The U.S. Department of Defense is researching the possibility of extending the functionality of the Common Access Card to include integration with physical access control systems. The Common Access Card is issued to active members of the military, the National Guard, reserve personnel, civilian military employees, and eligible contractors. Defense Department officials use the card as a flash badge and to access computer networks.

The current Common Access Card will soon be replaced with new credentials that meet the FIPS 201 standard and feature a contactless interface for physical access control. The DOD is also looking to issue an alternative smart card to personnel who aren’t eligible for a Common Access Card, but still require some type of card for physical and logical access.