Dog tags are the iconic identification tags worn around the neck by military personnel. Bearing vital details like name, service number, blood type and religious preference stamped into durable metal or plastic, dog tags exist first for ensuring positive identification of remains if a soldier goes missing or is killed in action. The two-tag design of a silenceable pair originated in the late 19th century to aid separating tags if one was damaged or lost on the battlefield. While primarily functional, dog tags eventually took on symbolic meaning as a powerful representation of military service, personal sacrifice and camaraderie. Their distinct jingling sound and rugged appearance transformed them into ubiquitous emblems of armed forces worldwide. Many cultures and traditions have evolved around personalizing dog tags through engraving, embellishments or suspending them from specific chains or beaded strands. Though identification technology evolves, the iconic dog tag remains a steadfast piece of military apparel.