Veterans and eligible caregivers will soon have easier access to Department of Defense (DOD) installations for Veterans. Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, the updated process announced by VA and DOD will streamline both enrollment and access to installations. More information can be found in DOD’s fact sheet.

DOD installations provide important services to Veterans and their caregivers, such as health care, shopping, and certain Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) services, like golf courses, movie theaters and clubs. Recently, VA and DOD worked together to increase health care access for Veterans in Alabama, the Gulf Coast and Tampa regions of Florida, as well as Kentucky, New York’s Hudson Valley, Tennessee and Virginia.

Updates to DOD Installation access enrollment

Eligible Veterans who do not have a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)—as well as eligible caregivers—can now enroll for installation access at the visitor center using their REAL ID Act-compliant driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. This means these individuals no longer need to present a VA-issued caregiver patronage letter, VA-issued service-connected disability letter, or VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A to enroll for installation access.  

To enroll for reoccurring installation access, eligible Veterans and caregivers must establish identity, fitness, and purpose on their first visit to each DOD installation they wish to access at the visitor’s center. As part of enrollment, you must:

  1. Present an acceptable credential (VHIC or REAL ID) to establish identity;
  2. Undergo an on-the-spot criminal record and terrorism check to establish fitness; and
  3. Have your eligibility for on-installation benefits verified electronically to establish purpose. If your purpose is for health care, and the DOD installation doesn’t have a commissary, exchange or authorized MWR service, then proof of appointment will need to be provided.

More information on Veteran and caregiver eligibility can be found online.

Updates to DOD installation access

When entering a DOD installation, Veteran and caregiver eligibility is now verified electronically. Following enrollment for reoccurring installation access, Veterans and eligible caregivers can enter the installation by presenting the same VHIC or REAL ID they enrolled with.

Enrollment is typically valid for one to three years, or one year after the last visit to the given DOD installation. If a patron’s VHIC or REAL ID expires, they will need to reenroll with their new VHIC or REAL ID. Termination of a patron’s eligibility will automatically result in the termination of installation access enrollment.

If your VHIC has recently expired or is expiring soon, learn more about how to renew it.  

Additional requirements for accessing Commissary, Exchange and MWR services

Commissary - DOD Installation

Veterans who do not have a VHIC—and their eligible caregivers—will still need to provide a hard copy letter (a VA-issued caregiver patronage letter, VA-issued service-connected disability letter, or a VA Health Eligibility Center Form H623A) to show eligibility and to access commissary, exchange or authorized MWR services, as these facilities cannot electronically verify eligibility.

Currently, for purposes of MWR, commissary and exchange shopping, eligible caregivers are those who are approved and designated as a primary family caregiver of an eligible Veteran under VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

Learn more about commissary and exchange privileges for Veterans online. Veterans with additional questions are encouraged to contact their local installation for further assistance or visit www.militaryonesource.mil.


Disclaimer: A portion of this story was generated by AI. None of the data we reported included personal or sensitive information, and it was fact-checked and edited by a human copy editor prior to publishing.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

102 Comments

  1. Alex December 6, 2024 at 10:31 - Reply

    So know one is weirded out by the disclaimer at the bottom of the story? Such journalistic integrity!

    Disclaimer: A portion of this story was generated by AI. None of the data we reported included personal or sensitive information, and it was fact-checked and edited by a human copy editor prior to publishing.

    • Johnny Warford December 6, 2024 at 16:34 - Reply

      How would this work in Germany/Overseas etc?

  2. jim kroenlein December 5, 2024 at 12:33 - Reply

    I retired from USAF in 1985. After reading the comments I am amazed at the amount of people who have had problems gaining base access due to not doing their homework and educating themselves to the rules for access or application for benefits. Before complaining they should do their part by doing their homework. They should currently be checking on whether their ID card will be valid after Jan 1, 25 and if not go about getting a new one before the deadline.

  3. Ray Carter December 5, 2024 at 11:59 - Reply

    They do back ground check and most of this was already in place. However, last time I attempted to enter a base I had entered over 20 years both alone and with my mother (30 yr retired), the last time I tried to get on I was restricted because of my back ground. They had this information before and it never caused a problem. Now, though, it seems the commander can have a say in the matter. If the offense didn’t happen on a military base or it happened over 10 years ago, it shouldn’t be considered. Now, I will not be allowed on any military base and I am not the only one who is effected by this. Lawsuits will start flying! This isn’t easier, it is worse.

