All Soldiers wear them. On a regular basis they are inspected by commands to ensure that we haven’t sold them for a free (root) beer or something. They contain everything the military needs to know about us. They hang off a cheap, beaded chain. Some people have red ones to identify medical conditions quickly. They list basic items of information: Name, SSN, Blood Type, and Religion (if any). I have one that says “Infidel Warrior” as my religion.

Some Soldiers affix other religious items to their dog tag chains, like a crucifix or, in my case, an LDS dog tag. These began in WWII and are no given to Soldiers who ask for them when they join the military or deploy. One side says, “I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ‘Mormon’” and the other side says, “In case of need, notify LDS Chaplain or member” with a picture of the Salt Lake City Temple.

Many people have created their own personal dog tags as a fashion accessory. You can find them just about anywhere with just about any inscription on them. At most Wal-Marts, they even have a machine where you can make dog tags for yourself or your dog! Go figure. It’s just another piece of useless metal to hang around one’s neck.

However, to many troops, those dog tags serve a much significant purpose. It’s a symbol of a Fallen Warrior, present on all Fallen Warrior Memorials and hung from their rifle.

SFC Don Robinson, 1st of the 156, clenches the dog tags of his fallen comrade, 1LT Christopher W. Barnett, 1st of the 156th platoon leader. Robinson said Barnett made light of every situation, good or bad.

Having spent years on the research of these Dog Tags, formally known as Identification Tags, a book on the topic has been written by Ginger Cucolo, wife of former 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General and Dog Face Soldier Major General Tony Cucolo. Longtime readers of this site may recognize the name. He’s frequently used in the Nigerian Scams I write about. Yes, even today though MG Abe Abrams has taken over. But, I digress.

The new book is called “Dog Tags: The History, Personal Stories, Cultural Impact, and Future of Military Identification.” According to Ginger, “It is not a book that can be used as a reference, but one showing the personal and emotional connection these small items have for individuals and their families” and has not been addressed as thoroughly before now.

I haven’t read the book yet, but have a copy on its way. However, who am I not to jump the gun on the military spouse of a former Commanding General of the greatest Division on God’s green (and brown) earth?! It’s piqued my interest and I hope it piques yours!