Introduction:
In the Navy, dog tags are used to identify soldiers who have died in battle. The history of dog tags dates back to the Civil War, when they were first used by the Union Army.
Dog tags were originally made of brass and had the soldier’s name and regiment stamped on them.
During World War I, the U.S. government began issuing dog tags to all military personnel. The purpose of the dog tag was to identify the body of a soldier who had been killed in action. The dog tag was also used to notify next of kin of a soldier’s death.
Today, dog tags are no longer issued by the Navy. The decision to stop issuing dog tags was made in 2006, after a review of the cost and changing needs of the Navy.
One reason for the change was that privacy concerns made it difficult to keep track of soldiers’ personal information on file.
The History of Dog Tags
The origins of Dog tags:
The history of the dog tag is a long and varied one. The first known use of identification tags on soldiers dates back to the Roman Empire. These tags, called “signaculum,” were used to mark soldiers’ belongings so that they could be easily identified and returned if lost in battle.
In the 18th century, British soldiers began using metal disks with their names and regimental numbers stamped on them. These disks were worn around the neck or attached to clothing.
In the American Civil War, both Union and Confederate soldiers used identification tags. The Union Army issued leather discs with metal plates that had the soldier’s name, rank, company, and regiment stamped on them.
The Confederate Army also used leather discs, but these did not have metal plates and were instead stamped with the soldier’s name, rank, and unit information. After the war, many veterans kept their ID tags as mementos.
In 1906, the U.S. Army introduced standardized dog tags for all soldiers. These tags included the soldier’s name, serial number, blood type, religion, and next of kin information.
The purpose of these tags was to help identify bodies and notify relatives in case of death or injury on the battlefield. The army also began issuing two identical tags so that if one was lost or damaged, there would still be a record of the soldier’s identity.
How Dog Tags are Used in the Navy?
Since 2006 The US Navy has stopped issuing paper service records and started maintaining all personnel data electronically Through THE NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND (NAVPERSCOM).
Sailors have secure access to their personnel records including medical data training, history assignment , history performance, evaluations awards, decorations pay information, and more sailors can request replacements for lost or mutilated identification cards as well as update their contact information.
Dog tags are no longer issued by navy however service members are still required to wear uniforms with proper identification.
When in uniform, THE NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND (NAVPERSCOM) will provide each sailor with a laminated card which contains all essential identifying information such as full name date of birth, social security number, religious preference ,blood type , height, weight, etc.
In addition each time a sailor changes his/her hairstyle, he she must update his her photograph through THE NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND (NAVPERSCOM) website.
Why the Navy Stopped Issuing Dog Tags?
1: The cost of Dog Tags:
The cost of producing and issuing dog tags has risen in recent years. In 2013, the Navy spent about $4 million on dog tags for sailors. In 2017, that number had risen to $8 million.
The Navy has been working to reduce the cost of dog tags, but it is still a significant expense for the service.
2: The changing needs of the Navy:
The Navy’s needs have changed in recent years, and the service no longer sees the need for all sailors to have dog tags.
In the past, dog tags were used primarily for identification purposes. But with advances in technology, the Navy now has other ways to identify sailors, such as biometric data and facial recognition software.
3: Privacy concerns:
Some sailors are concerned about privacy issues associated with having their personal information on a dog tag. In particular, there have been concerns about the possibility of identity theft if a sailor’s dog tag is lost or stolen.
What happens to dog tags when a soldier dies?
When a soldier dies, his or her dog tags are usually returned to the family. Sometimes the dog tags are buried with the soldier, but this is not always the case.
If the dog tags are not buried with the soldier, they may be kept by the family as a memento.
The military will also usually notify the next of kin when a soldier dies and will return any personal belongings to them.
This includes the dog tags, if they were not buried with the soldier.
What does it mean when a soldier gives you his dog tags?
When a soldier gives you his or her dog tags, it is a sign of trust and respect. It shows that the soldier trusts you enough to share something so personal and intimate.
The act also shows that the soldier respects you enough to want to keep you safe.
There are two main reasons why a soldier would give his or her dog tags to someone else.
- The first reason is for identification purposes. If the soldier is killed in action, the dog tags can help identify the body.
- The second reason is more personal. Some soldiers believe that their dog tags contain a piece of their soul. By giving them to someone else, they are giving that person a part of themselves.
There are many stories about soldiers giving their dog tags to loved ones before going into battle. It is seen as a way of ensuring that, even if they do not come back, they will still be with the people they love.
In some cases, soldiers have given their dog tags to complete strangers as a way of saying thank you for your kindness or as a gesture of goodwill.
If you are ever given someone’s dog tags, it is important to treat them with care and respect. This is not just an item – it is a symbol of somebody’s life and sacrifice.
Are old Dog Tags Worth Anything?
Old dog tags can be worth a lot to the right collector. While there is no set value for old dog tags, collectors are willing to pay handsomely for rare or historic tags.
The most sought-after dog tags are those belonging to famous soldiers or those with unique features. For example, a set of dog tags belonging to General George Patton would likely fetch a high price at auction. Similarly, a set of dog tags from World War I would be highly coveted by collectors.
While there is no guarantee that your old dog tags will be worth anything, it is certainly worth doing some research to find out.
There are a number of online resources that can help you assess the value of your tags. You may also want to consider contacting a local antique dealer or collector to get their opinion.
FAQs:
Q: Do military still get dog tags?
A: Yes, every member of the armed forces is issued at least two dog tags.
The dog tags include the individual’s name, blood type, Social Security number and religious preference.
Q: Why do soldiers wear 2 dog tags?
A: One tag is to be worn at all times on a chain around the neck. The other is kept in the person’s gear and used if the body is unidentifiable.
The second tag also has emergency contact information in case the body is unidentifiable.
Q: Are veterans buried with their dog tags?
A: Yes, veterans are typically buried with their dog tags.
The dog tags usually go in the casket with the veteran. They are placed on the body before it is buried. The family may also choose to keep the dog tags as a memento.
Q: What does a notched dog tag?
A: The actual history of the notch is much less gory. The notch on this sort of tag was only present because of the embossing machine in use at the time it was manufactured, which was in the early 1970s. It let the device to keep the empty tag while it was being stamped out.
Q: Can I wear my dad’s dog tags?
A: While it is not recommended, as it can cause confusion in identification, some people choose to wear a family member’s dog tag as a sign of honor and respect.
However, if you do choose to wear a family member’s dog tag, it is important to make sure that the information on the tag is correct and up to date.
This way, if something were to happen to you, first responders would be able to quickly and easily identify you and your family.
Conclusion:
The Navy stopped issuing Dog tags in the late 20th century for a number of reasons, including the cost of production and changing needs of the Navy.
While Dog tags are no longer issued, they still hold a great deal of meaning for soldiers and veterans. When a soldier gives you his Dog tags, it is a sign of trust and respect.