  4. Leo Seabright December 5, 2024 at 10:36 - Reply

    Can oui goe onn baise end shaap?

  5. William Boylan December 1, 2024 at 13:06 - Reply

    Why didn’t my comment post?

    • Zeke Kyle December 5, 2024 at 10:49 - Reply

      It’s awaiting moderation.

  6. William Boylan December 1, 2024 at 13:04 - Reply

    40 yrs after separation I learned I was eligible for Veteran’s health care. Then, I learned that my service-related hearing loss entitled me to a disability rating. I have a Dr.’s appointment at the VA on Thurs. and plan to get my VHIC updated to show the disability, which I thought was all I needed to get on base to go the BX/commissary. I was hoping it would also allow me on base at Lackland for our next SAS/CATM reunion, so I didn’t have to ride on with someone else, again.

  7. Bobby November 25, 2024 at 10:13 - Reply

    This article really should have specified that each installation commander has the authority to dictate what the access procedures are for their installation. Not to mention, if this article is based on information from DoD, it the article should also emphasize that each installation would implement any DoD wide changes at their own pace so going to a Visitor Control Center at a given installation won’t

    Same goes for DECA, AAFES and NEX. They will implement any higher level changes at their own pace as well.

    Many of the comments here are clearly based on the commenter’s knowledge of an individual installation, or maybe several installations. Commenters should identify the installation(s) you are referring to so you aren’t confusing people reading the article and comments, and causing them to be disappointed if they try to access their nearest installation and the comments here aren’t consistent with the policies and procedures of that nearest installation.

  8. Robert Rose November 24, 2024 at 18:00 - Reply

    This article doesn’t mention the military ID card (United States Uniform Services, DD FORM 2 (Retired)) issued to retired personnel. I would assume that this card is still a valid ID for entry in military facilities, but it should be addressed in an article such as this. If the DD FORM 2 is no longer accepted, mentioning this fact would be very helpful.

  9. Teckla Wattman November 24, 2024 at 10:03 - Reply

    Are we allowed to visit more than one installation like if you were traveling to another state that had an a much bigger installation with better commissary & exchange than the tiny one in your home town, could we also visit the out of state installation as well? Or are we only allowed to register at one ? Thanks in advance for your answer.

    • Bryan December 5, 2024 at 11:34 - Reply

      Yes. I have been on USAF bases in several states.

  10. Alex November 21, 2024 at 21:54 - Reply

    how come we can’t have access to bases overseas I tried to enter the base in sasebo Japan and was denied access show my vhic card and the VA decision letter but they said I couldn’t

  11. William Purdy November 21, 2024 at 15:42 - Reply

    Can I go to my VA building to apply for installation access and to shop PX, COMMISSARY and other facilities on base?
    I have my Hawaii State Driver’s License with Gold Star with Veterans on it , would this help?

    • Dustin McAuliffe November 21, 2024 at 20:47 - Reply

      No, you have to enroll in person at each installation you wish to gain access to. They have to manually add your ID to their gate control system (the handhelds the sentry’s use to scan your ID and verify access privileges).

    • Erick November 22, 2024 at 08:20 - Reply

      The article mentions: “To enroll for reoccurring installation access, eligible Veterans and caregivers must establish identity, fitness, and purpose on their first visit to each DOD installation they wish to access at the visitor’s center.” There’s also mention of the documents that’ll be needed to prove your Identity, remember to bring those with you.

      So, you’ll need to go to the DoD installation (military base) you wish to visit, and stop at the Visitor’s Center before you can access the base.

  12. Nigel November 21, 2024 at 15:05 - Reply

    As a 100% vet, is it possible to do the basic rider course on the base?

    • Leo Seabright December 5, 2024 at 10:42 - Reply

      You must bring your own horse, but shouldn’t be a problem.

