Do Veterans Continue to Wear Their Dog Tags Post-Military Service?

Many veterans choose to keep and wear their dog tags after leaving the military, often as a powerful symbol of their service and identity. These small metal necklaces serve as more than just identification; they are a personal reminder of their experiences, camaraderie, and the sacrifices made during their time in service. In this article, we explore the reasons why some veterans continue to wear their dog tags and others have chosen to discontinue the practice.

The Symbolism of Dog Tags

For many veterans, wearing dog tags is about more than just practicality. Dog tags often bear the service member’s name, identification number, blood type, and emergency contact information. These tags can serve as a tangible link to a soldier's past, symbolizing the pride in their service and the bond formed with their fellow soldiers. Some veterans wear them as a way to honor fallen comrades or to maintain a connection to their military past. As one veteran mentioned, 'Dog tags are really great, especially if you are in remote regions of the world. You can lose your wallet, but not so likely your dog tags.' These small accessories can be lifesavers in emergency situations, providing critical information about the wearer.

Another veteran shared his perspective, stating, 'I had my dog tags with my SSN on them, but I stopped wearing them. There's no reason to risk them getting into the wrong hands, maybe voting for someone else.'

Personal Choices and Experiences

The continuation of wearing dog tags is a highly personal decision that reflects individual experiences and sentiments about their service. Some veterans never wanted to part with their original dog tags, even if they were issued by the Army. One such veteran recalls, 'Mine were thrown out… I had a GI can opener on the small section... I had a new one made, but it’s not the same. I made my Ike jacket with my SFC stripes and CIB that I was proud of and all ribbons both earned and those that go with the 3rd Inf. Div creed.'

Another veteran who served in the UK forces shared, 'Dog tags are not routinely worn after operational deployment. If "vets" are wearing them, it is something they have cheapened themselves by doing after their service. Personally, I cannot see any reason whatsoever to wear them once retired.'

Practical Considerations

Some veterans have discontinued wearing dog tags due to practical issues. One such example is an ex-soldier who found dog tags cumbersome and uncomfortable. They wrote, 'I used to wear them religiously for many years. I thought that since my blood type was on there it could be a life-saver if I was ever in an accident. Then I talked to some nurses. No one ever told them blood type was on the tags. They wouldn’t even look if I was in an accident. I stopped wearing them except when deployed because frankly they're a pain in the ass. The chain regularly pulled hair on my back and chest, and I’m not super hairy. They flop around as you move, and they jingle without rubber keepers which also pull hair.'

Another veterans shared their sentiment of removing the dog tags after retirement in 2017, saying, 'Could not tell you where they are now other than in a box somewhere."

Conclusion

Whether or not a veteran continues to wear their dog tags is a deeply personal decision. For some, these small metal necklaces are a powerful and continuous symbol of their pride and service. For others, the discomfort and risk of potential misuse are reasons enough to stop wearing them. The decision is ultimately one that reflects their individual experiences and sentiments about their military service.