non-DoD identification credentials on DoD information systems, including the Federal PIV cards, for authenticating to DoD network accounts and DoD private Web sites.

(3) Ensure that the DoD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) conforms to all applicable FIPS to the greatest extent possible.

(h) The OSD and DoD Component heads other than the Secretaries of the Military Departments, shall:

(1) Develop and implement Component-level procedures for DoD directed policies and statutory requirements to support benefits eligibility through DEERS.

(2) Develop and implement Component-level ID card life-cycle procedures to comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

(3) Ensure all DoD employees, uniformed service members, and all other eligible CAC applicants, including contractor employees and other affiliate CAC applicants, have met the background investigation requirements referenced in paragraph (a)(3) of § 161.6 of this part prior to approving CAC sponsorship and registration. Background investigation status must be verified and documented by the sponsor or sponsoring organization in conjunction with application for CAC issuance.

(4) Establish processes and procedures as part of the normal check-in and check-out process for collection of the CAC for all categories of DoD personnel and contractor employees when there is a separation, retirement, termination, contract termination or expiration, or CAC revocation. Since CACs contain personally identifiable information (PII), they shall be treated and controlled in accordance with 32 CFR part 310, and DoD 5200.1-M, Volume 4, “DoD Information Security Program: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/520001_vol4.pdf). CACs shall be returned to any RAPIDS issuance location for proper disposal in a timely manner once surrendered by the CAC holder.

(5) Provide appropriate space and staffing for all DoD ID card issuing operations, as well as reliable telecommunications to and from the Defense Information Systems Agency managed Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network.

(6) Provide funding for CAC cardstock, printer consumables, and electromagnetically opaque sleeves to Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC).

(7) Protect cardstock and consumables in accordance with the guidelines and standards issued and maintained by DMDC.

(8) In accordance with FIPS Publication 201-3, provide electromagnetic opaque sleeves or other comparable technologies to protect against any unauthorized contactless access to the cardholder unique identification number stored on the CAC.

(9) Manage the distribution and locations of CAC personal identification number (PIN) reset workstations.

(10) To the maximum extent possible, and in accordance with DoD Components' designated accrediting authority guidelines, ensure networked workstations are properly configured and available for CAC holders to use the User Maintenance Portal-Post Issuance Portal (UMP-PIP) service.

(11) Oversee supervision of TASS TAs and TA security managers and ensure the number of contractors overseen by any TA is manageable.

(12) Comply with the provisions of this part and provide timely and accurate support to the provisions of this part.

(13) Ensure that the policies and procedures in subpart D of this part are implemented to protect the privacy of individuals in the collection, use, maintenance, and dissemination of personally identifiable information, in accordance with 32 CFR part 310.

(i) The Secretaries of the Military Departments; Director, Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness, USPHS; and Administrator, NOAA, shall:

(1) Appoint project officers from a level that represents the Service position of the active, National Guard, and Reserve Components for personnel policy to serve on the Joint Uniformed Services Personnel Advisory Committee.

(2) Comply with the provisions of this part and other related policy and procedural guidance from the Department of Defense.

(3) Coordinate with the Director, DoDHRA, through the Joint Uniformed Services Personnel Advisory Committee, to determine if the list of acceptable eligibility documentation needs to be amended to add new documents or remove outdated documents.

(4) Ensure that the policies and procedures in this subpart are implemented to protect the privacy of individuals in the collection, use, maintenance, and dissemination of personally identifiable information, in accordance with 32 CFR part 310.

[79 FR 709, Jan. 6, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 74878, Oct. 27, 2016; 89 FR 11179, Feb. 14, 2024; 89 FR 18543, Mar. 14, 2024]

(a) The DoD ID card life cycle shall be supported by an infrastructure that is predicated on a systems-based model for credentialing as described in FIPS Publication 201-3. Paragraphs (a)(1) through (7) of this section represent the baseline requirements for the life cycle of all DoD ID cards. The specific procedures and sequence of order for these items will vary based on the applicant's employment status or affiliation with the DoD and the type of ID card issued. Detailed procedures of the ID card life cycle for each category of applicant and type of ID card shall be provided by the responsible agency.

