Mary Allen
Introduction: The History of Military Dog Tags
The use of identification tags in the military dates back to ancient times. However, it was not until the American Civil War that metal tags were used to identify soldiers. Over the years, these tags have evolved into the modern-day dog tags that are used by military personnel across the world.
Ancient Times: The First Use of Identification Tags
The first known use of identification tags dates back to ancient China, where soldiers wore tags that identified their name and rank. Similarly, the Romans used similar tags to identify their soldiers. However, it wasn’t until the American Civil War that the use of identification tags became widespread.
The American Civil War: The Emergence of Metal Tags
During the American Civil War, soldiers on both sides of the conflict wore identification tags made of paper, fabric, or other materials. However, these tags were easily damaged or lost. In 1862, a surgeon in the Union Army suggested the use of metal identification tags, which were stamped with the soldier’s name, unit, and other information. This idea quickly caught on, and metal tags became the standard for identification in the military.
World War I: The Need for Standardization
During World War I, the use of identification tags became even more important. However, there was no standardization in the design or use of these tags, which made it difficult to identify soldiers who were wounded or killed in action. To address this issue, the military began to develop standardized tags that included the soldier’s name, serial number, and other important information.
The Birth of the Dog Tag: An Army Solution
In 1906, the United States Army adopted a new system of identification tags made of aluminum. These tags, which were oval-shaped and threaded on a cord, became known as "dog tags" because of their resemblance to a dog’s collar. The tags included the soldier’s name, rank, and serial number, as well as other information that could be used to identify the soldier in case of injury or death.
The Development of Modern-Day Dog Tags
Over the years, dog tags have evolved to include additional information, such as blood type and religious preference. In addition, the tags have been made of different materials, such as stainless steel and plastic. Today, dog tags are an important part of military identification and are used by soldiers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
William T. Sherman: The Father of the Dog Tag
Although the concept of identification tags had been around for centuries, it was General William T. Sherman who is credited with inventing the modern-day dog tag. During the Civil War, Sherman ordered his soldiers to wear tags that included their name, rank, and regiment. This idea was quickly adopted by other commanders, and the use of identification tags became widespread.
Identification Tags in the Navy and Air Force
Although the Army was the first branch of the military to adopt identification tags, the Navy and Air Force soon followed suit. Today, all branches of the military use identification tags as a way to identify their personnel and ensure that they receive proper medical treatment in case of injury.
Changes in Dog Tag Design and Usage
Over the years, there have been several changes to the design and usage of dog tags. For example, during World War II, soldiers were issued two tags instead of one, so that if one tag was lost or damaged, the other would still be available for identification. In addition, the tags have been made of different materials and have included additional information, such as the soldier’s blood type.
The Importance of Dog Tags in Modern Warfare
Dog tags have become an important part of military culture and are seen as a symbol of service and sacrifice. In addition, they play an important role in modern warfare by helping to identify soldiers who are injured or killed in action. Without identification tags, it would be much more difficult to ensure that soldiers receive proper medical treatment and that their families are notified in case of death.
Conclusion: A Lifesaving Invention
The invention of the modern-day dog tag is a testament to the importance of identification in the military. Over the years, these tags have evolved to include more information and be made of different materials, but their purpose remains the same: to ensure that soldiers are properly identified and receive the care they need in times of war. Without dog tags, the military would be much less prepared to deal with the challenges of modern warfare.
References and Further Reading
- "Dog tags." The National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. Accessed 8 March 2021.
- "Evolution of the Dog Tag." U.S. Army. Accessed 8 March 2021.
- "Identification tags (dog tags)." U.S. Navy. Accessed 8 March 2021.
- "The History of Dog Tags." Military Benefits. Accessed 8 March 2021.