When do you go into DEERS to get military id when retiring?

[soldieradvocate]

Medically retiring and confused about sequence of steps. Does the soldier go into RAPID site to get identification cards for self and family before or after actual retirement date? Am concerned about being able to access MTF for medical treatment post retirement. Want to make sure have proper id.

 

[soldieradvocate]

Update: just spoke with DEERS. They said you can go in before retirement date but you will be without an ID card until after retirement date. They cancel current card automatically when you apply for retired military id. She suggested waiting until first day of retirement to come in to get new card.