What Goes on a Dog Tag Military?
In the United States military, a dog tag is a small piece of identification worn by members of the armed forces, typically around their necks. The information contained on a dog tag is critical in the event of a casualty, providing essential data to medical personnel, casualty collectors, and other relevant authorities. In this article, we will explore the contents of a dog tag and what goes on one.
Basic Information
A standard military dog tag consists of two identical pieces of metal, usually oval-shaped, made of silver or aluminum. Each dog tag contains the following essential information:
• Name: The wearer’s full name, printed in bold letters
• Service Number: A unique identifying number assigned to each member of the armed forces
• Rank and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): The wearer’s rank and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
This information is considered critical, as it allows medical personnel and other authorities to identify the individual in the event of a casualty.
Additional Information
In addition to the basic information, dog tags may also contain additional data, which may include:
• Blood Type: The wearer’s blood type, vital in the event of emergency medical treatment
• Religious Preferences: Information about the wearer’s religious beliefs and preferences
• Next of Kin Contact Information: The name, phone number, and address of the wearer’s next of kin
Standard vs. Custom Dog Tags
While standard dog tags conform to a specific format, some military branches and individual units may choose to issue custom dog tags, which may contain additional or modified information. For example:
• Airborne Units: Airborne units may include the wearer’s Parachute Wings patch on their dog tag
• Special Forces: Special Forces units may include additional information, such as a unit identifier or a nickname
Evolution of Dog Tags
The modern dog tag has its roots in the 18th century, when British sailors wore small tags around their necks to identify their ship and unit. Over time, dog tags became standard issue for the British and American military forces, with the design and information evolving to reflect changes in military technology and medical treatment.
Injury Response and Casualty Collection
In the event of injury or casualty, the dog tag plays a critical role in the injury response and casualty collection process. Medical personnel use the information on the dog tag to identify the injured individual, notify their chain of command, and communicate with next of kin. The dog tag also facilitates the transfer of the casualty to a higher-level medical facility or the wounded being transported to a military hospital.
Comparison of Military Dog Tags
| Military Branch | Dog Tag Size | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 1 1/4" x 1" | Name, Service Number, Rank, MOS |
| Navy | 1 1/8" x 7/8" | Name, Service Number, Rank, Specialty |
| Air Force | 1 1/4" x 1" | Name, Service Number, Rank, Job |
| Marine Corps | 1 1/4" x 1" | Name, Service Number, Rank, Military Occupational Specialty |
Conclusion
In conclusion, what goes on a dog tag military is essential information that provides critical identification and assistance in the event of injury or casualty. While dog tags have evolved over time, the core information remains the same, with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps having slightly different formats. It is crucial that military personnel understand the contents of their dog tag and the critical role it plays in supporting medical treatment and casualty response.
