What do British Army dog tags look like?

British Army Dog Tags

Unlike the single-plate designs often seen in other militaries, modern British Army dog tags consist of two distinct plates made from durable, non-magnetic surgical stainless steel. This material is specifically chosen because it resists corrosion and won't interfere with sensitive medical equipment or compasses.

When issued, the two tags serve specific purposes for identification and recovery. One tag hangs from a long 24-inch chain meant to be worn comfortably around the neck, while the second tag is attached to a much shorter 4.5-inch chain (often called a toe tag or dog chain). This dual setup ensures that if a soldier is injured, identification remains reliable and accessible under difficult field conditions.