Are veterans with ID cards eligible to use any MWR activities and programs provided by bases?

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:28:51 -0400

I’m specifically asking about Marine Corps Base Kaneohe. I’m a veteran and have a veteran ID card. For example, am I able to rent a boat that is provided by the MWR activities on base? Perhaps this is a relevant question for the majority of other bases as well. I’m not sure?

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jul 29 at 2024 2:57 AM

SPC James Neidig — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 02:57:14 -0400

CPT . What Kind Of Veteran ID Card Do You Have? I Have The Brown ID Because Of 100% Disability And I Have Full Base Privileges Including MWR , I Have Rented Boats From Both Army And Navy Bases,
However You Have To Take The Online Boaters Safety Course.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jul 29 at 2024 5:49 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:49:05 -0400

Veteran ID cards do not give you access to MWR or other facilities on base..

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jul 29 at 2024 7:21 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:21:28 -0400

As long as it says 100% disabled your good to go i have used my card on many bases.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 29 at 2024 8:25 AM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:25:05 -0400

Unless you are a veteran that has a service-connected disability, received a Purple Heart, Medal of Honor or was a POW, then the answer is no.

This will apply across the board because eligibility is driven by law*, not policy (further restrictions are often added by the local commander if there are a lack of resources but eligibility can't be expanded by policy).

The largest recent expansion (effective January 1st, 2020) to section 1065 was changing the disability threshold from 100% service-connected to any service-connected (even 0%) and adding Purple Heart and MOH recipients.

Access in the expanded categories requires* the use of the Veteran Health identification Card (VHIC), not the Veteran ID Card (VIC) with the appropriate eligibility category ('Service Connected', 'Purple Heart', or 'Former POW') shown on it.

If you are in any of the eligibility categories for a Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card*, that will give you access to the military installation, but does not guarantee eligibility to MWR facilities and resources (you need to be in one of the categories listed in 10 USC § 1065).
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* 10 USC § 1065 - Use of commissary stores and MWR facilities: certain veterans, caregivers for veterans, and Foreign Service officers - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1065
* In a few cases when you're not eligible for a VHIC, you can use a form (H623A) from the VA along with an acceptable form of ID (REAL ID-compliant driver's license, U.S. Passport, etc.)
* Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card - https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/

10 U.S. Code § 1065 - Use of commissary stores and MWR facilities: certain veterans, caregivers...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2024 7:23 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:23:03 -0400

if you meet the requirements laid out in the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018.

https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Factsheets/expanding-access-fact-sheet.pdf

expanding-access-fact-sheet.pdf

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Aug 28 at 2024 6:41 PM

TSgt Gary McPherson — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:41:57 -0400

My ID USAF shows MWR is listed.

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Aug 28 at 2024 6:48 PM

TSgt Gary McPherson — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:48:21 -0400

I have no problem with my retired USAF ID.Not sure what the difference is between a VET ID and a Retired

Response by Cpl Christi Price made Aug 31 at 2024 4:52 PM

Cpl Christi Price — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 16:52:43 -0400

I have an 80% disability rating. Does this give me access to any bases?