86. Implementation

The Common Access Card is a controlled item. As of 2008, DoD has issued over 17 million smart cards. (This number includes reissues to accommodate changes in name, rank, or status and to replace lost or stolen cards.) As of the same date, approximately 3.5 million unterminated or active CACs are in circulation.


DoD has deployed an issuance infrastructure at over 1000 sites in more than 25 countries around the world and is rolling out more than 1 million card readers and associated middleware.Currently, it can be used for access into DoD computers and networks. It can be used in conjunction with a smartcard reader to gain access to a computer.


Also, certain US military web sites, such as Army Knowledge Online (AKO) and the Air Force Portal, require a user to log-in using a CAC to perform certain functions that require stronger credential authentication than a traditional HTTP Basic access authentication.The program that is currently used to issue CAC IDs is called the Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS). The system is secure and monitored by the DoD at all times.


Users have to go through a special course and be certified to issue CACs. Different RAPIDS sites have been setup throughout military installations in and out of combat theater to issue new ids.DoD/Uniformed Service Civilians or Contracted Civilian residing in a foreign country for at least 365 days Presidential Appointees approved by the Senate DoD Civilian Employees Eligible Contractor Employees.