Has anyone gotten one of the photo ID cards from CAP lately? I know the first batch looked like garbage, have they improved the design since then?
I was thinking about ordering one the next time I renew my membership, but I'm not going to if they still look like someone made them in their basement.
Quote from: justin_bailey on August 01, 2007, 05:06:50 PM
Has anyone gotten one of the photo ID cards from CAP lately? I know the first batch looked like garbage, have they improved the design since then?
I was thinking about ordering one the next time I renew my membership, but I'm not going to if they still look like someone made them in their basement.
They cleaned up the card and resolved some of the transparency issues and replaced the "super low res" command patch graphic. However, the hologram is a sticker on the card and the colors don't always bleed to all of the edges. Even when your photo meets the exact pixel dimensions set by NHQ, they distort it disproportionately and smash your photo into a different sized box.
Overall, it has a professional enough appearance to look legit. I've also enjoyed just handing gate guards one card instead of "Here's my CAP membership card, and my state driver's license, and if you'll notice the name on both matches and..." ;D
Does it come with the same picture that's in yours, cuz I'm way better looking than that guy.
Funny story, not even related, so I'm waaaaayyy offf topic...but real quick...
Back in the day of hand writing or typing in 101 cards, it said "affix optional photo". My friend, a Lt Col with 30+ years in CAP, put a picture of Che Guevara in the photo area. When questioned, he said it clearly stated to affix an optional photo, so I did.
Back to the regularly scheduled program. I think Justin got what he was looking for so I figured it was safe to throw this in...
See, I would define that as still looking like garbage.
The smaller fonts are blurry. The scroll and prop should have white backgrounds, not transparent. They should accept higher resolution pictures so they look better when they're printed. I won't get started on the whole "U.S. Civil Air Patrol" thing, but the other command patch did look better.
Oh well. The membership begged for photo IDs for years, we never said we wanted them to look good.
Ahhh, the window scraper. Used it a lot in the snow and ice.
I agree, I think it looks like crapola. As I've said before, I created better looking ID/Credentials on powerpoint.
There's a company called Identicred that makes law enforcement and federal ID cards. I've seen their products and they rock.
I think this is an example of someone not in the know taking lead on a project.
Its kind of like having an admin guy in a police department order all the duty gear instead of taking input from the officers who will use it.
Perhaps they should have solicited input from the ranks asking what we want in an ID card.
How long from the time you placed your order for the new id card, until the time itactually arrived in the mail? Did you go someplace and have your picture taken or did you take it at home?
Quote from: brasda91 on August 02, 2007, 03:34:55 PM
How long from the time you placed your order for the new id card, until the time itactually arrived in the mail?
The first card when I "pre-ordered" before they were ready, it took forever and arrived only two months before my membership (and thus the new card) expired.
Since then, I've ordered two more. One for my latest renewal, and then somebody promoted me so I ordered a third. Those came very quickly - within about a week or so, if I recall correctly.
Quote from: brasda91 on August 02, 2007, 03:34:55 PMDid you go someplace and have your picture taken or did you take it at home?
We took them in front of a white projector screen at the squadron with a digital camera. I just processed them in Photoshop at work, and the commander or the individual members uploaded them.
Well, I took the plunge and ordered my photo ID card today. I must say that following National's recommendations on picture size does not produce the quality of picture I desired. I worked on trying to get the best photo I could. Everytime I viewed it on the e-services website, it looked blurry. With no other idea or options to produce a better picture, I validated the last one and paid for the card.
Has anybody else hard a hard time producing quality photos within Nationals guidelines?
Here is how I do it for my squadron:
1. Take a high quality digital photo that includes the member from the belt line to about a foot over their head.
2. Open it in Photoshop Elements (came with my camera, but I think you can download it for free) and then crop it to 1.5" tall by 1" wide, try to crop so that you have from about 2" of torso below the shoulders to about 2" above the top of the head, with the center just below the nose.
