Posted on Nov 2, 2016
Does your CAC have to be updated to reflect current rank?
125K
40
29
6
6
0
I have been in a debate with several other NCOs over this topic for awhile now. I was always taught you had to go and update your CAC every time you received a promotion. Your CAC serves as an identification card and needs to reflect your current rank. Several of my cohorts hold to the thought that you only need to update it when you reach E5 due to your Geneva Convention Category changing then.
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 19
Now when I was laterally promoted to First Sergeant, I did not get my CAC changed to reflect the new rank, because I knew eventually I would not be a First Sergeant anymore. But I believe it should be updated with every promotion. Though I wish I had a CAC that had Specialist rank on it so when I go to the golf course, I don't have to pay as much.
(9)
(0)
Neg. You have to update your ID to reflect your rank. Otherwise when going through the sentry at the gate, you are wearing a pay grade higher than the ID gives, it throws up flags for the sentry; thinking that you have a fake ID (given, that's not the case but there has been stories told). Also for Navy folk, getting onto a ship and going through the quarterdeck, it can sometimes raise alarms too. Plus when you have a senior enlisted looking at your ID.
Just have it updated when you get promoted; save yourself the bullcrap.
Just have it updated when you get promoted; save yourself the bullcrap.
(6)
(0)
(2)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
SSG Tom Pike - Interesting. Through E1-E3, you won't need to change it of course but I was told at E4 I had to (maybe because of the NCO rank in the Navy of PO3). You may not need to change it via the Army until E5.
(0)
(0)
SSG Tom Pike
PO1 (Join to see) - I just did some google searching. Ft Stewart says you get new ID cards for rank change of E-4 and above. So it looks like things have changed in 28 years.
http://www.stewart.army.mil/info/?id=470&p=11
http://www.stewart.army.mil/info/?id=470&p=11
(2)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
SSG Tom Pike - Idk if it's Military-wide but some bases could be honoring the old ways too....
(0)
(0)
It was my experience in that you did not update your CaC until you reached E5 because, as you stated, the change in the Geneva Convention Category. I do not see a problem with this for E1, E2, or E3 but I do think when you are promoted you should get a new CaC card because it shows great addition to detail and wanting to ensure all your issued gear, including ID Card are maintained.
(5)
(0)
MAJ Ronnie Reams
I would think that you would have it changed when became a CPL. Otherwise, one is stuck in the beer garden instead of NCO club.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next