-Bull-
I knew that, hence why my DS held onto his military ID, and because of the ACA aka Obamacare, DS did not pay for tri-care while he waited to go ADAF. He used Tricare for Youths because as a military dependent child that was an option.a
~ He was commissioned, but because he was not AD, he had the option of both insurance policies. Going with us was cheaper. Plus, in the area that we live in, and where he stayed until reporting AD, many docs do not take on new tri-care patients. Keeping him on our Tri-Care meant he could keep his docs since he was not considered a new patient.
~ Our DD, not in ROTC, but when in grad school (22-23 years old) also used the same Tri-Care program for dependents.
Thus, I get what you are saying.
I still don't get the whole why anyone wants a CAC as an AFROTC AS100. AFROTC is not like AROTC or NROTC contracted cadets (scholarship). The contracted 100s are on scholarship, and AFROTC scholarships are known as a 2 +2.
~ In this case the OP has no guarantee that the AF will extend their scholarship for their last 2 years in college. Army and Navy it is a guaranty that it is for all 4 yrs as long as they meet the 2.5 cgpa, and pass their PFA.
DEERS, why would you want the CAC for DEERS? AFROTC is not like USAFA, you will still pay for a doc visit.
~ They are not AD, which means that they are at the bottom of the barrel, and most likely a chance in Hades to get to use any military facility. Hence, getting it for a healthcare aspect is a straw man defense.
Thompson brought up clothing sales. An Army Post unless it is joint (McGuire/Dix, Bragg/Pope, Ft. Rich/Elmendorf) will not carry service uniforms for each service. Sure, you can buy camo tees, or socks, at every base, but that is about it. The OP is only near an Army post, but is in AFROTC.
AFROTC cadets because it is the AF, knows about Hops aka Space A, but the thing is even ADAF stay away from them because if you have a must be back by X date, you don't risk the chance.
Thus, I am back to where I started from... why as an AS 100 do you want it? I am not trying to be rude. I just find it funny in a way. Maybe my kids took their dependent ID card for granted.
OBTW, here's the kicker and why I see it this way. Bullet retired in 2008 after 21 years,, I was married to him for 20 of those 21 yrs. My military dependent card expired in 2011. I only got it renewed in April 2014. That is how often I use it. For 3 yrs it sat in my wallet because I don't shop at the Commissary, in our area they are not accepting Retirees at any base/post for medical purposes, thus no need to renew it.
~ Renewed it because DS was winging (AF pilot) in Texas, and I wanted to make sure I could get on base easily since we were staying at the VOQs. Otherwise. my military ID would still be expired to this day. Truth be known, I would bet my kids that it will probably be at least a yr or 2 expired again before I get a new ID.
Just My Opinion. and just me saying until you are selected for SFT as an AFROTC cadet there is no need until the AF says you need one.