WIESBADEN, Germany - The cost seems low - $7 to replace a Common Access Card and 87 cents for a dependent or retiree card, according to a 2007 estimate from the Defense Manpower Data Center.
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But material expenses aren't the only costs to consider when safeguarding government-issued ID cards.
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According to the U.S. Army Europe Office of the Provost Marshal, losing an ID card can reduce the security of your military community and make yourself vulnerable to scams and identity theft. The issue has become so important that the U.S. Army Europe now tracks reports of lost ID cards.
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From January to May 2009, USAREUR replaced 2,757 lost or stolen ID cards.
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U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden has replaced 607 ID cards since Sept. 1, 2008. Family members reported losing 248 cards, Soldiers 232 cards and employees 127 cards. And most of the cards - 399 - were reported lost or stolen at sites off post.
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Henry Mims, site security manager with the Wiesbaden Garrison ID Card Office, noted that his busiest time for replacement cards is just after New Years. Young Soldiers are constantly turning over their IDs to club security and then walking out without the cards, he said. Mims and USAREUR Provost Marshal officials say that is a mistake.
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Never give your ID card to club or gym personnel as a security. That's just one of the tips for keeping your ID card safe.
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But if your card is lost or stolen, what should you do'
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What's the procedure for replacing an ID card'
Immediately reporting a lost or stolen ID card is a requirement under Army in Europe Regulation 600-700, 1-6. Personnel - both civilian and military - are required to report the loss or theft of their ID cards to the nearest Military Police station or provost marshal office. Military Police are responsible for ensuring the ID card is invalidated in the Installation Access Control System. Military Police also issue a memorandum verifying the theft or loss of the card was reported.
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What are the repercussions for a lost or stolen ID card'
In the past, Soldiers and personnel were counseled on the importance of maintaining ID cards before their cards were replaced. Today, under AER 600-700, 1-6, administrative measures like the requirement of a commander's authorization or a supervisor's signature cannot delay the reporting or replacement of a lost or stolen ID card. Those actions cannot be implemented at any level before the ID card is replaced.
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"Corrective behavior used to delay reports of lost or stolen ID cards," said Lanny Hall, chief of personnel services for IMCOM-Europe explaining the change in regulation.
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According to the USAREUR Provost Marshal Office, some garrisons have mandatory classes on the value of ID cards for people who lose their cards. Army garrisons are now also tracking theft and loss of ID card reports.
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How can you keep your ID card safe'
A-A AP Keep the card with you at all times when out of the house.
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A-A AP Never leave the card in the car.
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A-A AP Keep the card in a wallet or ID pouch.
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A-A AP Never just stick the card in your pocket.
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A-A AP Keep the card in the same place in your home or office so you know where it is when it is time to leave.
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A-A AP Never give the card to anyone except law enforcement or base security personnel.
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A-A AP Never give it to a club or gym personnel as a security.
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A-A AP Always check your pockets before throwing clothes into a dirty washing basket. (Some information for this article courtesy of the U.S. Army Europe Provost Marshal Office)
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