  13. Ronald Hoover November 21, 2024 at 14:11 - Reply

    I have to assume, since not mentioned, Retired Veterans, with a proper retired military ID will simply present their ID at the installation gate in order to enter and access various retired military benefits.
    AI left that out of the story, but by doing so confusion is created for “20+ year military retirees.
    CAPT USNR Ronald Hoover

  14. Joseph D Haskett November 21, 2024 at 13:56 - Reply

    Thank you for updating the DOD requirements for using Military base facilities.

    It helps everyone to be assured of the base facilities and meeting the documentation requirements

  15. William Tate Jr November 21, 2024 at 13:23 - Reply

    What about our wife’s?
    Am we get them approved to come on the base as well ? So she can be with me when I see staff or want to shop?

    • Dustin McAuliffe November 21, 2024 at 20:44 - Reply

      Veterans can sponsor one guest each visit by stopping at the installation’s Visitor Control Center. I sponsor my brother most times I go

    • Zeke Kyle December 5, 2024 at 10:48 - Reply

      How many wife is do you have?

  16. Harold Shaw November 21, 2024 at 12:36 - Reply

    Thanks for the information. I was much clearer and concise. As compared to the VA.GOV website.

  17. Lucas November 21, 2024 at 12:32 - Reply

    I just contacted my local Base for questions about this update because I was excited to finally be able to access the golf course and recreational shooting range. Vet 80% dis. With the proper identification. The visitor center told me I NEED a VHIC doesn’t matter what this says. Have to say this visitor center man was quite the asshole.

    • Chuck Kimberl November 21, 2024 at 15:23 - Reply

      Perhaps he was one of the civilian contractor types.

    • Jim Daniel November 21, 2024 at 16:23 - Reply

      Doug Collin’s will straighten these folks out

      • Leo Seabright December 5, 2024 at 10:42 - Reply

        There’s two of him. Doug Collins’s.

  18. Stephen Morris November 21, 2024 at 11:37 - Reply

    I am a 50% disabled veteran who needs my wife to accompany me to the commissary. She does no quaĺify as designed caregiver. Can this be done?

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:25 - Reply

      Yes. She can come with you but can’t make the purchase unless she has the card. She can join you as well as your family. Once you get to the cashier, show your ID Card and Voila. Always call ahead to check because each facility may be run by people without proper knowledge, and rules can change at any time.

  19. William H. Myers November 21, 2024 at 11:31 - Reply

    I agree with Paul M.. Being able to shop at the PX would benefit ALL veterans, no matter. When I was discharged back in 1967 it was not explained the importance of applying for Medical whether you were physically impaired or not. Mental was not discussed so much in those days. With the price of goods, the Military should make this available to any veteran classified person.

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:26 - Reply

      Any honorably discharged vet can shop at the PX and commissary. You can simply enroll at the VA Hospital, receive your ID Card and go shop.

      • Carl E Gardner November 22, 2024 at 18:22 - Reply

        That’s not true. The article says you have to have a true ID. I served honorably for 17years in both the USN/USNR. I don’t have a true ID, but my drivers license has VETERAN stamped on it. And I’m an active firefighter with 25 years of service. I’ve only used one name my whole life. It’s on every document I’ve ever signed. But when I was born, my Mother chose to put my biological father’s name on my birth certificate. She was young and I guess she didn’t know any better. I have always went by her maiden name. And even though, every document with my name, going back to kindergarten, social security card, everything… DMV won’t give me my true ID because my birth certificate has a different last name…
        Any suggestions?

  20. Norman Goldberg November 21, 2024 at 11:21 - Reply

    A friend’s daughter was working as an au pare for a Chaplain at Ft. Knox a number of years ago and I offered to drive her dad and two siblings with to pick her up.. I have a DOD card so access to the base was easy. Before we left I stopped at the PX and did some shopping. At the register the cashier asked for my ID and I showed her my DOD card which had my picture and all the relevant information. She said she didn’t recognize the card and refused to check me out. Because this was a one-day down and back run from Milwaukee I didn’t have time to waste so I left the items on the counter and left. Ironically, some years later my younger son joined the Army and was stationed there. Prior to that I was at McCoy and Volk and never had a problem at either, with access or otherwise. You’d think that the base where our gold reserves are stored ALL staff would be properly trained and respectful. When I travel in the future I’ll try again and see what happens at bases I may encounter.

