Identification tags have been used in combat for hundreds of years, and they have a rich history of use throughout the battles and wars of the United States. Soldiers in early American conflicts created makeshift ID tags from whatever materials they could find and, over the years, the military standardized them into the ubiquitous pair of stainless steel rectangles we know today.
In this guide, well cover the small (but important) differences between the official dog tags of each branch of the U.S. military. Well also take a look at the history of identification tags, and cover some non-military uses for modern dog tags.
At TacticalGear.com, we offer dog tags in multiple styles, from classic stainless steel, to Special Forces black, to red medical tags. We also offer customizable, personalized dog tags made with the same machines used by the United States Army to ensure authenticity and strict adherence to military standards.
Let me take you behind the scenes of one of military’s most recognizable symbols – the humble dog tag If you’ve ever wondered “are dog tags still used?” the simple answer is yes But there’s so much more to these small metal identifiers than meets the eye!
As someone who’s been fascinated with military memorabilia for years, I’ve researched extensively to bring you the most up-to-date information about these iconic identification tags Despite all our technological advances, these simple metal plates continue to play a crucial role in modern military operations worldwide
The Current Status of Military Dog Tags
Dog tags are indeed still issued by the U.S. military to all service members. While their design and information have evolved over time, they remain a standard and required piece of identification. These tags are a fundamental component of a service member’s gear reflecting their continued importance in modern military operations.
Let me break it down for you:
- Active duty personnel across every branch of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) receive dog tags
- Reservists and National Guard members are also issued these identification tags
- Dog tags are typically issued early in the enlistment process, often during initial processing at basic training
Despite the digital age we live in, there’s something irreplaceable about the physical dog tag that technology simply can’t match. Their simplicity and reliability make them invaluable in combat situations where electronic systems might fail.
What Information Do Modern Dog Tags Contain?
The information stamped on dog tags has changed over time, primarily to protect service members’ privacy and provide essential medical information. Modern U.S. military dog tags typically include:
- Full name
- Department of Defense ID Number (which replaced Social Security Numbers in 2015)
- Blood type
- Religious preference
It’s worth noting that different branches might have slight variations in the arrangement and inclusion of certain details. For example, Marine Corps tags might include gas mask size, while others might list allergies or medical conditions.
The Evolution of Dog Tags Through History
The concept of military identification tags has a fascinating history that dates back further than you might think!
From Civil War to Modern Day
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), soldiers improvised identification methods by:
- Pinning paper notes with their name and address to the backs of their coats
- Stenciling identification on knapsacks
- Scratching info into the soft lead backing of army belt buckles
The U.S. Army officially authorized identification tags in 1906, initially as a single aluminum disc. By 1916, regulations changed to require two tags – one to remain with the body for identification and the other for record-keeping.
Over the decades, we’ve seen significant evolution:
- Materials changed from aluminum to more durable stainless steel
- Information expanded to include blood type and religious preference
- The transition from Social Security Numbers to DoD ID Numbers in 2015 for enhanced privacy
The Famous “Notch” Mystery Solved
There’s a persistent myth about the notch found in World War II and Korean War era dog tags. Many believe it was designed so that if a soldier found a fallen comrade, they could place the tag between the deceased’s teeth to ensure identification.
The truth is far more practical! The notch was actually designed for use with the Model 70 Addressograph Hand Identification Imprinting Machine – a device used primarily by the Medical Department to quickly transfer soldier information onto medical forms. The notch ensured proper alignment in the machine.
Dog Tags Around the World
Different countries have developed their own unique approaches to military identification tags. Here’s how some nations handle their versions of dog tags:
Australia
Australian soldiers receive two differently shaped tags – one octagonal and one circular. If a soldier dies, the circular tag is removed while the octagonal one remains with the body.
Canada
Canadian Forces ID disks are designed to be broken in two if a fatality occurs. The lower half returns to National Defence Headquarters while the upper half stays with the body.
United Kingdom
British Armed Forces use two circular non-reflecting stainless steel tags referred to as “ID Disks” with the soldier’s blood group, service number, last name, initials, and religion.
