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VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Vice President's Message

Recruitment
The following is a repeat of a effectiveness for our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
previous message. This mes- enlisted reservists depends on maintaining and growing
sage’s importance makes it our members. In presenting to Congress, DoD and the
worth repeating. NERA's individual service commands, it is a key component to
strength is and always has been getting their attention. We have maintained a strong
in our membership. I encour- position of advocacy with the aforementioned and with
age everyone to recruit at least our partners on The Military Coalition. NERA needs a
Michael P. Hughes,
OSC, USNR (ret) one member. As with almost strong membership to continue to serve you effectively.
NERA Vice President all military and veteran asso- Please try to recruit new members, either current or for-
ciations, NERA is seeing a mer enlisted or interested/supporting auxiliary members.
slow but steady decline in membership. Our advocacy There is power in numbers.

New ID Cards

Department of Defense (DoD) is again issuing new ID Identification Card System (RAPIDS) sites. More sites
cards for military members, retirees and dependents. In will be added as equipment and training became available.
2008, all new ID cards were issued without the individual
Social Security Number (SSN) for security and privacy The older laminated paper IDs are still accept-
reasons. Instead, they had an individual DoD ID number able until January 1, 2026, after which it is antici-
on the front and a Benefits Number on the back. If you pated they will no longer be valid. If you need a new ID
have an older card with the SSN on it, you may need to card, you should make an appointment with the nearest
get a new card for base and commissary access and for RAPIDS site online or by phone. Most only issue cards
filing for VA benefits. on certain days and times and most do not accept walk-
ins. Be sure to ask if they are issuing the new plastic ID
The latest change is a major one that replaces the lami- because not all have that capability as of this writing.
nated paper card with a plastic card similar to a credit card.
The cards are similar to the CAC (Common Access Cards) Please note that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
cards familiar to many active duty and DoD contractors. is also issuing new veteran ID cards, that are similar in
It still has the individual picture, ID number, Name and appearance. This is a VA program and not connected with
Rank, Status (i.e., Active, Reserve, Retiree, Dependent), DoD military IDs discussed above.
and expiration date. DoD began issuing these new stur-
dier cards in August of 2020 to military and dependent My sincerest wishes for everyone to remain safe and
members at a few select Real-Time Automated Personnel healthy.

If you have concerns or issues you would like NERA to address,

please let me know. My email is [email protected] and my cell is
443-812-9591 or you can send snail mail to my attention at NERA

National Headquarters. I welcome all suggestions.

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 5