  21. Eric L November 21, 2024 at 11:17 - Reply

    Are spouses able to enter DoD installations with an eligible veteran?

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:23 - Reply

      Depends on the installation of course but generally yes. Call the installation access office ahead of time and ask. My spouse recently accompanied me in MS base.

  22. Pete November 21, 2024 at 11:13 - Reply

    AI wrote this article? How lazy are you? Really?? Wow.

    • Tina November 21, 2024 at 12:32 - Reply

      You just have to sign them in for a day pass or 30 day pass at the gate visitors center. If anyone in the car has a military ID everyone in vehicle w real id drivers license or state id can just show their real id at gate without having to go to visitors center. But check w your base installation some bases may have different rules due to alert level base maybe currently on.

  23. John November 21, 2024 at 10:54 - Reply

    It would be realy great if it would be possible for veterans, living overseas, could enter with no problem to American Military Installations and have the benefits as other military active persons.

    • john November 21, 2024 at 12:15 - Reply

      Absolutely, this would be an amazing and huge boon. Allowing a piece of home away from home would be monumental. All veterans, or at least all disabled vets, should be qualified for shopping and entrance.

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:29 - Reply

      Special circumstances allow this however rules change all the time. The first approach is that it’s no longer allowed for most veterans except those special circumstances. Call ahead but if you’re not 100%, retired etc, you’ll most likely be denied. Good Luck!

    • Erick November 22, 2024 at 09:53 - Reply

      I was stationed overseas for 15 out of my 26 years in the military. Working as a Lab Tech, I met many retired military members that came to our clinics and hospitals for medical care. One thing I learned from speaking with them is that shopping on a military base or post is not a given. Most of the restrictions are not placed by the US military, but by the host country. Those countries want retirees to pay taxes for the items they purchase, like groceries, furniture, etc. and fuel they need for their vehicles. If the host country doesn’t have provisions for American military retirees to get an exemption to shop on base, then the military can’t provide that privilege. Every country is different on their requirements, so you should check with your local base/post for assistance in finding out if there are exemptions you may qualify for.

      • Bobby November 25, 2024 at 10:16 - Reply

        Correct, each nation has an individual Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States that has very detailed requirements based on many factors such as retired status, employment status (federal civil service, government contractor, etc). And yes, the military can’t alter these requirements.

  24. Roger November 21, 2024 at 10:37 - Reply

    That’s all great except trying to get my wife on base to go shopping at the Commissary can be almost impossible. For example, Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. Visitor Center is open Monday – Friday, we live 80 miles away and work full time so getting there on a workday is pretty much a no go. So this rules out us using the Commissary unless I drop her off outside the gate. SMFH typical Military BS.

  25. Scott Bates November 21, 2024 at 10:36 - Reply

    I am dealing with access issues for my separated wife. The new program DOD has installed on the bases now have made it impossible for me to sponsor her onto the base she lives near to pick up prescriptions she has waiting at the Hospital there. The fact that access is being restricted to we Retirees and Veterans proves to me that the DOD does not care about us anymore! They have forgotten about the adage, if it isn’t broke, Don’t FIX IT!

  26. Paul M November 21, 2024 at 09:08 - Reply

    The DOD should consider opening up access to all veterans regardless if they have a disability rating or not. Current requirements require at least a 10% rating. Do our men and women not deserve this benefit straight out of honorable separation? Why is it that they must essentially prove themselves worthy by going through the disability and compensation process to the USG?

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:33 - Reply

      You don’t need a rating, you only need your VA Health ID Card. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 0% and 90% are eligible for in-person privileges at commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities

  27. L Avery November 21, 2024 at 07:30 - Reply

    Two days ago, I attempted to enter Fort Belvoir, VA through the Visitor Center with my VA VHIC. The lady at the desk informed me that my VHIC had expired in September (this was a shock to me because I didn’t realize it had an expiration date) and told me I could not enter the base. She DID NOT provide me with the option to present my REAL ID (which I had in my possession). I asked if she would allow me access, so I could go to the VA Clinic and renew my VHIC but she told me I could not.