Israel
IDF dog tags are designed to be broken in two, with information appearing in three lines. Recruits receive two complete dog tags – one worn on a necklace, and the second broken into halves and placed in special pouches within their military boots.
Russia
The Russian Armed Forces use oval metal tags containing the title “ВС РОССИИ” (Russian for ‘Armed Forces of Russia’) and the individual’s alphanumeric number.
Why Dog Tags Remain Relevant Today
Despite all our technological advances, dog tags continue to serve vital purposes in modern military operations:
- Immediate identification in chaotic or emergency situations
- Critical medical information like blood type that can be life-saving
- Religious preferences to ensure proper spiritual care
- Operational resilience – they don’t require batteries, network connections, or special equipment to read
- Cultural significance and tradition that connects service members to military heritage
As one veteran explained to me, “In a world where everything’s going digital, there’s something reassuring about having your identity literally hanging around your neck. When systems fail, dog tags don’t.”
Modern Alternatives and Supplements to Traditional Dog Tags
While traditional dog tags remain standard issue, militaries worldwide are exploring additional identification methods:
- Biometric identification systems using fingerprints or facial recognition
- RFID tags embedded in dog tags or worn as wristbands
- Smartphone apps for storing and sharing vital information
- Medical tattoos (sometimes called “meat tags”) with essential medical information
The table below compares traditional dog tags with these newer alternatives:
| Feature | Dog Tags | Biometric ID | RFID Tags | Smartphone Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple to read | Requires equipment | Needs reader device | Requires smartphone |
| Security | Physical security risks | Biometric data vulnerable | Radio signals can be intercepted | Data vulnerable to hacking |
| Universal Access | Readable by anyone | Requires common language | Requires compatible tech | Requires internet access |
| Cost | Low-cost | High-cost | Medium-cost | Low-cost |
Non-Military Uses of Dog Tags
The iconic status of military dog tags has led to their adoption beyond military contexts:
Medical Identification
Similar to military tags, civilian medical ID tags can:
- Identify wearers with conditions that might incapacitate them
- Warn about allergies or adverse medication reactions
- Provide emergency contact information
- State objections to specific medical treatments
Fashion and Cultural Statement
Dog tags have found their way into youth fashion as military chic. They may be inscribed with personal details, beliefs, or may bear the name or logo of a band or performer. However, some military personnel consider this use disrespectful or as “stolen valor.”
After the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, dog tags became a powerful symbol of solidarity with hostages. People in Israel and elsewhere began wearing military dog tags or specially made ones with phrases like “bring them home now” as part of awareness campaigns.
The Future of Military Identification
While dog tags continue to serve their traditional purpose, military forces globally are exploring how to integrate this time-tested identification method with emerging technologies.
Some potential future developments include:
- QR codes on tags linking to secure medical and identification databases
- Smart dog tags with embedded microchips containing encrypted information
- Integration with wearable health monitoring technologies
- Biodegradable or environmentally friendly materials for tags
So, are dog tags still used? Absolutely. These simple metal identifiers have withstood the test of time because they solve a critical problem in the most direct way possible – providing immediate identification when it matters most.
Despite our technological advances, the humble dog tag continues to hang around the necks of service members worldwide, serving as both a practical tool and a powerful symbol of military service and sacrifice.
As military technologies continue to evolve, it seems likely that the dog tag will adapt rather than disappear – a rare example of a century-old technology that remains relevant in our digital age.
Have you ever worn dog tags or have a family member who did? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
U.S. Military Dog Tags by Branch
Much like uniforms and footwear, every branch of the United States military wears dog tags, but, much like uniforms and footwear, the tags contain slight differences from branch to branch. The dog tags themselves are almost always made from stainless steel, and theyre usually worn on a ball chain, but the identifying information they bear depends on each branchs individual regulations.
