What regulation or policy addresses if your CAC must always reflect your current rank?

2024-04-05T02:11:31-04:00

Recently, I have run into issues with service members telling me at the gate that they don’t have to update their CAC until they hit the rank of E-5 but my entire time in the military I’ve always been told you with update your cac for every rank if so, what policy or directive touches on this subject For each branch thank you

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Apr 5 at 2024 5:22 AM

2024-04-05T05:22:30-04:00

I'm not sure about the CACs, but years ago we didn't update our ID cards unless there was a significant change in rank. When you became an NCO then you changed your ID card. If I remember correctly it had something to do with the Geneva Conventions, there was code or level that was changed on the ID card.

Response by COL Randall C. made Apr 5 at 2024 7:36 AM

2024-04-05T07:36:32-04:00

DoD Manual 1000.13, Vol 1, Enclosure 2 (ID Card Life-Cycle Procedures)* - "An ID card shall be reissued when printed information requires changes (e.g., pay grade, rank, change in eligibility), when any of the media (including printed data, magnetic stripe, bar codes, or integrated circuit chip) becomes illegible or inoperable, or when a CAC is known or suspected to be compromised."

However, there are situations (especially in the reserve component) where they have other guidance based on limited/restricted resources (it's not uncommon to see ANG/ARNG policy stating that you have 90 days to update a CAC after changes or that it's not required for junior enlisted until they are promoted to E-5). For those situations, you'll have to see if there is other governing policy.
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* DoDM 1000.13, Vol 1 (DoD Identification (ID) Cards: ID Card Life-Cycle) - https://www.cac.mil/Portals/53/Documents/DODM-1000.13_vol1.pdf

DODM-1000.13_vol1.pdf

Response by SPC James Neidig made Apr 6 at 2024 1:35 AM

2024-04-06T01:35:33-04:00

It Doesn’t Cost You Anything But Some Time To Get Your CAC Card Changed, So You Should Keep It Up To Date With Your Current Rank.
It Shows You Are A Squared Away Soldier Who Pays Attention To Even The Smallest Detail.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 6 at 2024 3:02 PM

2024-04-06T15:02:02-04:00

ID cards used to have rank and grade. If you wanted to prove your rank, that is the way to do it. I know when I was an acting Jack CPL my ID read CPL/E-3, Geneva Card still read PFC/E-3. I wore CPL stripes and had all privileges and responsibilities of the rank. OM said he did not want any non-NCOs working in the Orderly Room. Got me my own room in barracks, too. I was company clerk.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2024 11:29 AM

2024-04-07T11:29:20-04:00

COVID put a kink in that regulation. I couldn't walk into the CAC office and update my card when promoted. An exception policy was put out and the card itself had to be 90 days from expiration.