    This particular Visitors Center could do a lot better with treatment and assistance towards veterans. The lady I interacted with KNEW I was a veteran, but refused to assist me with resolving my unfortunate issue. She could have asked me for my REAL ID drivers license and I would’ve gone straight to the VA Clinic and had my expired VHIC renewed.

  28. Bill November 21, 2024 at 07:18 - Reply

    I’m 100% p&t and I possess a DOD ID card. I haven’t used it yet because I have a felony from years ago.

    Can I still be denied access even with my appropriate credentials?

    • Zack Mayo November 21, 2024 at 18:59 - Reply

      I would be a little surprised if they admitted someone with a felony, since they are, after all, doing a criminal background check. But I imagine it would depend on the type of base, the purpose of your visit, and other factors including, perhaps, the nature of your felony and its recency. The only things you could do would be either to show up and see if they let you on, or try and call the base beforehand. See https://www.felonyrecordhub.com/rights/can-a-felon-get-on-a-military-base

  29. Jacob R. November 21, 2024 at 05:00 - Reply

    Yes, this is great for Veterans and Caregivers that reside within US territories, but what about those that do not? Such as those that live in Germany? While this make things easier for Veterans living in a US Territory, it has become exponentially more difficult for those that do not. I myself, am a Veteran rated at 100% P&T living in Germany with my family, and I’m treated like a local national off the street.

    This means nothing for veterans living abroad.

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:35 - Reply

      You should check. I just left Germany and depending on the installation 100%, retirees etc can shop at commissary and other facilities. Contact the local MP office for current rules since base access often change.

  30. Donnie L Starnes November 21, 2024 at 03:35 - Reply

    I am a 90% DAV with proper ID & wouldn’t allow me on to base at Ft. Jackson without filling out a lot of stupid questions. I have PTSD & O patience, so they can keep the Post it’s not important to me. Their prices are Too High anyway.

  31. Stephen Young November 21, 2024 at 02:43 - Reply

    We are trying to get approval for caregiver for me, 100% DAV, wife is a nurse and we need a counselor to help us. Any help would be a blessing as my mobility and balance is a huge concern. I can barely walk and use a scooter that I got a week ago. I don’t know what website you want here. Will contact above.

  32. Frank November 21, 2024 at 01:57 - Reply

    Naval Base Guam exempt veterans with approved base access to sponsor guest under the Trusted Traveler Program by just presenting the valid base approved VHIC and guest valid ID at the sentry gate like other authorized personnel. Vets have to register the guest they sponsor at visitor center for one day pass in week days. Why is this?

  33. Aaron Rutan November 21, 2024 at 01:34 - Reply

    I recently visited Fort Eustis in Virginia to attend my son’s AIT graduation, and I was denied access to the base with my VHIC. I just received it in July and had never attempted to access any other base with it. Seems the system isn’t as smooth as advertised.

  34. Tyler Durden November 21, 2024 at 01:04 - Reply

    How is this a new change? Maybe the caregiver portion, but access to the base has been this poorly run jump though hoops process where you have to register at each base, during their visitor center hours which is tough sometimes, then after a couple months the gate guard will tell you that your ID is not working and you have to visit the visitor center AGAIN to have something work right maybe for another couple months. So frustrating and honestly they do this just to eventually discourage you.

    • Harold Shaw November 21, 2024 at 12:58 - Reply

      In my experience, even when you register at the Visitors Center the Computer will not “Populate” your information on to the Base’s Computer for about a week. So I’ve had to stop at the Visitors Center three times before the information arrived at the Main Gate guards to honor my “VHIC” card.
      And the Palo Alto, California. VA Hospital supposed to be the Flagship of the VA system. Has 62 different phone numbers.

  35. Clayton Peterson November 21, 2024 at 00:51 - Reply

    What is MWR?

    • Al Petru November 21, 2024 at 09:40 - Reply

      Morale Welfare and Recreation. Nonappropriated funds operations. It’s also called Family Morale Welfare and Recreation. They run the recreation centers, bowling alleys, golf courses, etc.

