RAPIDS self-service portal – streamlined access

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Fewer headaches can be expected from obtaining an identification card at MacDill Air Force Base. A new web application has been introduced Air Force-wide to assist service members with updating their personal information for Department of Defense ID card reissuance.

The application, called the Real-time Automated Identification System, allows Common Access Card holders to change personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System from a CAC-enabled computer.

According to Tech. Sgt. Genna Gonzales, 6th Force Support Squadron NCO in-charge of customer service, the system was started to make getting an ID card faster. Before the new system was introduced, a sponsor had to accompany their family member to a RAPIDS location, wait in line, and have an operator make the change for them.

With the new system in place, sponsors can now easily verify family members, digitally sign a request form, and save requests through the RAPIDS self-service portal to the family member's record, Gonzales said.

MilConnect brought the RAPIDS self-service portal to fruition. It also provides service members and their family members a single, authoritative view of their authorized medical, dental, commissary, exchange, family life insurance, educational benefits, and morale, welfare and recreation entitlements-- 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Patrons who go into the ID card office will find shorter lines, said Airman 1st Class Maycoll Hurtado, 6th Force Support Squadron customer support technician. He said customers seem to be getting through the process faster.

Not only has RAPIDS made business easier for those in need of an ID, but it has also helped the Military Personnel Squadron decrease wait times for customers, said Gonzales. Since some things can now be done from a CAC-enabled computer, employees at MPS now have a less intense job.

Service members can access the RAPIDS self-service portal by going to milconnect.dmdc.mil and logging in using their CAC card or by making a DS login.
Customers can make their own ID card appointments by visiting https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil. Allowing members to make their own appointments gives customers flexibility in choosing a date and time to get their ID card made, said Gonzales.
When visiting MPS, customers should know what they need to have with them. The MPS website at http://www.macdillfss.com/mainmenusub-ss.aspx?SectionID=335 has a list of documents needed.

MPS customer service is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After 12 p.m. on Wednesday, slots are by appointment only. MPS is closed the third Wednesday of each month after noon. MPS can be reached at 813-828-2276 or 813-828-2278.