What do soldiers do with dog tags?

The History and Purpose of Military Dog Tags

Since their official introduction by the Marine Corps in October 1916 through Order Number 32, identification tags—universally known as dog tags—have remained an essential piece of equipment for service members.

Beyond simply bearing a name, these small metal pieces carry critical information used to identify service members if they are wounded or killed in action. This ensures that fallen heroes can be properly accounted for and receive a suitable and respectful burial.

Today, while the technology and materials have evolved, the core mission of the dog tag remains unchanged: honoring those who serve by ensuring they are never forgotten on the battlefield.