  36. Dan Burton November 20, 2024 at 23:17 - Reply

    I inadvertantly left my DOD 100% Disabled ID at the Miramar MCAS Exchange. Since I can’t get on any base without it, how can I get a new one at an on base RAPIDS or DEERS center/

  37. Bill Maynard November 20, 2024 at 22:07 - Reply

    47 is in office now so hopefully someone new running the VA can cut all of this ridiculous red tape to get on a base. Just privatize all the care with a VA insurance and let these guys go to their local hospital/doctor of choice. The VA docs are horrible anyways, bottom of the barrel. Also, so many gov employees at VA facilities have a really crappy attitude. Good benefits: yes. Do I go to VA hospital? No. I use Community Care all the time.

    • Sam Holland November 21, 2024 at 11:14 - Reply

      The sad part is that most those employees are veterans themselves.

    • Lawrence Sandlin Sr. November 21, 2024 at 13:14 - Reply

      Bill, Not ALL VA employees and Doctors are “bottom of the barrel” and certainly 47′ won’t improve Veterans access to anything resembling care. How infuriating this notion of a 5x deferred draft dodger caring for “suckers and losers” US Military Veterans.
      Please keep your political opinions to yourself and off record as this insipid notion is proved false based upon his actions as 45′.

      • Zack Mayo November 21, 2024 at 15:51 - Reply

        Lawrence, you repeated a completely discredited lie about “suckers and losers,” an old saw favored by the party which just got tossed out of the White House on its ear after four disastrous, bumbling, cackling years. As you say, please keep politics out of these discussions.

      • Leo Seabright December 5, 2024 at 10:40 - Reply

        You can still get your hormone blockers and gender-affirming bottom surgery through VA. Take it easy, huh?

    • Bobby November 25, 2024 at 10:18 - Reply

      I’ve had good VA doctors and bad VA doctors. The two best doctors I’ve ever had were VA doctors at the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System.

      This is no different that accessing care out in the community. My wife can’t use the VA, and she has had similar experiences in the two communities we’ve lived in. Some great doctors, some not-so-great doctors.

  38. Mike Gaul November 20, 2024 at 22:05 - Reply

    I am disabled (100%) but do not need a caregiver. What I do need is my wife with me when it comes to shopping. She knows what groceries and other things we need. She is not eligible for becoming a caregiver.

    I have not tried to go to the very local base because I need my wife with me.
    What needs to happen now is every time I would go to the base, we would need to go to the visitor’s center and have her approved. That is an awkward and inconvenient process to go through each week. So I (we) do not go to the base; we go to Wally World four miles further down the road.

  39. james r Sandner November 20, 2024 at 22:02 - Reply

    are unmarried surviving spouses of deceased veterans eligible to access the commissary on base

    • Jos November 21, 2024 at 12:39 - Reply

      Honestly, it still depends on the veteran’s status. Did you have an ID when the veteran was alive and if so what type? What is 100%, or was he retired etc? You should contact the VA or the local ID Card facility to ask for your status. You may be missing out on many veteran spouse benefits.

  40. MIKE EDDY November 20, 2024 at 21:40 - Reply

    Consider spellcheck and grammar check (drafting in Microsoft Word, for instance) when updating the website. For instance, reOccurring should be recurring. Beat Navy

