What do veterans have access to on base?
Asked by: Prof. Eve Bednar IV | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (63 votes)
The Department of Defense (DOD) in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today an improved installation access process for veterans and caregivers eligible for medical appointments, shopping at commissaries and exchanges, and taking advantage of certain morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) ...
Do veterans get access to military bases?
The new procedures allow these veterans and their eligible caregivers to enroll for recurring access to an installation, so that once they've completed that process, they can go directly to the installation gate and present the same credential to enter the installation at subsequent visits.
Can I use my VA ID to get on base?
Veteran ID does not grant access to base. You both will have to get a visitor pass for the post you wanna go to. You will need the veteran id to checkout at the commissary though.
Can veterans go to px on base?
All disabled Veterans can use their hard-earned Exchange benefit in person at PXs and BXs.
Can veterans go to gym on base?
You won't be able to use the gym; the fitness centers are one of the critical MWR programs that supports mission readiness for our military members. But you will be able to shop at the Exchange and commissary, and buy gas. And you can always shop online tax-free at shopmyexchange.com.
UPDATED: I use the New 2020 Base Access Benefit
Can veterans use the pool on base?
Swimming Pool
Active Duty Military, National Guard/Reserve, Department of Defense personnel, military and DoD civilian retirees, civilian DoD employees, their spouse and children who reside with them and are under 23 years of age. 100% Disabled Vets are also eligible.
Can veterans go on base to the commissary?
Obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and ensure it reflects eligibility through one of the required designations: SERVICE CONNECTED, MEDAL OF HONOR, PURPLE HEART or FORMER POW. The card and designation will be required during the commissary check-out process. Find out more about how to obtain a VHIC here.
Can veterans get on base housing?
“Active-duty service members remain our priority. However, as always, we are also proud to serve military retirees, DOD (Department of Defense) employees, contractors, non-active guard, reserve members and civilians as we have available homes.”
Can veterans use the USO?
According to the Census Bureau, there were 16.9 million veterans the United States in 2022. USO respects and honors all who have served our country; however, our limited resources and facility capacities do not allow USO to offer access to this military constituent group.
Can I shop at the Nex as a Veteran?
Eligible veterans can shop at: AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service): ShopMyExchange.com/ MCX (Marine Corps Exchange): MyMCX.com/ NEX (Navy Exchange): MyNavyExchange.com/
Can I shop on base with my VA card?
You don't need to apply, but you'll need to have the right kind of ID at checkout. You can show your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or a letter from VA along with your passport or driver's license. If you have questions, you can call us at 800-827-1000.
Can I fly with my VA ID?
Issued to many veterans who have served in the nation's military, a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) from the United States Armed Forces has multiple purposes — along with qualifying one for certain government benefits and discounts from some private businesses, it can also serve as TSA-approved identification ...
Can I bring someone on base with me?
To enter a military base, you must show your dependent ID card (if you are a military spouse) or have a military sponsor (your service member.) A service member can sponsor non-military guests on base. But they will need to either fill out a sponsorship form in advance or meet you in person at the gate.
Can I use my VA health ID to get on base?
Veterans who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for base access and to use these privileges. The card must display the veteran's eligibility status, whether that be service-connected disabled, former POW or Purple Heart recipient.
Can Veterans use the hotel on base?
Base Lodging
Disabled veterans can stay in military lodging on U.S. installations on a space-available (Space-A) basis. Some of the benefits of staying on base include clean, safe lodging, often for a better value than local hotels.
Who is eligible for commissary?
Basically, you can shop at a commissary if you're in one of these groups: Active, reserve or retired uniformed services members. Medal of Honor recipients.
Can veterans use TSA?
Veterans who are not enrolled in TSA PreCheck™ will be screened in standard screening lanes. Learn about the security screening procedures for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Can TSA PreCheck® benefits be used for both official and personal travel? Yes.
What airport lounges can veterans use?
USO Lounges for Service Members and Families. Members of the military have exclusive access to USO lounges in airports throughout the world. Spread all over the world, United Service Organizations (USO) lounges give service members and their families a place to relax before a flight.
Can veterans use the exchange?
In October 2021, Department of Defense and Coast Guard civilians and retirees were granted in-store and online shopping privileges. Additionally, all honorably discharged Veterans can shop the Exchange tax-free online for life. Veterans can verify their eligibility at https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/veterans.
Can veterans get base access?
Eligible veterans who do not have a VA-issued Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), as well as eligible caregivers, can enroll for installation access at the visitor center using their REAL ID Act-compliant driver's license or non-driver's identification card.
Do veterans get discounts on housing?
Finding Military Discounts On Homes
The good news is, there are Military Discounts on Homes in the U.S. The discount that is provided is in the form of a rebate or money back either at closing or after closing, depending on state laws.
What grants are available for 100% disabled veterans?
Specially Adapted Housing Grant
Specially Adapted Housing Grants (SAH) primarily help 100-percent-disabled veterans with mobility issues. For example, a veteran may need a wheelchair-accessible home to live independently. You can use the money to do things such as build ramps or widen doorways.
What VA rating do you need for base access?
Veterans eligible for DOD and Coast Guard installation and privilege access through previously-established DOD and Coast Guard policy (i.e., Medal of Honor recipients and veterans with VA-documented service- connected disability ratings of 100%) may obtain a DOD identification card to facilitate installation and ...
Can veterans still live on base?
Yes, You Can! Living in base housing isn't just for active-duty military personnel. Retirees, civilians, and other eligible individuals can also take advantage of the benefits that come with moving onto a military base.
How to get a veteran health identification card?
To get a VHIC, sign up for the VA health care program. After you sign up, contact an enrollment coordinator at your local VA medical center.