Exchange ID Check Goes Hi-Tech

  • Published
  • By Judd Anstey
  • Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs
DALLAS, Texas (AAFES) --  (Editor's Note: Eglin Air Force Base Army & Air Force Exchange Services facilities started scanning Common Access Cards for age validation Sept. 22.)

Implementation of an updated point-of-sale system that leverages the technological advances available through "smart" Common Access Cards is streamlining the identification process for age-restricted items at Army and Air Force Exchanges.

"According to Department of Defense Instruction 1330.21 and Army Regulation 215-8, exchanges are required to restrict the sale of certain items such as alcohol and tobacco," said the Col. Virgil Williams, AAFES Chief of Staff. "Prior to implementation of the 'smart' ID cards, exchange associates had to visually inspect the identification in order to complete the sale. Now, our scanners at the register can work directly with the card to verify eligibility."

AAFES new point-of-sale system, which rolled out to continental U.S. locations on Sept. 22,  prompts associates to check identification when a restricted item is scanned.

Scanning the bar code on the front of the shopper's ID card allows the Exchange's system to determine the customer's age and quickly complete the transaction. The system does not print the customer's birth date on a receipt or store the information in any way.

"This is a convenience issue," said Williams. "It's simply a matter of what is easiest for the shopper and, because the process is mechanical, another measure to help ensure minors are not in possession of age-restricted items."

U.S. Armed Forces Identification cards as the primary ID for active duty uniformed services members and shall be used to identify the member's eligibility for benefits and privileges, according to DoD instruction on scanning IDs to verify age.

"In this case the Exchange is identifying whether the shopper is eligible to purchase age-restricted items," said Williams. "As a result, I believe this effort is consistent with the DoD's intent behind 'smart' IDs and am excited about the efficiencies combining it with the Exchanges' point- of-sale system presents. Furthermore, I'm confident this process is protecting the benefits of authorized shoppers by verifying ages on items, such as knives and mature rated music, video and games, as well as tobacco and alcohol."