  41. LAWRENCE U CHO November 20, 2024 at 21:36 - Reply

    I urge that this *new access line SHOULD NOT have any *restriction* so long as veterans served and discharged honorably in the respective service branch indeed! Yes, INDEED about time, *SUCH *****a soothing reward for us and I have SUPREME confidence entire veterans are grateful indeed, why wouldn’t they, rhetorical question or statement or not? Veteran’s personal sacrifice is being recognized, NOT when we exit for service. VERY well done by allowing us to access and should not be any unwarranted restrictions; I urge that this eligibility EASY access upon presenting VA Health Card, in overseas US Military bases like in Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, UK whenever there is base exist, NOT just one branch, but SHOULD BE, NEED be, able to access in ANY base. For example, if I were in Germany and want to purchase items in PX or Commissary, but Ramstein is Air Force base, and JUST BECAUSE I am US Army veteran, it does NOT mean ONLY Air Force veterans can enter and that would be quite certainly defying common sense. Any branch of US Armed Forces veteran SHOULD BE able to enter if there is medical, PX, Commissary, and exercise, including a wonderful swimming pool if and exist. WHY can we NOT have *the eastern flank HUGE base like in Germany is SUCH frustrating indeed! Poland, key eastern country in many ways indeed, NEED SHOULD, MUST have *permanent HUGE base EVEN BIGGER than Germany, simply because the US Military base in Poland covers ENTIRE Baltic states and Poland. If I were in Norway, Finland, or Sweden, or Denmark, I should be able to visit to access aforementioned privileges if and WHEN these Scandinavian Countries have, SHOULD HAVE, US Military basis that is (EVEN if small base) total deterrent DUE TO (cold fact!) the superpower of US Military and Economic power that Russia *truly respect behind the scene and now Putin Russia mafia gangster regime is to *robbing Russian border areas EVER since *Mr. Dracula Looking Peter the Great *such cruel land robber, stole Swedish land using cannon fodder tactics, followed by Stalin in Norway, Georgia (i.e. Abhiksha-Georgia land is being occupied & running by Russian puppet personal), and now Ukraine in a big scale that MUST never be recognized indeed, because recognizing stolen land *send *completely and *totally *wrong *example *to the *rest of *countries (whole world!), particularly China’s land and sea robbery like S China sea areas, etc. Just one more. A veteran does NOT have to be handicapped or disabled for 20-year service, everyone has committed a minimum of 6-years of US Army, 8-years for Marine, etc.

  42. Edward Flores November 20, 2024 at 21:23 - Reply

    It would be very nice as a Caregiver to be able to fly with my son who is 100% Disabled, Service Connected. Especially as I am trying to get him home to FL from WA.

  43. Jay Price November 20, 2024 at 21:13 - Reply

    Thank you for the heads up. My wife and I travel many times a year and having this option of going onto a base, if needed, is a plus for us.

  44. Garold Holmes November 20, 2024 at 21:00 - Reply

    I have a valid VHID — what all do I need to do in order to get on base to shop at the Commissary or Exchange? I’m thinking specifically TRAVIS AFB and/or CHINA LAKE NWAS.

  45. Bob Teachout November 20, 2024 at 21:00 - Reply

    Vets should be given a modified CAC – good for 3 years. In addition the wife of a Vet should also be authorized a modified 3 year CAC

  46. Zack Mayo November 20, 2024 at 20:39 - Reply

    None of this addresses the real issues with base access and Veteran use of the commissary and exchange. Overall, I feel that we are not particularly wanted on base; certainly I don’t feel too welcomed.

    Commissary: non-100% disabled Vets need to pay a THREE PERCENT PENALTY if they want to use their credit cards. So, the Commissary needs our business, but spits in our faces.

    DOD Police: I have found the DOD police to be all-too-frequently ill-trained. I had to take one young police officer to task for addressing me as “guy”,”buddy” and “pal.” I finally told him he could call me “Mr. [My Name]” or “Sir.” The same courtesy I extended to him. We who wore the uniform deserve a little dignity and respect.

    MWR: It’s never clear to me what our privileges are on a given base, other than the Com and the Exchange. These could be better communicated.

  47. DAVID M. DENNISON November 20, 2024 at 20:33 - Reply

    I AM A NAVY VETERAN . 72 YEARS OLD . PLEASE GIVE ME ACCESS TO THE GOLF COURSES.

    DAVID M. DENNISON

  48. Ray Edwards November 20, 2024 at 20:33 - Reply

    Hello, I am just curious to make sure I understand this correctly. I am able to access Kirtland Air Force Base here in Albuquerque NM with just my medical VA card? Am I able to go into the commissary? Thank you.

    • Zack Mayo November 21, 2024 at 11:22 - Reply

      Ray, in my experience you need to stop at the visitors’ center outside the main entrance to your base. You go in to the DOD Police Department and they do an on-the-spot criminal background check. They then issue you a slip of paper they call a “yellow card” that says you had an XYZ check performed on ABC date. You show the yellow card to the gate guards and they should let you in. At my base the card is good for one year.

  49. Doug Poulton November 20, 2024 at 19:54 - Reply

    Will a State drivers license (Star Real ID) and the new DoD ID showing 100% disabled Veteran also include the TSA precheck for air travel or will I still have to register my precheck number with each airline I fly with?

