RAPIDS to the rescue Published Dec. 3, 2014 By Airman Cory W. Bush 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Reduced wait times can be anticipated when obtaining a new identification card here. An innovative web application has been introduced to assist card holders with updating their personal information for Department of Defense ID card support. The Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System was created by the Defense Manpower Data Center to allow common access card holders the ability to schedule an appointment online, eradicating steps in the process. According to Tech. Sgt. Heather Irish, 39th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of customer service, the system was created to make getting an ID card faster. Before the new system was announced, individuals would have to visit a Military Personnel Section location, and sign in to schedule an appointment for a different day to make changes to their information in the system. "With the old system, people would have to come in on two different occasions," said Irish. "Once to schedule a visit and another day for the appointment. With the new system, they can go directly to the site and schedule their appointment eliminating the first step." RAPIDS wasn't developed to eliminate the old method, but as an innovative alternative to make it easier for service members, streamlining the process for a more organized procedure. "It was pretty convenient because it only took a few minutes to go through the whole process," said Tech. Sgt. James Ryan, 39th Communications Squadron Wing Information Assurance manager. "Once you get to the RAPIDS site, all you need to do is find Turkey and the MPS option will show up to select an appointment date and time." According to Ryan, the RAPIDS scheduler is relatively easy and quick to use. Appointments are in 30-minute sessions. Customers needing more time should schedule back-to-back multiple sessions. Walk-in service will still be provided for emergency situations; however, appointments receive priority service. "The thing I liked most about the website is that it makes scheduling an appointment incredibly easy," said Ryan. "Also, it tells you what information and documents may be required for your specific appointment." Service members can access the RAPIDS appointment scheduler to set up their next appointment at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/, or by visiting 39th FSS MPS Office from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To create an appointment with the 39th FSS MPS: -Visit: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ -On the top left of the screen click "Make Appointment" tab -Under "Find an OCONUS Identification Card Issuance Office" select "Turkey" and then click "Go" -Then click on the "Select" button on the option below: 39th FSS-FSMPS Incirlik AB Incirlik Hava USSU Adana, Europe Turkey -On the right hand side you will see a schedule. Select the date and time slot for an appointment that best fits your schedule. -Enter your personal information and click "Submit" For more information you can contact the 39th FSS MPS at DSN 676-6771.