Soldiers dog tags contain important identifiers, including each soldiers first name, last name and middle initial. Army dog tags used to feature soldiers Social Security numbers, but the Army started issuing tags with Department of Defense identification numbers instead in November of 2015. The tags also include the wearers blood type and religious affiliation. The information is laid out as follows, line by line:
- Last name
- First name, middle initial
- DOD ID number
- Blood type
- Religious affiliation
Emergency medical dog tags are worn by service members who have medical diagnoses that may affect them in the course of their duties. These red, aluminum tags contain important information that can be relayed to medical professionals in case the wearer becomes unresponsive. The information found on them goes as follows, line by line:
- Last name, first name, middle initial, DOD ID number
- Allergy information
- Medical conditions (and other potential complications)
- Prescription medication information
Note: Due to the varying nature of the ailments of each particular servicemember, there is a bit of leeway afforded in how the information can be displayed on the tags.
Marine Corps dog tags mostly feature the same information as Army dog tags. However, the last name, first name and middle initial are separated onto two lines, and the blood type is featured on the same line as the first name and middle initial. Marine Corps dog tags include the abbreviated branch name on them (USMC), with each Marines gas mask size included on the same line (S — small, M — medium, L — large). Religious affiliation goes on the last line. The identifying information on each tag is laid out like this:
- Last name
- First name, middle initial, blood type
- DOD ID number
- “USMC,” gas mask size (S, M, or L)
- Religious affiliation
The U.S. Navys dog tags are the simplest and most straightforward of any branch. Sailors tags include their last name, first name and middle initial, all on one line. The next line contains the wearers DOD identification number followed immediately by the branch abbreviation: USN (with no space). On the same line is the sailors blood type, usually with plus or minus signs to indicate their Rh factor (instead of writing out “POS” or “NEG”). Religious affiliation goes on the final line. Heres the information line by line:
- Last name, first name, middle initial
- DOD ID number followed by “USN” (no space), blood type
- Religious affiliation
In 2019, the U.S. Air Force began taking actions to change their uniform regulations to match the Armys OCP uniform adoption. This included changing their uniform clothing to the occupational camouflage pattern (from the digital tiger stripe pattern) and wearing coyote brown boots (instead of sage green).
Air Force dog tags were affected by the changes as well. The biggest change was the removal of the branchs identifying initials (AF) from the dog tags. Now, airmens ID tags follow the exact same template as the Army:
- Last name
- First name, middle initial
- DOD ID number
- Blood type
- Religious affiliation
The Coast Guards dog tags are very similar to that of the Navy: last name, first name and middle initial on the first line, followed by a DOD ID number and branch abbreviation (USCG, no space). The blood type, however, is placed on the third line. Religious affiliation still goes last. Line by line, the information looks like this:
- Last name, first name, middle initial
- DOD ID number followed by “USCG” (no space)
- Blood type
- Religious affiliation
Special forces dog tags were mandated by the military in January of 1967. Instead of the traditional silver colorway, these ID tags are black to provide concealment during night operations. Black special forces dog tags are used by elite combat groups like the Navy SEALs, Delta Force, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. Theres no official designation as to what goes on the tags, but based on the standards of other ID tags, special forces dog tags may look something like this:
- Last name, first name, middle initial
- DOD ID number
- Blood type
- Religious affiliation
- Unit
Though we may think of them as a relatively new idea, the history of military identification tags goes back very far — all the way to the 2nd century, in fact (and possibly even earlier). Battles are vicious and chaotic and, especially in a pre-DNA era, soldiers were worried that no one would be able to identify them in case they fell on the battlefield. Military identification markers have changed quite a bit over the years, but the idea behind them has been the same for centuries: to identify oneself in the event that they make the ultimate sacrifice.
As historical literature goes, military IDs started with the Spartans (which is unsurprising, given their well-known warrior culture). Polyaenus, a second-century author, mentioned in his writings that Spartas hoplites would sometimes go into battle with sticks tied around their left wrists. These sticks were carved with soldiers names and other identifying information in case they were killed in battle.
Roman soldiers used a type of dog tag as well. They were called signacula (singular: signaculum), and they were a bit more sophisticated than those of the Spartans. Made from lead as opposed to simple wooden sticks, soldiers carried them into battle in a leather pouch. The tradition of military ID tags would continue over the years, making their mark during the conflicts of the early United States.
