Gathering military gear goes beyond obvious uniforms, personal protective equipment, and weapons. Every soldier ideally carries identification tags with personal information for critical situations. In Ukraine, as in many other countries, military personnel use dog tags. These small rectangular plates with engraved details are often bought as stylish accessories or fashionable gifts, but for soldiers, they hold deep significance. At PROF1GROUP online store, you can purchase NATO military tags for practical use or as gifts.
Purpose of Military Dog Tags
Military operations involve serious risks to life and health. During combat, casualties and severe injuries are possible. To provide proper medical assistance, minimal knowledge of the casualty's blood type is necessary, and in case of fatality, identification is crucial. This personal information is engraved on dog tags.
The issue of identifying fallen soldiers has been a concern since ancient times. Early attempts to organize warrior data were made in ancient Greece and China. Greek Spartans wore metal plates engraved with their names on their wrists before battles. In China, stones were laid out before battle and counted afterward to determine the number of survivors.
The modern concept of personalized tags originates from tin tags made by a German cobbler for his sons joining the Prussian army in the 1860s. During the 20th-century wars, tags evolved into the familiar form. They gained popularity in the U.S. military, colloquially known as "Dog Tags."
In the Ukrainian army, soldier tags were introduced after several years of establishing an independent Ukrainian military, replacing Soviet-era capsules with paper tags prone to damage from moisture and mechanical stress.
Information Engraved on Military Dog Tags
Ukrainian military tags are engraved with free-form data as there are no standardized information requirements in Ukraine yet. Traditionally, the format used is similar to that adopted by the U.S. and NATO:
- Last name and first name
- Blood type
- Identification code (social security number in the U.S.)
- Religion or date of birth
In addition, tags may include unit or brigade numbers, as well as combat and patriotic slogans or mottos. Customized tags can feature saints' faces, tridents, and other memorable symbols.
Each soldier wears two identical tags. This is crucial in case of death: one tag is taken for casualty reporting, while the other remains with the body (around the neck or in the mouth) for later identification by family.
Types of Military Dog Tags
Dog tags are typically sized 26x45mm and can be rectangular with rounded edges or oval-like. They are made from hypoallergenic alloys that do not cause irritation during prolonged contact with the skin and do not tarnish:
- Aluminum tags are lightweight and thin, cost less, but can melt at high temperatures, which can distort the engraving.
- Stainless steel military tags are more resistant to high temperatures, stronger, and less likely to bend under pressure.
- Jewelry-grade stainless steel tags are durable, with a polished finish that enhances engraving visibility, often used for souvenir items.
Tags are typically worn on a segmented ball chain. They can also be worn on decorative braided chains, adding to military-inspired fashion for both men and women.
Where to Buy Military Dog Tags
PROF1GROUP military store offers a wide range of military products available for online ordering or purchase at physical stores in the network. We stock Ukrainian military tags modeled after U.S. and Bundeswehr (German army) designs, along with chains and silencers. You can also order original chevrons and other useful military, field, and hiking gear:
- tactical equipment;
- bivouac gear;
- medical kits;
- hiking tools, weapons, accessories, and components;
- military uniforms, camouflage suits, thermal underwear;
- footwear, headgear, gloves.
We regularly update our catalog with new products from leading military brands. Arrange delivery via postal services to a branch or by courier to your address, paying by card or cash on delivery.
