IDENTIFICATION TAGS

7000. GENERAL
1. Identification (ID) tags are used for identification and
reporting of casualties, and graves registration in a combat
zone.

2. ID tags are metal rectangles with rounded corners and smooth
edges, about 0.025 inches (1 mm) thick, and measuring
approximately 2 inches (5 cm) by 1 1/8 inches (2.7 cm). Each tag
has a circular hole, approximately 3/16 (5 cm) in diameter near
one end.

3. The following instructions apply only to Marines.
Instructions for preparing ID tags for Navy personnel attached to
Marine units are contained in NAVPERS 15560 (Navy Personnel
Manual).

4. The format of ID tags produced at the Marine Corps recruit
depots using the Automated Recruit Management System (ARMS) is
valid. Do not prepare replacements for these tags solely to
correct character spacing or because the information is embossed
with the raised portion of the characters on the "reverse" (side
without a raised rim) of the tag.

5. Instructions on disposition of ID tags of deceased personnel
is contained in MCO P3040.4.

6. Upon being separated (released from active duty, discharged,
transferred to FMCR, Retirement, etc.,) Marines may retain their
ID tags.

7. Identification tags for individuals who have been separated
from the Marine Corps, and those which are no longer used, should
be destroyed in accordance with standard destruction procedures
for Privacy Act protected information.

Each ID tag can accommodate 5 lines of type, with each line containing
 up to 15 characters. Using the hole in one end of the tag as a left 
margin, characters are  embossed with the raised portion of the
character on the side with a raised rim. The information will be 
readable from the "smooth" side of the tag (no rim, characters are 
pressed into the tag). Place information on the tag as described 
below:

1. First Line. Beginning in the first spacer emboss the last
name. Do not use spaces or hyphens.

2. Second Line. Beginning in the first space, emboss the first
initial, a period; the second initial, a period; followed by Jr.,
Sr., I, II, or III, etc., as appropriate. Use only two initials.
Beginning in the 10th space, emboss the blood type, followed by a
space, followed by the RH factor. Indicate the RH factor by
embossing "POS" or "NEG", as appropriate.

3. Third Line. Beginning in the first space, emboss the SSN
with three/two/four format as follows: 123 45 6789.

4. Fourth Line. Beginning in the first space, emboss the
letters "USMC" for all Marines, Regular or Reserve. In the
seventh space, emboss the appropriate letter "S" for small, "M"
for medium, or "L" for large to denote the protective mask size.
Precede the appropriate letter with an "X" in the seventh space
if the Marine wears an extra small or extra large gas mask.

5. Fifth Line. Beginning in the first space, emboss either
religion or sect as designated by the Marine. Show religious
preference as follows (examples used were selected at random with
no other purpose than to set forth a pattern for guidance):
a. Spell out the designation where possible; for example:
Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, Moslem, etc.
b. If a religious designation exceeds 15 characters
(including spaces), use meaningful contractions and/or
abbreviations (American Evangelical Christian Church = "Am Evang
Chr", Orthodox Presbyterian Church = "Ortho Presb Chr", etc.).
c. When the individual prefers not to designate a preference
or does not state a preference, use the words "NO PREFERENCE."
d. Only change the religion on the identification tags
currently in use when specifically requested by the individual
concerned. The following are samples of completed ID tags: 

        

7002. MEDICAL WARNING TAGS. Upon receipt of a NAVMED 6150/5
(Medical Warning Tag Order) from the Marine's attending physician
or dentist, prepare a medical warning tag per instructions
contained in BUMEDINST 6150.35.
7003. WEARING OF TAGS
1. All personnel will wear one ID tag suspended around the neck
and the
other as prescribed by their commander, when:
a. In a combat area.
b. Participating in field training exercises.
c. On military operations.
d. Traveling aboard military aircraft.
e. Outside CONUS (unless otherwise directed).
2. Marines issued a medical warning tag should wear it at all
times.
3. All commands Will conduct periodic inspections to ensure
their personnel possess properly prepared ID tags.