By the time the Civil War broke out in April of 1861, there was still no official system for battlefield identification among the American armed forces. Faced with the same fears as the Spartan and Roman soldiers before them, Union troops got creative with their identification methods. Some soldiers wrote their names and home addresses on scraps of paper and pinned them to the backs of their coats. Others put their ID on their knapsacks. Some resorted to scratching their names into old coins, bits of round lead or copper, and even the lead backings of their belt buckles. Still others took a queue from the Spartans, carving their names into chunks of wood theyd wear on strings around their necks.
Manufacturers were quick to take notice of these makeshift solutions and began to advertise personalized pins engraved with soldiers names, units and branches of service. A New Yorker named John Kennedy even offered to make thousands of tags for the War Department, but they declined his offer.
Troops continued to make or purchase their own dog tags throughout the war. Despite soldiers best efforts, historians maintain that, by the end of the conflict, as many as 40% of the Union Armys dead remain unidentified. It was becoming clear to the nation (and its military, in particular) that their battlefield identification problem was not going away.
On the heels of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, Charles C. Pierce — an Army chaplain in charge of the Armys morgue — recommended in 1899 that the entire Army should have some kind of lightweight, portable documentation they could carry into battle. Later, on December 20th, 1906, the U.S. Army authorized War Department General Order No. 204, which stated that each soldier would carry one coin-shaped, aluminum tag that featured the corps, company, rank, regiment and/or name of the wearer.
Just under a decade later on July 6th, 1916, the War Department amended the order, requiring two ID tags instead of just one. One aluminum tag was to remain with a deceased soldiers body, and the other was to be taken by the individual in charge of burying their body to ensure no instances of mistaken identity. It was at this point that the modern concept of military dog tags began taking shape.
Veterans, is a civilian wearing a relative’s dog tags classed as stolen valor? ️
FAQ
Are dog tags still used today?
Today, dog tags are still used by many militaries around the world, although the design has evolved over time. In addition to the soldier’s name, rank, and serial number, modern dog tags may also include other information such as blood type, allergies, and religious affiliation.
Does the military still use dog tags?
Conclusion In conclusion, yes, the military still uses dog tags, but with some significant changes. While modern technology has introduced new alternatives, dog tags remain an essential part of military protocol. Their simplicity, ease of use, and tactical advantage make them an indispensable tool for military personnel.
Who uses dog tags?
The use of dog tags is not limited to the military, as civilian organizations and individuals also use dog tags as a form of identification. This has led to the development of a range of dog tag styles and designs, from simple and functional to elaborate and decorative.
Where did dog tags come from?
Though the concept was originated for actually identifying dogs in the 1800’s, the phrase or name “dog tag” was coined by the military and comes from the military tradition of assigning a set of identification tags to military personnel that resembles the identification tags that are often worn by dogs. Soldiers start the trend
Can civilians buy dog tags?
Can civilians purchase dog tags? Yes, civilians can purchase dog tags, although they may not be identical to those issued to military personnel. Many online retailers and military surplus stores sell replica dog tags, which can be customized with the buyer’s name, initials, or other information.
Are dog tags safe for pets?
While dog tags are widely accepted as a means of identification for humans, there is some controversy surrounding their use for pets. Some pet owners feel that dog tags are uncomfortable for their pets to wear, while others express concern that the tags may get caught on objects or cause injury to the animal.
Do they still wear dog tags?
Today, dog tags are used in the U.S. military both out of respect for their tradition and for quick identification purposes.
Are dog tags still fashionable?
Since the late 1990s, custom dog tags have been fashionable amongst musicians (particularly rappers), and as a marketing give-away item. Numerous companies offer customers the opportunity to create their own personalized dog tags with their own photos, logos, and text.
Does the military still provide dog tags?
Considerable technological advances have come along since Vietnam, including the ability to use DNA to identify remains. But despite these advancements, dog tags are still issued to service members today.Feb 11, 2021