The Marine Corps Smart Technologies Pilot is American Express' second government smart card project. The Marine Corps Smart Technologies Pilot also is American Express' second multi-application smart card. In May, the Company announced the Hilton Smart Card pilot , a multi-function smart card that allows business travelers to automatically check in and check out at designated Hilton Hotels. Besides the e-purse application, Marines can use The Marine Corps Smart Technologies card for a variety of functions. To effectively track the issuance and retrieval of weapons, the Marines are using the smart card to enhance the process of checking weapons in and out of the armory.
Marines insert their smart card into hand-held computers used by the armorers.
Information stored on the smart card's chip identifies the cardholder and what weapons can be issued. The time and date for all weapon transactions are recorded in a central database. A food service application, also stored on the smart card chip, lets food service providers automatically identify a Marine's meal plan and whether payment is due. In addition, the smart cards improve the manifesting process, identifying and tracking Marines as they board designated transports, such as buses, ships or helicopters. Information, including name, rank, social security number, and platoon code, is stored on the chip and read by smart card readers that are deployed with the Marines.