Fort A.P. Hill offers first-rate ID card service

By David San MiguelAugust 19, 2016

True to Fort A.P. Hill's legacy of offering first-rate service, the installation now boasts a fully operational DEERS ID card section to handle the needs of its customers.

According to Deborah F. Bright, site security manager, the decision to establish an office here only made sense considering the distance from other military installations and the time needed to process changes through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

"We basically provide ID card service to all active duty and Reserve component service members to include their family members," Bright said. "This service extends to Department of Defense employees, government contractors, military families, military/DOD retirees, and their respective widows/widowers."

DEERS is used by the defense department to update personnel records which identify and verifies specific benefits and privileges individuals may be entitled as indicated by Defense Finance and Accounting Services, she explained. Some of these benefits and privileges may include, entry onto a military installation, post exchange/commissary privileges, medical care provided or access to the government's computer network.

Located at the Visitors Control Center near the north gate entrance, individuals will find little trouble locating or accessing the building.

We get a lot of retirees in this area because the facilities are handicap accessible and there's virtually very little problem with traffic to and from the installation, Bright said.

Unlike larger installations, the Fort A.P. Hill site is relatively easier to get to and, in most cases, appointment times average from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the circumstances, she said.

Bright explained that sometimes, extended wait times may result from processing delays in scanning and emailing documents to the Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before this office can complete the transaction and issue a card.

"But a simple retiree card renewal or dependent ID issue probably takes just 15 minutes," she said.

To facilitate processing and reduce customer wait time, Bright employs the RAPIDS Appointment scheduling website at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ to schedule and manage appointments. There, the office location, hours of operation as well as available appointment days are posted for the individual's convenience. In addition, the website outlines what documentation an individual needs to obtain a CAC card, update records or add an individual to DEERS.

For those individuals not able to connect via the Internet, Bright said, "we do still accept walk-ins."

"Walk-ins, however, are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis," she said. Nonetheless, she still advises individuals to call before coming into the office to determine wait time or to schedule an appointment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (804) 633-8797.

Related Links:

RAPIDS Appointment scheduling

U.S. Army Garrison Fort A.P. Hill