What's the purpose of tracking transactions with a CAC at the DFAC?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:27:48 -0500

Here at Fort Hood, the DFAC is requiring all patrons (paying and meal card) to sign in using their CAC card and PIN number. What's the purpose of this? Seems a little intrusive. If they are trying to disuede non meal card holders from eating at the DFAC, mission accomplished, for me anyway.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 12:01 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 12:01:38 -0500

That's the answer. There are people that eat on the military's dollar almost everyday and also receive BAS. I guess this is a small portion of their plan to save money.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 27 at 2013 12:48 PM

CPT Laurie H. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 12:48:22 -0500

We're introducing CAC verification for all personnel eating at the Camp Edwards DFAC as well.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 27 at 2013 12:51 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 12:51:06 -0500

It's been awhile since I've eaten in a DFAC, but is the purpose of signing in with your CAC Card and PIN more so to track how many people use that DFAC compared to another one that might be on the same base? Seems to just be a better way of tracking head count compared to the old paper sheet that we filled out.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 5:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 17:28:47 -0500

Hmmm I don't like the idea of putting my Cac card if I am paying cash. I understand if your a meal card holder that would be better way to track then the show your card and enter a soc but everyone using Cac card??? Don't like that idea one bit.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 8:07 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:07:42 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I'm not sure what the purpose is, but I've long been an advocate of establishing a system where as you enter the DFAC, you use your CAC to pay for your meals. Stop issuing meal cards (antiquated) and stop making meal deductions for single Soldiers. Everyone can keep their BAS and if they eat at the DFAC, it automatically comes out of your check at the end of the month. We seriously need some finance and tech guys to tweak the DFAS pay system to allow for this option. It would cut down on fraud and enable Soldier to not have to fill out missed meal vouchers and still be able to pay for the meals actually served.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 7 at 2015 8:11 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:11:28 -0500

I've never thought of this being intrusive.....I really don't mind punching the pin in, I will ask the DFAC manager tomorrow, always thought it was to help them keep better track of the headcount.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 8:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 20:22:00 -0500

Not sure the reason, but my CAC gets scanned every time I come onto Fort Jackson, when I buy anything at the Commissary, go into a gym or fitness center, conduct many personnel or financial transactions, and of course when I log into my computer and sign any documents (and I sign a lot!).
What is the difference in scanning for those and scanning when I go into the DFAC (and pay cash) to eat a meal?

I figure there is a microchip in my ID that tracks me anyway, right? Seriously though, I don't think any specific information is being taken when I scan my card like that, except that I was in a place.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2020 6:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:08:06 -0400

The purpose is to allocate funding based on use to the facility. If not enough use, they facility won’t recieve funding to continue operation for example, the fort Shafter DFAC closed due to lack of use