[ArmyTeach]

Question. Just renewed my ID card. I've long known that there is a scannable bar code on the back of my military ID. They often scan it as we drive on post. Is that trackable beyond recording that I'm on post? In other words, what does the bar code do? Anyone know?

[dcwusmc]

The bar code contains certain information about you, not sure of the totality of it, that, when scanned, can tell if you are authorized to be in certain areas, etc. But it cannot be read from a distance, as an RFID can be...

[Still Thinking]

Question. Just renewed my ID card. I've long known that there is a scannable bar code on the back of my military ID. They often scan it as we drive on post. Is that trackable beyond recording that I'm on post? In other words, what does the bar code do? Anyone know?

Barcode, no. The RFID chips, depending on the tech, can be read up to a few inches or in some cases 10 or 20 feet, so the sensors can be placed at choke points you have to pass and the locations chained into a narrative of where you go and how long you stay. The barcode isn't getting read any time you're not aware of it, unless you're wearing it around your neck and it's facing forward. Purely line of sight.