DEERS & ID Card Services
Individuals eligible for services:
✓ Active Duty & Reserve Service Members
✓ Retired Service Members
✓ Military Dependents
✓ Civilian Federal Employees (requiring CAC access)
(All military branches and components are eligible for DEERS)
DEERS Services:
- Record Updates (marital status, enlistment status, etc.)
- Dependent Updates (spouse, children, etc.)
- ID Card/CAC issuance (initial, renewing, status change, name change, rank, etc.)
- College Student Eligibility (full-time)
- 100% Disabled American Veteran Benefit Eligibility
Two forms of ID are required for all DEERS services. One form of identification MUST be a valid photo ID. (Driver's License, Passport, etc.)
Click below to see required documents needed for your upcoming appointment!
All Soldiers must adhere to the grooming standards implemented by the Army, in accordance with AR 670-1, unless a religious exception has been granted. Supporting documentation is required to receive a CAC (not required for retirees or dependent cards).
ID TAG Engraving
The Benefits Center offers ID TAG engraving for military members actively serving. To submit a request, complete the ID TAG Request Form and follow the instructions below.
1. Service Members complete the request form. (All fields are required, see form for examples)
2. Scan & submit the completed request form to the DEERS distro: ng.il.ilarng.list.deers@army.mil
3. ID Tags engraved and packaged for pick-up by Benefit Center Staff
ID Tags MUST be picked up by the Service Member (SM) and/or owner. Service Members MUST show form of valid Photo ID to claim ID Tags. If the SM is incapable of claiming ID Tags in person, written consent is mandatory for a designated person(s) to acquire order on behalf of the SM (Email DEERS distro with name of designated person or identified on request form). ID Tags will be secured at the Benefits Center pending pick-up.
For bulk order requests, please provide a legible roster with ALL required information included on the ID Tag Request Form. Submission for these requests remains the same as individual orders. Bulk orders will need to be requested 30 days in advance with a scheduled pick-up date listed.
Official Passport Services
Official and diplomatic passport requests are processed for duty assignments overseas to regions that require passports or visas. Processing times range from 6-8 weeks for standard requests or 2-3 weeks if requests are eligible to be expedited.
To access passport forms, visit: Travel.State.Gov, and follow the instructions below.
1. Select U.S. Passport Tab
2. Answer Questions on page
3. If completing DS-11 for Initial Applications provided original Birth Certificate
4. If completing DS-82 for renewal provide old passport or original Birth Certificate
To schedule an appointment to request an Official, Diplomatic, or No-Fee passport please call (217) 761-3443 or email us by clicking here.
Retirement Service and Retirement Points Management
Retirement Points Management tracks, manages, and records creditable periods of service performed over the course of each year. Retirement NCOs maintain and revise retirement point records in support of ARNG Soldiers, ensuring the accuracy of creditable service calculated for all Soldiers. Retirement points statements are published annually for record. Soldiers are encouraged to review annual statements and report discrepancies through their designated S1 offices for processing.
Retirement Service Officers (RSOs) assist pending retirees by facilitating detailed retirement planning, conducting retirement record reviews, briefing reserve component retirement options/eligibility, and providing custom resources in support of each Soldier and family member in preparation of retirement. For Soldiers already retired, RSOs coordinate with partnered agencies to process and submit retirement pay applications, Reserve Component Survivor Benefits Plan (Grey Area) and Survivor Benefit Plan (Retired) elections and changes, and aid survivors of retirees with Survivor Benefit Plans.
Retirement Services Contacts:
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Retirement Service Officer:
SFC John Cowgill
ILARNG
217-761-3694
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RPAM NCO:
SGT Karly Simmons
ILARNG
217-761-3806
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AGR RSO:
SFC Kirsten Weller
ILARNG
217-761-3318
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To RSVP for an upcoming M-Day Soldiers' Pre-Retirement Briefing, click the link below.
FY2026 M-DAY PRB ROSTER TEMPLATE (xlsx)
Pre-retirement briefings are structured toward Soldiers and their spouses that have 16 or more years of creditable services. Soldiers who are pending medical separation are also encouraged to attend. Briefings will inform Soldiers about retirement-related benefits and entitlements assisting with the transition from the military.
The links below will also assist you in your search for information.
The 2026 US Army Retired Soldier Handbook outlines military status after retirement. It discusses benefits and privileges, and provides other information, which may be helpful in administering personal affairs.
The 2026 US Army Retirement Planning Guide helps you navigate your transition from the Army.
TRICARE Assistance
The Benefits Center cannot confirm TRICARE program enrollments or review bills. We can confirm enlistment status, order status, and ID Card statuses in DEERS for Active Duty, National Guard on Active Duty, and Retired Soldiers. Please call our office at 217-761-3307 to verify your military status in DEERS and get assistance with the best points of contact for your issues or concerns.
Visit milConnect to review benefits enrollments.
Call TRICARE directly for billing related issues, coverage inquiries or enrollment:
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TRICARE Pharmacy Program
Express Scripts
877-363-1303
877-882-3324 (specialty prescriptions)
Dental Programs
TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program
866-984-2337 (CONUS)
844-653-4058 (OCONUS)
TRICARE Dental Program
844-653-4061 (CONUS)
844-653-4060 (OCONUS)
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TRICARE For Life
866-773-0404
Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program
DMDC/DEERS Support Office
800-538-9552
Contact the DMDC/DEERS Support Office to check your TRICARE eligibility or for help with eligible-related issues.
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For a complete list of TRICARE contacts, visit TRICARE Patient Resources.
Currently Serving:
Medical Records
- Fill out DA543 from HERE and Fax to 217-761-3411 with Cover sheet.
Personnel Records
- Contact your Readiness NCO/S1 to make these requests
Tax Documents
Separated or Retired:
Medical Records
- Request from the National Archives by clicking HERE
Service Records & Employment Verification
- Contact Archives at 217-761-1747
Tax Documents