3. Now save it as a new file and increase or reduce the quality as required to get about 30K (29.9K is pretty common).
4. Upload it.
If you try to zoom in and only get the mug shot with the camera, you can't effectively reduce the size of the file enough to get a photo that meets the spec. By starting with a large photo, after you crop away 3/4 - 7/8 of it it's about the right file size and of good quality.
Works good for us...
I don't much like the expiration date. Why have an extra expense in a Photo ID that expires and a membership card.
Our membership card should be a photo id. Anyone think of any ways to make that happen?
Woudl it mean a squadron "Photo Night."
Quote from: Al Sayre on August 17, 2007, 09:03:09 PM
increase or reduce the quality as required to get about 30K (29.9K is pretty common).
I can't figure out how to do this. I'm using Corel Paint Shop Pro on Vista
Quote from: brasda91 on August 17, 2007, 09:28:16 PM
Quote from: Al Sayre on August 17, 2007, 09:03:09 PM
increase or reduce the quality as required to get about 30K (29.9K is pretty common).
I can't figure out how to do this. I'm using Corel Paint Shop Pro on Vista
I haven't used PSP in a while, but look for a "Save for Web" or "Export" option of some kind in the File menu. It should be around the "Save" and "Save As..."
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 17, 2007, 09:20:44 PM
I don't much like the expiration date. Why have an extra expense in a Photo ID that expires and a membership card.
Our membership card should be a photo id. Anyone think of any ways to make that happen?
Woudl it mean a squadron "Photo Night."
Maybe, now that you are getting rid of the contingent that is so paranoid about disruption that they tell you on the application blank that membership is a "privilege" and make it expire every year so they can block you if they don't like you, you can get a quality ID card with a reasonable expiration date. My Coast Guard Auxiliary ID card, which has a red background behind my picture to indicate that I have had a comprehensive background check and have certain privileges of access, has a five year expiration date. I'm glad we got into this subject, because it is about due for renewal.
Quote from: Skyray on August 17, 2007, 09:42:48 PM
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 17, 2007, 09:20:44 PM
I don't much like the expiration date. Why have an extra expense in a Photo ID that expires and a membership card.
Our membership card should be a photo id. Anyone think of any ways to make that happen?
Woudl it mean a squadron "Photo Night."
Maybe, now that you are getting rid of the contingent that is so paranoid about disruption that they tell you on the application blank that membership is a "privilege" and make it expire every year so they can block you if they don't like you, you can get a quality ID card with a reasonable expiration date. My Coast Guard Auxiliary ID card, which has a red background behind my picture to indicate that I have had a comprehensive background check and have certain privileges of access, has a five year expiration date. I'm glad we got into this subject, because it is about due for renewal.
I would like to be able to have an photo id that I can use in my CAP functions. My Photo Id expired the week before the National Board, I should have been able to use it at the airport if necessary.
I had a photo ID when I was a member, but that was so long ago that I don't remember how long it was good for. They shouldn't be paranoid about issuing a long term ID, it only took them a fax to revoke mine, which still had ten months to run, when Tony decided that my attitude about him was disqualifying for membership.
My point is that it is easy to revoke a membership card, and having them renewable every year is a drag on both sides of the equation. Without the proper data at National, there is very little you can do with an ID card.
Skyray, by now we are all very aware of your troubles. Some people might even sympathize, so it would be just swell if you could leave the passive-aggressive stuff for the Mil.com boards. kthx
Quote from: tedda on August 17, 2007, 11:03:07 PM
Skyray, by now we are all very aware of your troubles. Some people might even sympathize, so it would be just swell if you could leave the passive-aggressive stuff for the Mil.com boards. kthx
It's not passive-aggressive. It is a valid critique of a paranoia among the leadership that is costing CAP money, and causing the members to have to haul around
two ID cards, one of which they have to buy.
PM sent
PM received, and you are right.
