Start Rant/

This may not be new news to some but due to changes that the DOD has made to the new Retired ID's, they are no longer accepted by the TSA as valid for boarding domestic flights. It seems that when DOD removed the SSN from the front of the cards and replaced it with a DOD ID Number and removed some of the service related information from the back of the ID, it no longer fit the TSA requirements for a federally issued ID. I believe the two agencies should at least work something out with each other since we all served to protect our great nation. Not sure how they determined that it's not a valid federally issued ID since you have to go to a DOD PASS/ID office to get one, and must produce proper evidence of service and identity that is valid for the issue of a passport that, oh by the way, does not contain your SSN either but can be used to board an airplane.

End Rant/

Bob,

Sounds to me that someone does not understand their own regulations. The following is from the TSA web site:

Identification
Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
•Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
•U.S. passport
•U.S. passport card
•DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
•U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)
•Permanent resident card
•Border crossing card
•DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
•Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
•Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
•HSPD-12 PIV card
•Foreign government-issued passport
•Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
•Transportation worker identification credential
•Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

Gil

Flight is necessary transit mode for some and sad to think citizens (especially Vets) are not being served by this agency. Watching it implode on the nightly news no relief either. My wife and her boss were traveling to conference and get this: he forgot his wallet. Panic as the plane was boarding. TSA guy finally said just show me something that has your name on it. He pulled out his Boy Scout ID card from deep in the luggage and got on the flight. The inconsistent joys of small rural airport screening (ACV).

Perhaps it was a misinterpretation by a TSA employee. I've always used my retired mil ID card for domestic air travel - sometimes gets me perks like pre-security check or seat upgrades. Today I am sitting at JFK in New York waiting to board a flight to Norfolk. After reading this note earlier, I used my blue Retired Navy ID and got the though security. I then asked the TSA rep if there was a change. He said no, he always accepts mil ID with photos - active, reserve or retired.

I think it really boils down to circumstances and just with whom you are dealing. I was trying to get into Canada recently for fishing, and they refused my retired ID. The gal at the window said that she wanted a "real" ID, like a DL or passport. An idiot, but "in charge" so in order to catch fish, I complied. As vets, we know that not all poor "orders" are evil or with ill intent; some are the result of ignorance, lack of experience or just poor judgment. As I age, I try not to let things like this ruin my day...

It falls into the same boat as companies not accepting a state Drivers license as a valid Vet id. Doesn't matter that the state has vetted you & said so on the DL, the companies want a VA Vet ID/Active Duty ID/Retired ID. I am talking about Home Depot & Loews, and then there is JoAnn's & the people there being clueless.
Gotta love civilians. . . . or do I?
A Happy King Kamehameha Day tomorrow.