[JRTJH]

When I joined the Air Force "many years ago" we were given a AFN (Air Force Number) that was our "identity" on everything. Then, around 70-75 (can't remember the exact year) that was converted to using the SSAN, reportedly to simplify the amount of special identifiers. We all complained and pointed out that on the social security card, it plainly states, "NOT TO BE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES" Didn't matter to the "4 stars" do it anyway.... Now, the military is/has moved away from the "9 digit SSAN"....

There was a time that it was printed on my checks because I had to write it on the face or I couldn't cash a check on base.... In today's society, identity theft is just too easy to accomplish. I'm reluctant to help someone "steal me"....