    • Michelle November 21, 2024 at 18:06 - Reply

      Pretty certain precheck is an entirely different thing. I usually fly Delta and when I had to fly American, we didn’t enter our flyer # and therefore didn’t get precheck status on our tickets.

  50. Harrold Boston November 20, 2024 at 18:58 - Reply

    very good information. Thanks so much

  51. Joe November 20, 2024 at 18:27 - Reply

    Doesn’t simplify sh-t lies as usual great work

  52. Katy Lee November 20, 2024 at 18:18 - Reply

    Can the recurring access be approved for DHS/USCG installations? You are required to stop into the security office and they run a check each time you enter the installation.

  53. David Williams November 20, 2024 at 18:17 - Reply

    Same as before. I don’t see any changes.

  54. John Daley November 20, 2024 at 18:07 - Reply

    This seems a lot more complicated than it has to be. I like to go to the Commissary and Exchange once in a while. I used to just show my retired military ID at the gate and just go. Now you want me to do all this other junk?

  55. Richard Feinstein November 20, 2024 at 18:02 - Reply

    How does my non-veteran wife get access?

    • Leo Seabright December 5, 2024 at 10:40 - Reply

      Only if she is on a leash.

  56. James Harvey November 16, 2024 at 06:10 - Reply

    Good info re installation access.

  57. Christopher Loftis November 16, 2024 at 04:51 - Reply

    I am a Disabled American Veteran with a service connected disability rating of 80%. I registered for VA-ID me a long time ago in order to acces
    myhealthevet, and usually only access the cite in preparation for a VAMC appointment (although I once did attempt to have prescriptions mailed to me with abominable results.)

    Anyway, with an appointment on Nov 24, I attempted to login using VA IDme and was notified that I would have to verify that I was me, and the only ID which was allowed to verify was a drivers license or state ID. I am unable to drive due to blindness in one eye and I have no state ID. (why pay for an ID when my VA patient ID allows me to vote and I neither know what bus to take to get to the new DMV location nor feel I should have to pay for some ID when my home requires a new roof and I can’t even afford a haircut?) I called some VA helpline, and although the young lady was very nice she in effect told me I must get a state ID to be verified or forget about myhealthevet. Was I not verified when I registered for VAIDme? Why must I forego this hell?

    • Nelson Castro November 20, 2024 at 19:04 - Reply

      ID ME is a separate organization and has nothing to do with the VA.

      • Zack Mayo November 21, 2024 at 15:55 - Reply

        The VA uses ID.me as an option to validate access.

        ID.me is absolute garbage.

    • Casey Elliott November 20, 2024 at 20:02 - Reply

      Hey pal- Im at 80% too and you are whining. Get off your duff and get a DL for the love of pete, and maybe, just maybe, get a job. 80% isn’t enough to not work.

    • LP Morton November 20, 2024 at 20:13 - Reply

      Contact your US congressman and your problems will go away!!!

  58. Lynn Saarinen November 15, 2024 at 18:48 - Reply

    Can someone please spell check these articles before they are sent out? This is really sad

    • Matt Ovaska November 21, 2024 at 08:59 - Reply

      Sounds like a Finnish last name. Sad. This is planned. 30-60 of us will commit suicide today. The VA is not our friend. I called the Hotline and was offered a free coloring book. I would never commit suicide, if for no other reason, just to disappoint the VA.

      Take care

      Matti

  59. Russ thibeault. November 15, 2024 at 14:51 - Reply

    How to get DOD information sent to me ?? Also about home assistance for 100 % disability!

    • Loree November 20, 2024 at 20:53 - Reply

      Sir if you see your service officer in your area, they can help you with all your needs and questions. I don’t work for them, that’s just what we did.

    • Brad Shenk November 20, 2024 at 22:10 - Reply

      I think that the information you are looking for can be found on the VA.GOV website, if you search housebound, that would be a start. If you can’t find the information that you are looking for there, then contact a VSO, VA eligibility office or any American Legion or VFW should be able to help you further with any assistance to may need to get started.

    • Juan Carlos Aguilar Barroso November 21, 2024 at 04:35 - Reply

      Maybe I can help you can email me and I can get more clarification on your questions and hope I can help I’m a veteran myself and would like to help a broth in arms.

Leave A Comment

More Stories