Black PVD coated US special operations forces dog tags with personalised embossed text.
Used by Special Operations Forces of the US military since the 15th of January 1967, black dog tags are used in order to meet the order to 'darken insignia when behind enemy lines' that still stands to this day.
We've engineered stainless steel tags and chains that feature a super hard wearing black PVD coating so these tags can be worn24/7, 365 days a year without having any concerns about them loosing their finish.
Being based on our authentic military stainless steel tags, these also include the traditional rolled edge and detailing around the hole that makes dog tags so recognisable and iconic.
The order to 'darken insignia' was given during the Vietnam conflict in an attempt to reduce the number of visual traces that might reveal a soldier's position, particularly at night.
Examples of the special forces that use black dog tags include:
-Army Rangers
-Navy Seals
-Green Berets
-Commandos
-Delta Force
-Special warfare and combatant craft crewman (SWCC)
-Brown water navy gun boat crews
-Explosive ordnance divers (EOD)
To achieve the black finish we'vecoated our MIL spec stainless steel tags and chains using an industrial process called plasma vapour deposition.
This results in a finish known as a 'DLC' or 'diamond like coating' as it's as hard as a diamond.
To coat the tags and chains they are placed in a vacuum chamber and blasted with a jet of plasma. This same process is used in the coating of things that are subject to high wear like formula 1 car and jet enginecomponents. You will also see the same coating used on high end black stainless steel wristwatches.
These tags can be personalised with your own choice of embossed text and as with all of our tag sets you can use our tag builder to customise the tags with different coloured silencers and chains during the checkout process.
You can choose the Black DLC dog tags and chains separately in the builder so if you'd like the super hard wearing chains on a set of stainless steel or camo tags then that's no problem, simply configure your order that way in the tag builder.
If you’re giving the tags as a gift then you should also consider our custom presentation box which you can add at checkout.
FAQs
Black Dog Tags are used by Special Operations forces such as the Army Rangers, Navy Seals, Green Berets, Commandos, and Delta Force. Black Dog Tags were mandated by a regulation on January 15, 1967 of the United States Army, Vietnam (USARV).
Do special forces wear black dog tags? ›
Special forces, such as the renowned U.S. Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, often operate in covert missions where discretion is paramount. The black dog tags, less reflective than traditional tags, align with the need for stealth and confidentiality in these specialized operations.
What do real military dog tags say? ›
Today's identification tags identify vital information about the wearer: name, Social Security number, blood type and religious preference. During World War II there were only three religious categories that could be put on dog tags: P for Protestant, C for Catholic and H for Hebrew (Jewish).
Why do US soldiers have 2 dog tags? ›
According to the Defense Department, in July 1916, the U.S. Army amended its initial order and required a second disc. Why two dog tags? The first tag was to remain with the body, while the second was for burial service record keeping.
Why do people wear military dog tags? ›
Identification tags, more commonly known as dog tags, have been used by the Marine Corps since 1916. They serve to identify Marines who fall in battle and secure a suitable burial for them. Identification tags were probably first authorized in Marine Corps Order Number 32 of 6 October 1916.
Do dog tags have a social security number? ›
By 1969, the Army began to transition from serial numbers to Social Security numbers. That lasted about 45 years until 2015, when the Army began removing Social Security numbers from the tags and replacing them with each soldier's Defense Department identification number.
Can you wear a dog tag if you're not in any military? ›
While most people associate dog tags with the military, there is no reason why civilians can't wear them as well. In fact, many civilians choose to get military dog tags made for themselves or for loved ones who have served. Several companies offer custom-made dog tags, and the process is relatively simple.
What does "dod" mean on dog tags? ›
Over time the type of number used on US military dog tags has changed. There are three main types of numbers used since 1918: Service Numbers. Social Security Number (SSN) Department of Defense ID (DoDID)
Do you get to keep your military dog tags? ›
Once a service member has left the military, they are entitled to keep their dog tags since the tags have personal information on them and the dog tags cannot be reissued to another service member. When the tags are issued, they become property of the service member.
Can you wear dog tags in civilian clothes? ›
They may be inscribed with a person's details, beliefs or tastes, a favorite quote, or may bear the name or logo of a band or performer. The wearing of dog tags as a fashion accessory can be considered disrespectful by some military personnel.
Generally, each soldier is allotted two dog tags. One of them is worn at the neck as a chain and the other is kept inside the shoes of the soldier. These dog tags are made up of T304 stainless steel.
Do dog tags count as military ID? ›
Today, dog tags issued by the US military include the service member's Name, Branch of Service (all except Army), Serial Number (often Social Security Number, or DoD ID Number), Blood Type, and Religious Preference (if any). This information is the most essential information needed on the battlefield.
What happens if a soldier loses his dog tags? ›
Military dog tags replacement process
A U.S. military veteran can get replacement dog tags from The Institute of Heraldry. All they have to do is fill out a form and mail it in with a copy of their DD-214 or other discharge papers.
Why do military dog tags have a notch? ›
The notch provides a convenient and time-saving method for soldiers and military personnel to remove dog tags when needed while ensuring secure attachment during normal wear.
What does the black dog sticker mean? ›
The Black Dog embodies these constant battles – a cautionary figure reminding them of the dangers lurking in the shadows. It's also a symbol of the incredible resilience and unwavering determination needed to survive as a trucker. The psychological stress and bone-deep fatigue endured by truck drivers are no joke.
What does a red dog tag mean in the military? ›
In essence, red dog tags are used in the same manner as regular ones. They are essential when soldiers have been injured in battle and need to be treated by the medical team. In many scenarios, military personnel that has been injured may be incapacitated.
Who wears dog tags in the military? ›
Much like uniforms and footwear, every branch of the United States military wears dog tags, but, much like uniforms and footwear, the tags contain slight differences from branch to branch.
How many dog tags do you get in the military? ›
Generally, each soldier is allotted two dog tags.
