It's worth getting an ID if you live near a base because you can take advantage of some of the benefits bases offer. You also should receive a commisary card, which you can use 6 or twelve times a year ( I can't remember which). I was always sent the card in the mail, but I can't remember who it came from. You can also shop at the post exchange, kind of like a small Walmart. The prices aren't always the best there, but you never pay sales tax.
For those that don't know the commisary is a non-profit grocery store located on pretty much every base. The have pretty cheap prices on food. Some stuff is about the same prices as Costco, but you don't have to buy in bulk. Meat is pretty cheap there too.
