Carrying something that can identify us during wartime
It may not seem like a new thing, but it has happened in every war.
Throughout hundreds of thousands of years of human history,
But in the US military, one item that was used
Until it became the first country that could make it look uncomplicated.
and spread this belief throughout the world.
Yes, that's a "Dogtag".
Identify soldiers on the battlefield
Illustration: Spartan shield wall
In ancient times, Spartan warriors designed their own shields.
To have a unique identity so that if you die in war,
The shield he uses can be tracked down and sent back to his wife and children at home.
Even though it may seem like a good and impressive idea, think about the time you have to sit down.
Carving your own shield is probably quite a difficult task for one person.
Of course, it takes quite a while to make one.
Not knowing whether it might be lost during the battle or not.
Illustration: Signaculum of the Roman Legonaire
Later, the Roman warrior Lejonnais began to carry round lead plates in bags.
Then it is hung around the neck and is called a signaculum.
This circular lead plate is the first piece of evidence in history.
Let's talk about the origins of the dog tag.
This lead plate contains information including the name of the Lejonaire warrior and the area in which he was stationed.
Next, identification tags were distributed to the soldiers.
These identification signs of the Chinese Empire in the mid-19th century
Made of wood, carried on the belt, and the information is on the label.
Specify the soldier's name, age, birthplace, combat unit, and date of enlistment. 
History of the Dog Tag
During the American Civil War
Some soldiers in the war had their identities pinned on them.
On the uniform, such as name and home address
Some people use the method of writing their information on their backpacks.
Or write on the belt buckle
Due to the observation of the manufacturer
And with the observation of the merchants at that time,
which began to see the demand for identification tags for use in combat
Manufacturers have therefore begun advertising the need for identification labels.
To the combat soldiers and their families, these identification tags
They are usually embroidered with the military branch to which the soldier belongs and are carved.
It is the name of a soldier and the unit he is stationed in.
Identification plates produced by stamping machines are usually produced with
Made of brass or lead, and often featuring an eagle or shield on one side.
And in some pieces, the names of the battlefields that were fought on the other side are also indicated.
However, these identification tags must be purchased by the soldiers themselves.
Or family, so not everyone can own it.
Illustration: Dog tag of a US soldier during World War I.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that identification tags became a thing.
Part of a real American military uniform.
In 1906, Order No. 204 was issued by the Ministry of War.
(The Ministry of Defense at that time) stated that all soldiers must carry
Aluminum identification signs are always on display.
Order No. 204 states that identification tags should be worn around the neck.
Under the uniform, hanging by a cord or rosary through a small hole.
The holes are drilled on the identification tag and the identification tag is described in detail.
It has become one of the standard uniforms of the US military.
Identification tags were distributed to conscripts free of charge.
But commissioned officers still have to pay for it.
By 1916, the U.S. Army had changed its rules.
Two identification tags must be carried, one of which will be with the person.
And another label must be sent to the data recording department.
Two years later, the US Army introduced the number
The Ministry of Defense members came to use it, but it didn't last long.
Because it would add too much workload to the process.
Which was later abolished and changed by
Enter the social security number instead.
During World War II, the round plate was replaced.
With a curved rectangular plate that has become a design that is still used
Up until today, this is the turning point that historians
It is believed that this was when identification tags were first called dog tags.
Because it's like a name tag attached to a dog's neck.
So what's on the dog tag?
Over the years, the information printed on dog tags
It has also changed with time and era.
And each armed force has different information at present.
But what has remained the same since ancient times is the existence of
Soldier's name, religion and blood type
During World War II, there were only three religions.
That soldiers can identify on their dog tags.
P for Protestant, C for Catholic, and H for Hebrew (Jewish).
But today, there are many different options.
Since NRP (No Religious Preference)
Up to D for Druids, there is no official religious or religious prohibition to specify.
For the US Marine Corps dog tags, there is a little more information.
That is the size of the gas mask that the soldier was wearing.
The current dog tags still use a two-dog tag system, which means that for one soldier,
There will be 2 dog tags attached to the body, the first one will be hung from a long neck strap.
And another one hanging from a shorter cord.
The dog tags we see today haven't changed much.
It's been around since the Vietnam War, but there have been discussions.
Regarding the change of data on the dog tag, it is proposed to add another dog tag.
To identify military information, medical information and historical data.
Some dog tags today have a rubber coating on the edges.
To reduce the noise between dog tags, which can cause harm.
If a loud noise occurs at the wrong time and place
Modern dog tags are expected to incorporate microchip technology.
To be able to record soldiers' medical history information.
And dentistry
If you think about it, the issue of dog tags identifying soldiers
It has come a long way since its origins as a Spartan shield.
But it still retains its original purpose, which is to identify soldiers.
And it will be another thing that will be brought back to his beloved family.
When he left this world,
Source
https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/why-theyre-called-dog-tags?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1
Written by Jessica Evans September 16, 2020
Translated by Thepphong Chaiyarat on September 18, 2020
Compiled by Ranakrit Sriphumma on September 18, 2020.
