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Recruits will no longer need a REAL ID to fly to basic training
By Jeff Schogol ·
Task & Purpose
· Wednesday, February 11, 2026
· 1 min read
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Military recruits traveling to training are getting a break. The process of getting to basic training just became easier. A new agreement between the Defense Department and the Transportation Security
Military recruits traveling to training are getting a break. The process of getting to basic training just became easier. A new agreement between the Defense Department and the Transportation Security Administration is helping recruits without certain identification get through airport security.
Recruits from all branches are benefiting from this change. They will receive special treatment at security checkpoints. This treatment is similar to what is given to veterans on certain trips.
Further details about this new process are available from the Pentagon. The change is intended to make it easier for recruits to get to their training locations.
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Our analysis The Defense Department's collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration to exempt military recruits from REAL ID requirements for basic training travel highlights the challenges of implementing national security measures while ensuring accessibility for various groups. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, has been gradually phased in, with the TSA only recently requiring compliant identification for airline passengers. This exemption acknowledges that some recruits may not have had time to obtain a REAL ID, particularly given the timeline for reporting to basic training. By providing "white glove" treatment and waiving the alternative identity verification fee, the government is taking steps to facilitate a smoother transition for new recruits, allowing them to focus on their training rather than logistical hurdles. This move also underscores the need for flexibility in implementing national security policies to accommodate diverse populations, including those serving in the military.
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