Quote from: Skyray on August 18, 2007, 12:08:11 AM
PM received, and you are right.
tedda is always right, and when he might be wrong, he can just Photoshop something to make him appear right. ;D :angel:
Some catch on quick.
I recently had the need to re-order mine and it only took about a week.
One thing I noticed, the latest version has the "U.S." added to the top line.
Quote from: Eclipse on August 18, 2007, 03:29:35 AM
I recently had the need to re-order mine and it only took about a week.
One thing I noticed, the latest version has the "U.S." added to the top line.
Ick.
I was thinking about ordering one, but now, not so sure. . .
Quote from: RogueLeader on August 18, 2007, 03:43:44 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 18, 2007, 03:29:35 AM
I recently had the need to re-order mine and it only took about a week.
One thing I noticed, the latest version has the "U.S." added to the top line.
Ick.
I was thinking about ordering one, but now, not so sure. . .
Crayons, dude.
I ordered mine (the new one) 2 weeks before the National Board, it is still not in my wallet~
Here is one take on what the new new ID Cards SHOULD look like.
Maybe a removable AUX ON/AUX OFF feature?
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 18, 2007, 04:59:31 AM
I ordered mine (the new one) 2 weeks before the National Board, it is still not in my wallet~
I just ordered a new one (dog chewed my old one) - took about three weeks to arrive
Quote from: Al Sayre on August 17, 2007, 09:03:09 PM
Here is how I do it for my squadron:
1. Take a high quality digital photo that includes the member from the belt line to about a foot over their head.
2. Open it in Photoshop Elements (came with my camera, but I think you can download it for free) and then crop it to 1.5" tall by 1" wide, try to crop so that you have from about 2" of torso below the shoulders to about 2" above the top of the head, with the center just below the nose.
3. Now save it as a new file and increase or reduce the quality as required to get about 30K (29.9K is pretty common).
4. Upload it.
If you try to zoom in and only get the mug shot with the camera, you can't effectively reduce the size of the file enough to get a photo that meets the spec. By starting with a large photo, after you crop away 3/4 - 7/8 of it it's about the right file size and of good quality.
Works good for us...
The 1.5 tall by 1 wide aspect ratio is critical. You will often see pictures that have a "head squashed-in from the sides" appearance. That is from someone putting in a square (height = width) aspect ratio picture in. The system will convert it to 1.5 x 1, with those results
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 17, 2007, 09:20:44 PM
I don't much like the expiration date. Why have an extra expense in a Photo ID that expires and a membership card.
Our membership card should be a photo id. Anyone think of any ways to make that happen?
Woudl it mean a squadron "Photo Night."
The intent of the National Board was for the current photo ID to completely replace the membership card, so an expiration date was required on the photo ID card. The NB was uncomfortable mandating it for all members, since there would need to be an additional charge for it. USAF has prohibited appropriated funds from being used on ID cards and ID card systems, and there weren't enough unrestricted corporate funds to pay for it - hence the charge to members.
IMHO it's an important thing and we should have a photo ID/membership card for all members. That would also require all members have an acceptable picture in e-services, which many do not. I don't have a problem with requiring a photo in e-services, in fact IMHO all members should have an acceptable photo in e-services as a part of the application package (and condition of membership)
Who would be willing to have a $4 fee as a regular fee to membewrship renewal for the ID card for all members? It would have an expiration date consistent with the renewal - i.e. if you renew for one year, your $4 get you an ID card good for one year. If you renew for three years, your $4 gets you an ID card good for three years.
QuoteWho would be willing to have a $4 fee as a regular fee to membewrship renewal for the ID card for all members?
Certainly not me. I'm sure CAP could come up with better ways to spend an additional quarter million dollars than on id cards.
Quote from: RiverAux on August 19, 2007, 04:59:41 PM
QuoteWho would be willing to have a $4 fee as a regular fee to membewrship renewal for the ID card for all members?
Certainly not me. I'm sure CAP could come up with better ways to spend an additional quarter million dollars than on id cards.
