United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card

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A United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card (also commonly known as U.S. military ID, or less commonly abbreviated USPIC) is an identity document issued by the United States Department of Defense to identify a person as a member of the Armed Forces or a member's dependent, such as a child or spouse.

The card is used to control access to military bases, stores such as AAFES outlets and commissaries, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation MWR) facilities such as theaters, and high-security areas. The modern Common Access Card (CAC) smartcard is also used with specialized card readers for automatic building access control systems, communications encryption, and computer access.

[edit] Types

The primary types of U.S. military ID cards being issued today are the CAC (for active duty members of the military), and Department of Defense Form 1173, for retirees and dependents. Until recently, the Form 1173 ID was issued to active duty personnel as well, but in late 2003 it was phased out in favor of the current CAC.

[edit] Color coding

The Form 1173 ID card is color-coded to denote the status of the person it is issued to. Possible colors are:

  • Green - Active duty.
  • Tan - Dependent of active duty personnel or retiree.
  • Red - Reserve component member or Reserve dependent.
  • Blue - Retiree.
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