(1) Sponsorship and eligibility. Sponsorship shall incorporate the processes for confirming eligibility for an ID card. The sponsor is the person affiliated with the DoD or other Federal agency who takes responsibility for verifying and authorizing the applicant's need for an ID card. Applicants for a CAC must be sponsored by a DoD government official or employee.

(2) Registration and enrollment. Sponsorship and enrollment information on the ID card applicant shall be registered in DEERS prior to card issuance.

(3) Background investigation. Background investigation is required for those individuals eligible for a CAC. A background investigation is not currently required for those eligible for other forms of DoD ID cards. Sponsored CAC applicants shall not be issued a CAC without a favorably adjudicated background investigation stipulated in FIPS Publication 201-3. Applicants that have been denied a CAC based on an unfavorable adjudication of the background investigation may submit an appeal in accordance with FIPS Publication 201-3 and Office of Personnel Management Memorandum, “Final Credentialing Standards for Issuing Personal Identity Verification Cards under HSPD-12.”

(4) Identity and eligibility verification. Identity and eligibility verification shall be completed at a RAPIDS workstation. Verifying officials (VOs) shall inspect identity and eligibility documentation and RAPIDS shall authenticate individuals to ensure that ID cards are provided only to those sponsored and with a current affiliation with the DoD. RAPIDS shall also capture uniquely identifying characteristics that bind an individual to the information maintained on that individual in DEERS and to the ID card issued by RAPIDS. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to, digital photographs and fingerprints.

(5) Issuance. ID cards shall be issued at the RAPIDS workstation after all sponsorship, enrollment and registration, background investigation (CAC only), and identity and eligibility verification requirements have been satisfied.

(6) Use and maintenance. ID cards shall be used as proof of identity and DoD affiliation to facilitate access to DoD facilities and systems. Additionally, ID cards shall represent authorization for entitled benefits and privileges in accordance with DoD policies.

(7) Retrieval and revocation. ID cards shall be retrieved by the sponsor or sponsoring organization when the ID card has expired, when it is damaged or compromised, or when the card holder is no longer affiliated with the DoD or no longer meets the eligibility requirements for the card. The active status of an ID card shall be revoked within the DEERS and RAPIDS infrastructure and the PKI certificates on the CAC shall be revoked.

(b) The guidelines and restrictions of this paragraph apply to all forms of DoD ID cards.

(1) Any person willfully altering, damaging, lending, counterfeiting, or using these cards in any unauthorized manner is subject to fine or imprisonment or both, as prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 499, 506, 509, 701, and 1001. Section 701 of 18 U.S.C. prohibits photographing or otherwise reproducing or possessing DoD ID cards in an unauthorized manner, under penalty of fine or imprisonment or both. Unauthorized or fraudulent use of ID cards would exist if bearers used the card to obtain benefits and privileges to which they are not entitled. Examples of authorized photocopying include photocopying of DoD ID cards to facilitate medical care processing, check cashing, voting, tax matters, compliance with 50 U.S.C. appendix 501 (also known as “The Service member's Civil Relief Act”), or administering other military-related benefits to eligible beneficiaries. When possible, the ID card will be electronically authenticated in lieu of photographing the card.

(2) International agreements (including status-of-forces agreements) and host-nation law may limit and/or define the types of support available to personnel in overseas areas. Although an ID card may be used to verify eligibility in the United States for access to, for example, commissary or exchange facilities, the use of such facilities overseas may be limited to persons who are stationed or performing temporary duty in a foreign country under official orders in support of a mutual defense mission with the host nation. ID cards shall be issued only for the purposes identified in and in accordance with this Instruction, and the Heads of the DoD Components shall use other means, such as ration cards, to implement provisions in international agreements or to prevent violations of applicable host-nation law. ID cards shall not be issued for the sole purpose of implementing provisions of international agreements or restrictions based on applicable host-nation law.

(3) All ID cards are property of the U.S. Government and shall be returned upon separation, resignation, firing, termination of contract or affiliation with the DoD, or upon any other event in which the individual no longer requires the use of such ID card.

(4) To prevent any unauthorized use, ID cards that are expired, invalidated, stolen, lost, or otherwise suspected of potential or actual unauthorized use shall be revoked in DEERS along with the PKI certificates on the CACs immediately revoked.

