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The Implementation of an updated point-of-sale system using Common Access Cards will prompt cashiers to scan customers’ CACs for purchase of age-restricted items, including music and videogames.
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Exchange ID check goes hi-tech

Posted 10/5/2010 Email story   Print story

    


by Judd Anstey
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs


10/5/2010 - DALLAS, Texas (AFNS) -- 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.

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.

"Prior to implementation of the 'smart' ID cards, exchange associates had to visually inspect the identification in order to complete the sale," said AAFES Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. "Now, our scanners at the register can work directly with the card to verify eligibility."

U.S. Armed Forces Identification cards act 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.

"This is a convenience issue," Colonel Williams said. "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."

Colonel Williams said the new system will help with consumer safety and save shoppers time.

"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," he said. "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."



tabComments
10/14/2010 1:33:46 AM ET
I was shocked on my first beer purchase. Just another way to track who's buying what and when and give someone a chance to steal that information. Won't be long till we get that letter saying our info has been stolen.
wigman, AirForce
 
10/12/2010 10:09:39 AM ET
Are there a significant amount of underage active-duty military members attempting to purchase alcohol at the exchange? If there is then this may correct that problem. But if there isn't, this is a waste of time for everyone involved and not at all a convenience for the customer. As stated before if I'm still handing them my ID, there is no time savings.
Thomas, Florida
 
10/11/2010 9:23:34 AM ET
I don't trust the current gov't to not store the information in any way. I think this is a back door method to find out who is buying alcohol and cigarettes and use this information against them to deny coverage at a later date if they develop health problems from said legal adult activities. I refuse to let them scan my CAC due to my conspiracy theory and will be supporting my local economy from now on and NOT AAFES.
DrewP, Colorado Springs
 
10/7/2010 7:22:06 AM ET
In order for me to purchase an adult beverage at the shoppette here the cashier had to manually type in my SSN because his scanner would not read my RETIREE ID card. Easier to purchase off-base and avoid the hassle. Besides if I have a RETIREE ID card I think it's reasonable to assume that the birth date printed on the card is correct and I'm over 21.
TC, Tinker AFB
 
10/6/2010 10:44:30 AM ET
Where are the study results showing exactly how much time is being saved by implementing this I'm not against scanning the ID to verify age but I don't believe it will actually save time. Also how is it more convenient for the customer? Do I still have to hand my ID card to the cashier for them to scan it just like I had to hand my ID card to the cashier for them to look at my DOB? Or does the customer scan the ID themselves?
MM, FL
 
10/6/2010 9:17:34 AM ET
It is not convenience for the customer. It is strictly contol by AFFES. Is it any big deal? I hope not, but just be honest in what you say in public.
L. Julian, Robins AFB
 
10/5/2010 10:21:41 PM ET
I had to laugh when I read that the new system was more convenient. As a 59 year old retiree I think most clerks can determine that I am old enough to buy a six pack of beer without scanning the back of my ID card. Michael O'Halloran Colonel USAFR Retired
Michael O'Halloran, Colorado Springs CO
 
10/5/2010 8:18:08 PM ET
This concept is great if the person buying the age restricted item is active duty military but last time I checked my dependents' ID cards there wasn't a CAC barcode on them. So all this technology seems to me at least a waste of money. I mean how much is really age restricted to an active duty member other than alcohol?
Retired MSgt, Little Rock AR
 
10/5/2010 8:12:36 PM ET
Next time I purchase something at my BXPX Ill flash my retired ID card. Oops we dont get the Common Access Cards. Great idea.
John, Florida
 
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