What is the purpose of the Common Access Card (CAC)?

The Common Access Card (CAC) serves as a key tool within the military for both access and identification purposes. Primarily, its function is to provide a secure means of validating the identity of service members, Department of Defense civilians, and eligible contractors who require access to government facilities and information systems. The CAC ensures that only authorized personnel can enter secure areas, access sensitive information, and utilize various military services.

By incorporating technology such as smart card capabilities, the CAC facilitates the use of encrypted digital signatures and certificates, which enhance security and streamline the processes of enrollment and access to both physical and digital resources. Given its essential role in military operations, the option that highlights military access and identification is indeed the most accurate. The other choices, while related to identification or tracking, do not pertain directly to the specific function and context of the CAC in the military environment.