Didn’t think retirees could get them.
Yes it is required amd you can keep old card for souvenir. New card also serves as “real id”.
I’m not a retiree and have one that has an INDEF expiration date and gives the rank as what I had over 50 years ago as an E5 SP5. The card gives me any on-base privilege a retired person gets.
The basis for my getting one is being 100%+ VA disabled. 100 percent plus means I’m home bound and legally required a caretaker.
My wife, who was never in the military, also has one. Her basis for getting one is being my care taker. With that she gets VA pay, VA medical and VA education benefits.
My point is, any of you out there that are rated as disabled to the point of being home bound are entitled to this ID card. Some of you may be eligible for home bound status but not know it. To get there you need two ratings above 50%. They won’t just give it to you, you have to apply for it. I applied for it as unemployable due to high disability ratings and got it.
Retirees - and their spouses - get them so they can access base services such as the BX and Commissary.
Last time we renewed my wife’s they made it “indef” (like mine) so we shouldn’t have to do it again unless one gets lost.