How would you destroy dog tags in order to protect PII?

2017-01-27T14:23:41-05:00

I have some tags of some PCS/ETS SM, how should I go about destroying them? I hear a lot about chuck and bury, but obviously that's the wrong answer. Talked to both S-1 and S-2, just to get a blank stare. Attempted to XXXX out PII, but you can still clearly read the number. I am at a loss just looking for some new ideas.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 2:24 PM

2017-01-27T14:24:26-05:00

Violation of OPSEC*

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-01-27T14:26:56-05:00

Off the top of my head, tack them to a machine shop on base/in a unit and have them crushed, flattened, shredded, etc.... not sure what AR would cover that

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-01-27T14:27:10-05:00

edit: take

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-01-27T14:27:55-05:00

Mini grinder. Awl punch.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 27 at 2017 2:31 PM

2017-01-27T14:31:07-05:00

Metal shears. Cut them up like an old credit card.
Or return them to the family.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 2:59 PM

2017-01-27T14:59:28-05:00

Your arms room probably has a bolt/lock cutter. That should be enough to destroy them. Also, when someone asks why your destroying them... your answer should be to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII), not prevent OPSEC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-01-27T15:09:07-05:00

Thank you gentlemen, I appreciate the help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:11 PM

2017-01-27T15:11:51-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member A good shredder, cut them, burn them

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-01-27T15:25:39-05:00

Hahaha there have been some interesting and unorthodox ways to go about destroying the tags to protect PII. How ever the biggest issue would be available, usable, and unbroken assets. Then cost management after that. And the winner will be....... going to the range. I think a tag at 50M would be some good marksmanship training, has low cost, and will motivate guys to in joy the profession a little bit more. Thank you all gentleman. More specifically SPC Smith, Samuel. Some times the best answers are the most basic. "Just shoot it SGT" hahahaha.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 27 at 2017 5:12 PM

2017-01-27T17:12:44-05:00

Duck Tape them to the nearest railroad track in front of the next train.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 27 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-01-27T19:31:50-05:00

The Last Time I conducted an "Emergency Destruction" was Fiery Vigil in 91. Don't limit yourself anything and everything you can conceive of is good. Bash them, Cut them, Melt them if Possible. An Oxidizing Agent is Good. "Burial at Sea" is Good. Any Combination of Means is Better.

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Jan 27 at 2017 9:52 PM

2017-01-27T21:52:35-05:00

Got any tanks around? wedge them in the track so they run through the sprocket. That works for the 1SG's patrol cap. Or even tape them to a sabot round.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jan 27 at 2017 10:38 PM

2017-01-27T22:38:25-05:00

Suddenly I can't remember - they're made of aluminum, right? Oxyacetylene torch would melt them; I don't know if a little handheld propane/MAPgas torch would, though. You could use an angle grinder or bench grinder to grind through where the letters/numbers are; a hammer & awl or punch to smash through & obscure the characters; about anything in a machine shop or maintenance shop ought to do the trick if you get creative enough.

Personally, though, I like the idea of tacking them to a target at the range.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 28 at 2017 3:07 AM

2017-01-28T03:07:59-05:00

Had to laugh as having to use them as scrapers on the heads (latrines) would wear them down..... over time.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 3:42 AM

2017-01-29T03:42:23-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member - Oxy-Acetylene torch or Thermite. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 30 at 2017 9:18 AM

2017-01-30T09:18:36-05:00

Wait... you still have tags with socials on it??? Those were supposed to be replaced with EDIPIs years ago.

Well, I'd probably try and punch it out with a hammer and chisel.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 4:20 PM

2018-06-04T16:20:39-04:00

is there a regulation that governs the disposal of ID Tags?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 22 at 2018 4:00 PM

2018-06-22T16:00:09-04:00

Chisel the SSN out and apart, Melt them with a blow torch.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 27 at 2022 11:50 AM

2022-06-27T11:50:28-04:00

Keep them with your personal stuff. I’ve got at least three sets of mine.