What are black dog tags?

What are black dog tags?

Black dog tags are specialized identification tags primarily used by elite military units, including Special Operations forces like Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Commandos, and Delta Force. Unlike standard-issue stainless steel tags, these are treated or coated to reduce reflectivity.

Historical Background

The use of black dog tags was officially mandated by a regulation issued on January 15, 1967, by the United States Army, Vietnam (USARV). The primary objective was to minimize glare and reduce the risk of compromised positions during covert operations in jungle environments.