ID Cards for USAR needed?

SGT Mark Seymour — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 09:09:47 -0500

Why is it that Active Duty Vets are able to obtain an ID Card indicating their status, but a reservist who has fulfilled his or her contract cannot? Aside from the difference of vet status between the two obviously present of courser. Should such reservist be issued a card indicating a partial Vetran status?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 9:57 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 09:57:23 -0500

I was unaware that non retired vets have an id card after their reserve commitment is executed. I may be wrong on this.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 7 at 2015 10:26 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 10:26:34 -0500

During the summer, the VA began a process where any veteran could get a Veteran ID Card SGT Mark Seymour. Providing a valid DD-214 seems to be sufficient for obtaining the ID card in a state which offers one.
Many states issue Veterans ID cards for a nominal fee which varies among states, There were some discussions on RallyPoint about this during the early summer months.
State Verified Veteran Status
"Many of the various State governments have stepped in and provided a logo on their Driver’s and ID cards that will verify your veteran status and act as a Veteran ID card. The logo won’t be accepted as legal proof of eligibility for Veteran’s benefits, but just about any business that offers discounts will honor it. You can contact your State’s department that issues driver’s licenses for more information, or give the National Veterans Foundation a call [login to see] ) and they will look it up for you." from NVF webpage.
http://militarybenefits.info/how-to-get-a-veterans-id-card/

How to Get a Veterans ID Card | Military Benefits

The U.S. government provides a Veterans ID card under a few circumstances for which most Veterans do not qualify to receive but there are other options.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 7 at 2015 11:32 AM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 11:32:48 -0500

SGT Mark Seymour The short answer is no. An Army Reservist will only be issued a card if they retire from the Reserve. Currently it is a Red, non-CAC, most Grey area retirees don't like losing access to AKO and other CAC only sites, but it is what it is.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 7 at 2015 6:56 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 18:56:02 -0500

A couple of points. First, the Army does not issue ID cards to members of the IRR. TPU reservists will have a CAC but those just fulfilling the remainder of their service obligation will not get one unless they are mobilized. Second, Soldiers that complete their USAR service are not considered Veterans by the VA for certain benefits unless they did an active duty period outside of initial entry training (BCT/AIT or BOLC). So if someone just did their weekend drills and 2 weeks of AT, that does not qualify. It may be different for state issued ID and I am not sure what the requirements are for the new Veterans ID card. However, I think if you do not have a DD214, you may not be eligible for one. I hope that provides some additional information to the other answers posted here.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2015 12:19 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 12:19:19 -0500

All my years as a Reservist, I had an ID card.

Response by LT John Mckeown made Nov 9 at 2015 5:55 AM

LT John Mckeown — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 05:55:34 -0500

I was in USNRR for 12 years and an independent contractor for another 12 years but they over lapped. I can't find my DD-214. That is if I ever received one. Does anyone know who I can contact to get a copy. Thank you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 1:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 13:02:10 -0500

You mean a reservist who retired with 20 years but can't draw their retirement pay until age 60? Boy wouldn't that be nice. Never gonna happen. DoD doesn't consider us retired until we draw pay. Getting the active component to allow us to draw pay after 20 years of service will never happen

Response by LTC Andrae Evans made Nov 11 at 2015 7:53 PM

LTC Andrae Evans — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:53:19 -0500

There should be nn differences, to includinclude the immediate collection of benefits upon retirment.

Response by MSG Michael Shannon made Nov 11 at 2015 8:22 PM

MSG Michael Shannon — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 20:22:59 -0500

Here is my problem with what you propose. The USAR does not track any sort of discharge status. So although in your area it may be true that most reserve Soldiers complete their 8 years and move on I’m afraid that is not true for the rest of the reserve force; for a number of different reasons. Only about 80% of enlistees will make it to their contractual obligation. After that only about 35% will actually re enlist. Roughly 60% of the USAR force is flagged for any given reason and not eligible to stay any longer than 8 years. Many Soldiers are UNSATS and just transferred to the IRR only to receive discharge orders once their MSO is complete. Some Soldier became objectors and were given a bar to reenlist…. etc… etc. My question is how do we track the Soldiers within the USAR after they get out to determine if they are eligible for anything? Should an UNSAT Soldier get the same benefits as a Soldier who was not an UNSAT? (FYI… if they are smart right now they do in most states). ARNG has the NGB 22 which helps them in the future for state aid and gives them a discharge and RE code like a DD 214 and RA obviously has the DD 214. The USAR has NOTHING!!! Just a set of orders that could easily be “lost.” Why am I but hurt about some of these issues. Because here in the Granite State (NH) you are considered a Veteran if you have 90 consecutive days of active duty and were issued a DD 214. This INCLUDES BCT and AIT!!! So any reserve Soldier around here can get themselves a vet plate and discounted property tax regardless of duty. Once that Soldier becomes an UNSAT (I do know of one) the state doesn’t follow up. That person will continue to get these benefits as long as they don’t lose that initial DD 214.

I’m all for you thoughts IF the USAR adopts some sort of discharge form other than orders produced in RLAS.

Response by SSG James Kerby made Jan 26 at 2016 2:51 PM

SSG James Kerby — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:51:37 -0500

I would like to set up an appt for my son to renew his ID card, is therena nuber i can calll

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 3:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:42:39 -0400

If the Army Reservist served his 6 year obligation, including meetings and two weeks ANACDUTRA for 5.5 years, and holds an Honorable Discharge, can he or she receive a valid USAR I.D. Card , and how does he pursue this ?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2018 2:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 14:51:48 -0400

Where can I apply for an ID card? I have My NGB-55 from the Army National Guard of Virginia dated 5-20-1975.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 22 at 2019 5:47 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 05:47:19 -0400

I was in the Army Guard and I have an I.D. card issued to me at the local Air Guard base.