(5) There are instances where graphical representations of ID cards are necessary to facilitate the DoD mission. When used and distributed, the replicas must not be the same size as the ID card, must have the word “SAMPLE” written on them, and shall not contain an individual's PII. All SAMPLE ID cards must be maintained in a controlled environment and shall not serve as a valid ID.

(6) Individuals within the DoD who have multiple personnel category codes (e.g., an individual who is both a reservist and a contractor) shall be issued a separate ID card in each personnel category for which they are eligible. Multiple current ID cards of the same form (e.g., CAC) shall not be issued or exist for an individual under a single personnel category code.

(7) ID cards shall not be amended, modified, or overprinted by any means. No stickers or other adhesive materials are to be placed on either side of an ID card. Holes shall not be punched into ID cards, except when a CAC has been requested by the next of kin for an individual who has perished in the line of duty. A CAC provided to next of kin shall have the status of the card revoked in DEERS, have the certificates revoked, and have a hole punched through the integrated circuit chip before it is released to the next of kin.

(8) An ID card shall be in the personal custody of the individual to whom it was issued at all times. If required by military authority, it shall be surrendered for ID or investigation.

(c) CAC migration to Federal PIV requirements. The DoD is migrating the CAC to meet the Federal requirements for credentialing contained within Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and FIPS Publication 201-3. Migration will take place over multiple years as the card issuance hardware, software, and supporting systems and processes are upgraded. Successful migration will require coordination and collaboration within and among all CAC communities (e.g., personnel security, operational security, industrial security, information security, physical security, and information technology). The organizations listed in this section will support the migration in conjunction with the responsibilities listed in § 161.5:

(1) The Director, DMDC shall:

(i) Procure and distribute CAC consumables, including card stock, electromagnetically opaque sleeves, and printer supplies, commensurate with funding received from the DoD Components.

(ii) In coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, establish an electronic process for securing CAC eligibility information on foreign government military, employee, or contract support personnel whose visit status and background investigation has been confirmed, documented, and processed in accordance with DoD Directive 5230.20, “Visits and Assignments of Foreign Nationals” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/523020p.pdf).

(iii) In accordance with FIPS Publication 201-3, electronically capture and store source documents in the identity-proofing process at the accession points for eligible ID card holders.

(iv) Implement modifications to the CAC applets and interfaces, add contactless capability to the CAC platform and implement modifications to the CAC topology to support compliance with FIPS Publication 201-3.

(v) Establish and implement procedures for capturing biometrics required to support CAC issuance, which includes fingerprints and facial images specified in FIPS Publication 201-3 and National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-76-1, “Biometric Data Specification for Personal Identity Verification” (available at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-76-1/SP800-76-1_012407.pdf).

(vi) In coordination with the Executive Manager for DoD Biometrics and the Office of the USD(AT&L), implement the capability to obtain two segmented images (primary and secondary) fingerprint minutiae from the full 10-print fingerprints captured as part of the initial background investigation process for CAC issuance.

(vii) Maintain a capability for a CAC holder to reset or unlock PINs from a system outside of the CAC issuance infrastructure.

(2) The Executive Manager for DoD Biometrics, as appointed by the Secretary of the Army as DoD Executive Agent for DoD Biometrics in accordance with DoD Directive 8521.01E, “Department of Defense Biometrics” (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/852101p.pdf), shall:

(i) Establish biometric standards for collection, storage, and subsequent transmittal of biometric information in accordance with DoD Directive 8521.01E (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/852101p.pdf).

(ii) In coordination with the USD(P&R), the USD(I), and the Heads of the DoD Components, establish capability for biometric collection and enrollment operations to support CAC issuance in accordance with 32 CFR part 310 and National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-76-1 (available at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-76-1/SP800-76-1_012407.pdf).

(3) The Identity Protection and Management Senior Coordinating Group shall:

(i) Monitor the CAC and identity management related activities outlined within this Instruction in accordance with DoD Instruction 1000.25 (available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/100025p.pdf).

(ii) Maintain a configuration management process for the CAC and its related components to monitor DoD compliance with FIPS Publication 201-3.

[79 FR 709, Jan. 6, 2014, as amended at 81 FR 74878, Oct. 27, 2016; 89 FR 11179, Feb. 14, 2024]