Are you happy with our current membership card situation?
Happy as a clam.
The only people who see my card are in CAP and the security folks when I make an infrequent visit to the AFB. Since they will make us jump through all the same hoops as any other civilian no matter what our card looks like, spending an extra $4 to get the same treatment doesn't make much sense to me.
The important cards to me are my CAP business cards. Those are the ones that people from other organizations associate with me and CAP. I give one of those to someone when I meet them, not flash my id card.
I am still hoping CAP-USAF gets with the program and grants at the minimum contractor ID cards to CAP Senior Members. Hell there are people in CAP who do more for the AF than some National Guard Airman.
With the new DoD CAC cards coming out, they will show exactly what services and benefits the card holder are entitled to right on the from of the card. How hard would it be to put on a CAP members DoD "no commissary, no exchange" That is what they are worried about. They could care less if we go to the bowling alley on base......but heaven forbid letting us buy something at the Exchange.
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 07:34:31 PM
I am still hoping CAP-USAF gets with the program and grants at the minimum contractor ID cards to CAP Senior Members.
I don't believe this is a CAP-USAF thing, or even a USAF thing. I think this is a local base policy based on whomever is in charge of security.
My first year billeted our local installation saw a number of us with contractor IDs. A new civilian head of security nixed that, along with our stickers. A year went by, new faces, we asked nicely and our stickers cames back with little issue. The contractor ID has never been necessary since we got the sticker.
I'm pretty happy with the status of the ID's - they could be better, but serve the need for those of us >with< a need.
As to the photo, I went to great pains with my people to submit photos of the exact proporations and have never seen them scaled improperly. Forcing it into a square, though will result in the weird scaling.
Quote from: Eclipse on August 19, 2007, 09:59:31 PM
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 07:34:31 PM
I am still hoping CAP-USAF gets with the program and grants at the minimum contractor ID cards to CAP Senior Members.
I don't believe this is a CAP-USAF thing, or even a USAF thing. I think this is a local base policy based on whomever is in charge of security.
My first year billeted our local installation saw a number of us with contractor IDs. A new civilian head of security nixed that, along with our stickers. A year went by, new faces, we asked nicely and our stickers cames back with little issue. The contractor ID has never been necessary since we got the sticker.
I'm pretty happy with the status of the ID's - they could be better, but serve the need for those of us >with< a need.
As to the photo, I went to great pains with my people to submit photos of the exact proporations and have never seen them scaled improperly. Forcing it into a square, though will result in the weird scaling.
Bob, are these stickers from the NTC Great Lakes or from Scott AFB ?
Quote from: Eclipse on August 19, 2007, 09:59:31 PM
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 07:34:31 PM
I am still hoping CAP-USAF gets with the program and grants at the minimum contractor ID cards to CAP Senior Members.
I don't believe this is a CAP-USAF thing, or even a USAF thing. I think this is a local base policy based on whomever is in charge of security.
My first year billeted our local installation saw a number of us with contractor IDs. A new civilian head of security nixed that, along with our stickers. A year went by, new faces, we asked nicely and our stickers cames back with little issue. The contractor ID has never been necessary since we got the sticker.
I'm pretty happy with the status of the ID's - they could be better, but serve the need for those of us >with< a need.
As to the photo, I went to great pains with my people to submit photos of the exact proporations and have never seen them scaled improperly. Forcing it into a square, though will result in the weird scaling.
Did you receive BASE ID cards, or the CAC ID Card? I was referring to the CAC ID card that is the same as military members get. I am also familiar with the Base ID cards that give non-DoD individuals access to the base, that are produced locally and are not at all similar to CAC cards. I would not mind either being approved for CAP.
Quote from: SAR-EMT1 on August 19, 2007, 11:02:59 PM
Bob, are these stickers from the NTC Great Lakes or from Scott AFB ?
Great Lakes.
