The Rules and Importance of Wearing Dog Tags in the Military

The use of dog tags, or identification tags, has been a fundamental practice in military operations since the American Civil War. These small but crucial pieces of identification have played an essential role in ensuring that soldiers are recognized and identified, especially in the event of injury or death in combat.

Historical Background and Development

The concept of using tags to identify soldiers can be traced back to the American Civil War in 1863, where General Meade's troops wrote their names and unit designations on paper tags, which were pinned to their clothing. This practice was a significant step in ensuring that soldiers could be identified, and many troops took it upon themselves to mark their personal belongings as well.

1863: General Meade's troops pinned their names and unit designations on paper tags to ensure identification in case of casualties. 1899: The first official advocacy for issuing identification tags by the Federal Government was initiated by Chaplain Charles C. Pierce. 1913: The Army Regulations made identification tags mandatory; by 1917, all combat soldiers wore aluminum discs around their necks.

By World War II, these round aluminum tags were replaced by the familiar oblong shape we recognize today. Since then, the importance of dog tags has never wavered.

Current Role of Dog Tags

Even in today's modern warfare, dog tags remain a critical component of military identification procedures. The Department of the Army is currently developing a new tag that can hold 80% of a soldier's medical and dental data using a microchip. Known as the Individually Carried Record, this new tag is intended to complement the existing dog tags and improve identification accuracy.

The Myth of the Notch

A common myth about dog tags is that the notch on the tag, which was used between 1941 and the early 1970s, served as a way to hold the jaws of a fallen soldier closed. However, there is no official record of American soldiers being instructed to do so. Instead, the notch on the tag served as a mechanism to identify the remains and ensure that no tags were lost during the recovery process. Any tags found around the neck stay with the remains, while tags found elsewhere are noted but not removed until they are needed for temporary interment.

It is also important to note that if there is only one tag present, another is made to match it. If the remains are unidentified, two tags marked with the same information are used.

Personal Responsibility and Awareness

Despite the importance of dog tags, many military personnel, especially those stationed in the Continental United States, may neglect to wear them. It is crucial that all soldiers understand the importance of these tags and take action to ensure they are always worn. Wearing dog tags is not only a simple action, but it is also one of the easiest ways to achieve readiness and ensure positive identification in the event of injury or death.

When worn correctly, the information on a dog tag can speak volumes. This small metal tag can provide vital information about a soldier, such as their name, unit, and any medical conditions, which can be critical in ensuring their accurate identification. Without these tags, the uncertainty surrounding a soldier's identity can cast doubt on their families and complicate the identification process.

Conclusion

Wearing dog tags is not just a mandatory practice; it is a symbol of responsibility and dedication to the memory of fallen soldiers. By wearing and taking care of our dog tags, we honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service to our country. Remember, the information on a small aluminum tag can mean the difference between uncertainty and true closure for those left behind.