What's on the Back of a US Military ID Card? Insights from a Veteran

The US Military ID card is a vital document that not only serves as a form of identification but also stores essential information about active military members. While the front of the card contains standard identifying information, the back of the card holds additional significant details that are vital for knowing as a service member or for those closely involved with military personnel.

Understanding the Front and Back of the US Military ID

Many confuse the functionalities of the front and back of a US Military ID card. This article provides a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to find on both sides of the card, drawing from the personal experiences of a veteran.

What's on the Front of the US Military ID Card?

The front of the US Military ID card has a standard layout, which includes several key pieces of identification information. Typically, this side of the card displays the individual's:

Full Name: This is the full legal name of the service member, with the first and last names. Military Rank: The rank of the service member, whether it is a junior or senior rank. Unit: The specific unit or branch of the service (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.). Unique Identifier: A unique number or letter combination assigned to the service member. Cryptic Security Code: A code that provides additional security verification when used in conjunction with biometric data. Affiliate Code: Various codes indicating specific affiliates such as military exchanges, base ID, etc. Date of Birth: The date of birth of the service member. Biometrics Data: Fingerprints and facial recognition data, which have been increasingly common in recent years. Photo/Signature: A digital photograph of the service member and sometimes a scanned signature.

Insights from a Veteran on the Back of the US Military ID Card

The real treasure trove of information is often found on the back of the ID card. This side contains more specific details that are vital for the daily functioning and security of the service member. Some of the key pieces of information that can be found on the back include:

Contact Information

The back of the ID card typically includes all the essential contact information for the service member, including:

Home Address: The physical address of the service member's home. Phone Number: The primary and often emergency phone number of the service member. Email Address: The official email address associated with the military ID. Mailing Address: The address where the service member should receive official military correspondence. Deployment Location: In the case of deployed service members, the location of their current deployment.

Medical and Physical Information

Military organizations maintain records of their service members' health for both operational and personal well-being purposes. The back of the ID card often holds crucial medical and physical information, such as:

Medical Conditions: Any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect operational duties. Blood Type: The blood type of the service member. : Common health issues that may affect a service member and their preventive measures.

Emergency Contact Information

Having an emergency contact is paramount for the safety and mobility of a service member in any given situation. The back of the ID card includes:

Emergency Contact Name and Number: The name and phone number of a designated emergency contact, often a family member or close friend. Family Member or Spouses' Contact Information: The contact details of the spouse or children.

Security Measures and Biometric Data

Security measures and biometric data play a critical role in the ID's functionality and the verification process. This information on the back covers:

Face Recognition Data: Biometric data for facial recognition purposes. Fingerprints: A stored print for use in various authentication processes. Additional Security Codes: Codes that ensure further security and can be used as part of a multi-factor authentication process.

Disposition/Command Information

This section is crucial for command and disposal purposes, providing:

Commander's Name and Contact Information: The name and phone number of the service member's immediate commander. Current Rank and Responsibilities: The rank and the specific responsibilities assigned to the service member. Unit Location: The current location of the unit or base where the service member is stationed.

Conclusion: Why the Back Matters

The back of a US Military ID card, though often overlooked, is a veritable wealth of information. It not only aids in day-to-day security and identification but also plays a crucial role in emergency situations. As a veteran attests to, the back of the card holds essential personal and professional details, making it an indispensable tool in the military environment.

FAQs

Do you need to carry the back of the ID card separately?

Typically, the back of the ID card is not carried separately but integrated into the physical card. There have been efforts to digitize these details for better convenience and security.

Can anyone view the information on the back of the ID card?

Only authorized personnel within the military are given access to the back of the ID card information. Personal data is strictly protected according to military regulations and privacy laws.

Is the information on the back of the ID card updated regularly?

The information can be updated when necessary, such as in cases of a change in rank, deployment, or forwarding of contact information. It is important for service members to inform their superior if this data changes.