Army To Retire Meal Cards

The Army plans to do away with meal cards, in hopes of shortening long lines at dining hall facilities. The Association of the U.S. Army reported Aug. 19 that the ubiquitous cards would be replaced by a newer system that employs the Common Access Card. The change should take effect by Oct. 1. Lines would move faster because a swipe of the new cards would verify if a soldier is entitled to be fed. The old meal cards require being punched by an attendant, or flashed while someone signs holders in and out of the facilities.