The "W" in a circle on your military ID (Common Access Card or CAC) signifies an affiliation color code, specifically indicating "White."
Your Common Access Card (CAC) displays various pieces of information to identify your role and affiliation within the Department of Defense. The "W" within a white circle, typically located under the expiration date on your CAC, is part of a standardized system designed to visually categorize cardholders based on their affiliation.
Understanding Affiliation Color Codes on Your CAC
This system for affiliation color codes was implemented starting in July 2015. All Common Access Cards issued since then incorporate these codes to help streamline identification processes and enhance security. The codes are simple letters, each representing a specific affiliation type, presented within a white circle.
There are three primary affiliation codes you might encounter:
- W (White): This code generally designates military personnel.
- G (Green): This code is typically used for contractors.
- B (Blue): This code usually identifies non-military personnel, such as civilian employees or specific categories of dependents.
This coding system provides a quick visual reference for distinguishing different groups of cardholders.
Affiliation Code Breakdown
To provide a clear overview, here's a breakdown of the common affiliation codes found on CACs:
| Code | Affiliation Category | Common Association (General) |
|---|---|---|
| W | White | Military Personnel |
| G | Green | Contractors |
| B | Blue | Non-Military Personnel/Civilians |
Note: While these are the general associations, specific interpretations can sometimes vary slightly depending on the issuing command or agency's internal policies.
Other CAC Enhancements
In addition to the introduction of affiliation color codes, the Common Access Card design also underwent another practical enhancement around the same time. The font size used for the cardholder's name was adjusted. This modification ensures that the full name of the cardholder can be printed clearly and entirely on the card, even for individuals with longer names, further improving overall clarity and identification.
These updates are part of ongoing efforts to improve the security, functionality, and clarity of the military's primary identification card. For more information about the Common Access Card, you can visit the official CAC.mil website.