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 11:13:36 PM
Did you receive BASE ID cards, or the CAC ID Card? I was referring to the CAC ID card that is the same as military members get. I am also familiar with the Base ID cards that give non-DoD individuals access to the base, that are produced locally and are not at all similar to CAC cards. I would not mind either being approved for CAP.
These were the base-issue contractor photo ID's, which actually pre-dated the CAC and were issued while
military IDs still (basically) resembled the CAPF 19 (which most of us carried then.
I can't speak for other places, but because we play by the rules up here (conservatively at that, believe me we value our relationship with the Navy, and since my offices and the LO's offices are up there, its my *** if we screw it up), we'd had no issues with access, including running CAP events on both the NTC and RTC on a regular basis.
But again, this is due in large part because we have a great LO who is a known presence on the base, and we always carry ourselves up here as guests.
Quote from: JC004 on August 18, 2007, 04:15:33 PM
Maybe a removable AUX ON/AUX OFF feature?
Yeah! It can be in the hologram, so if you show it slightly to the left, you can use to to enter a USAF base and if you show it slightly to the right, you can use it to... what is it we do that's not USAF funded again?
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 11:13:36 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 19, 2007, 09:59:31 PM
Quote from: mikeylikey on August 19, 2007, 07:34:31 PM
I am still hoping CAP-USAF gets with the program and grants at the minimum contractor ID cards to CAP Senior Members.
I don't believe this is a CAP-USAF thing, or even a USAF thing. I think this is a local base policy based on whomever is in charge of security.
My first year billeted our local installation saw a number of us with contractor IDs. A new civilian head of security nixed that, along with our stickers. A year went by, new faces, we asked nicely and our stickers cames back with little issue. The contractor ID has never been necessary since we got the sticker.
I'm pretty happy with the status of the ID's - they could be better, but serve the need for those of us >with< a need.
As to the photo, I went to great pains with my people to submit photos of the exact proporations and have never seen them scaled improperly. Forcing it into a square, though will result in the weird scaling.
Did you receive BASE ID cards, or the CAC ID Card? I was referring to the CAC ID card that is the same as military members get. I am also familiar with the Base ID cards that give non-DoD individuals access to the base, that are produced locally and are not at all similar to CAC cards. I would not mind either being approved for CAP.
Yeah... umm... those base cards caused major terrorism issues for Ft. Dix when they were issued local pizza delivery guys. I hear Ft Dix is no longer issuing them. BTW... Ft. Dix base cards were not welcome at McGuire AFB and there was an SP checkpoint operating during duty hours when you go from one to the other on the Texas Ave side.
Quote from: afgeo4 on August 20, 2007, 03:35:28 PM
Quote from: JC004 on August 18, 2007, 04:15:33 PM
Maybe a removable AUX ON/AUX OFF feature?
Yeah! It can be in the hologram, so if you show it slightly to the left, you can use to to enter a USAF base and if you show it slightly to the right, you can use it to... what is it we do that's not USAF funded again?
not Air Force funded: buying trophies for the proposed national SAR competition (so says CAP-USAF)...so if we need ID to get into Walmart to buy cheap trophies, we can use the CAP side of the hologram... >:D
Quote from: JC004 on August 20, 2007, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: afgeo4 on August 20, 2007, 03:35:28 PM
Quote from: JC004 on August 18, 2007, 04:15:33 PM
Maybe a removable AUX ON/AUX OFF feature?
Yeah! It can be in the hologram, so if you show it slightly to the left, you can use to to enter a USAF base and if you show it slightly to the right, you can use it to... what is it we do that's not USAF funded again?
not Air Force funded: buying trophies for the proposed national SAR competition (so says CAP-USAF)...so if we need ID to get into Walmart to buy cheap trophies, we can use the CAP side of the hologram... >:D
oooh... would it work at Wal-Mart too?
Speaking of wallyworld... if we are allowed to purchase items tax-free for organizational use from commercial sources, why can't we purchase them tax-free from the BX/PX? That would just put more money into AAFES.