Time to get new ID Tags, no more SSN on them, your thoughts?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:54:46 -0500

Well, DA PAM 600-8-14 was just updated last week and the SSN on our tags has been replaced with our DoD ID Number.

c. All ID tags will have the following information embossed on them:
(1) Line 1. Name of the wearer: Enter last name, first name, middle initial. (If the full name cannot be embossed on
the first line, put the last name on line 1, place the first name and middle initial on line 2. Subsequent entries shift
down one line each. If a U.S. National, the name will be the same as shown on passport or ID card.)
(2) Line 2. (Service Number) Department of Defense (DOD) ID number (10 digits, no hyphens) (The Social
Security number has been replaced by the DOD ID, in accordance with DODI 1000.30.)
(3) Line 3. Blood group and type. Record as "A", "B", "AB", or "O", followed by "POS" OR "NEG." Do not use
plus (+) or minus (-) signs to record the blood type. If the blood type is incorrect the Soldier must update the medical
system of record.
(4) Line 4. Religious preference. Spell this out when possible (the example shown in figures 2–1 and 2–2 is used to
set forth a pattern for guidance). If the religious preference is incorrect, the Soldier must update the personnel system
of record.

Do you think this is going to make any difference, beside the lines to get the new tags and the people you know add some crazy stuff on them, will there be any benefit from it?
AR 670-1 States: 3–11. Identification tags and security identification badges
a. Identification tags. Wearing identification tags is governed by AR 600–8–14.
(1) Soldiers will wear identification tags at all times while on duty in uniform unless otherwise directed by the
commander.
Do you use them every single day? To PT, while on training in Civilians? Will this make any change?

Soldiers' Social Security numbers will no longer be part of their dog tags, the Army announced Tuesday.

The change, which some have argued is long overdue, is the first update to the ubiquitous identification tags in more than 40 years.

A soldier's Social Security number will be replaced by a 10-digit, randomly-generated number. The change will be implemented on an as-needed basis, Michael Klemowski, Soldiers Programs branch chief at Army Human Resources Command, said in a statement released by the Army.

"This change is not something where soldiers need to run out and get new tags made," he said. "We are focusing first on the personnel who are going to deploy. If a soldier is going to deploy, they are the first ones that need to have the new ID tags."

The change is in accordance with new Defense Department guidelines calling for less use of Social Security numbers. It also comes on the heels of several data breaches that compromised the personal information of millions of service members, government employees and veterans.

Removing Social Security numbers from dog tags is one of the ways the Army is trying to safeguard personal information, Klemowski said.

"If you find a pair of lost ID tags, you can pretty much do anything with that person's identify because you now have their blood type, their religion, you have their Social, and you have their name," he said.

The Army has been working on making this change for years; it was first outlined in the DoD Social Security Number Reduction Plan and the President's Task Force on Identity Theft Strategic Plan in 2007, according to the Army.

It took time to figure out how to implement the change because several Army systems used a soldier's Social Security number, and all for different purposes, Klemowski said. Each system had to be reworked so they worked with one another and the DoD ID number, he said.

"More and more systems are going to go to the DoD ID number as technology catches up with us and we are able to phase out the Social Security number," he said.
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/12/08/army-stop-putting-social-security-numbers-dog-tags/76984792/

Army to stop putting Social Security numbers on dog tags

Soldiers' Social Security numbers will no longer be part of their dog tags, the Army announced Tuesday.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 1:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:56:39 -0500

It is about time that the Social Security number has been removed from the Dog Tags.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 8 at 2015 1:56 PM

SGT David T. — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:56:48 -0500

It's good to take lessons from history. The DoD ID number is basically what the old timers call a service number. I always questioned using the SSN for everything.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 8 at 2015 2:53 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 14:53:19 -0500

In theory it's a great idea... however the SSN is your de facto ID number for everything you do in relation with the US Government. It's your "VA File Number" among other things.

My father has an old "Service Number" (I've got his old dog tags with it on them), and when I contacted the VA.. used the SSN. In 20 years... I'd bet cash money we're going to use the SSN.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Dec 8 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:24:37 -0500

I think it is an Awesome Idea. I think we need to go back to the Serial numbers as before! Only works in the military! To many dog tags have been lost to the ssn and now look at the identity theft. Could be a factor but that is just me! How many of us have give dog tags to our kids, girlfriends or significant other to have them lost!

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Dec 8 at 2015 3:30 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:30:28 -0500

Your SSN was not supposed to be an I.D. Number.

Response by COL Sam Russell made Dec 8 at 2015 4:20 PM

COL Sam Russell — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:20:48 -0500

Where them every day, almost everywhere.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 8 at 2015 4:31 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:31:09 -0500

I think it's a great idea, maybe just put the last 4 on.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 5:47 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:47:25 -0500

Federal Law on the use of the Social Security Number is explicitly clear and unmistakable: It is to be used exclusively for federal income tax filings. Period End of discussion. Any other use of the SSN is illegal. How many violations can you name???

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 8 at 2015 7:31 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 19:31:08 -0500

It is a good, and well overdue change. That said, I am not in any hurry to get mine changed out. I likely will not bother until/unless I am actually required. I don't see that happening unless I am sent overseas at this point.

There is so much PII floating around, that I just don't consider this one piece all that big a deal. Still, a good change.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 9:00 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 21:00:21 -0500

I have a trophy I won during the 82d Airborne Division Trooper of the Month competition (April 1977), on which - believe it or not - they engraved my SSN under my name. That was then, though, and this is now. I am good with the DoD ID number. Makes good sense in this day and age when there's an identity thief around every corner.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Dec 9 at 2015 6:03 AM

PO2 Robert Cuminale — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:03:31 -0500

I'm glad to see that things haven't changed in the military. I had a "randomly generated number" D 02 02 30 when I enlisted in 1971. It was stenciled all over my uniform items. Then they told us to start using our Social Security Account Numbers. It was a practice I disagreed with because I could see that the SS# was becoming a national ID number and it certainly has. You can't do anything any more without telling it to someone. I'm still waiting for the nation ID cards with picture and SS number. Sie papieren, Bitte?
In another stroke of brilliance the Medicare system is also giving us a "randomly generated number" It seems just putting the letter "A' with your Social Security Number was making it too easy for people to use your account to get free medical care. All they needed was your birth date which you are asked constantly.
But not for my friends at Blue Cross Blue Shield who feel it necessary to ask for name, address, telephone number and birth date even if you have to call 10 times in one day and the computer shows you had just called in 15 minutes before. I might have moved and changed my phone number in that 15 minutes.

Response by LTC Eric Coger made Dec 9 at 2015 6:07 AM

LTC Eric Coger — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:07:48 -0500

It's about time. There was NEVER a reason to get away from this. We all just signed away and gave up our SSNs freely despite the Privacy Act of 1974 statement that told us "disclosure of SSN is voluntary, however..." We need to get away from SSNs for ANYTHING other than W-4, W-2, and other tax, income related things. It is for your benefits and nothing else. A good step would be a national ID card and unique encrypted number (like all of the new debit/credit cards) for all citizens...

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 9 at 2015 6:28 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:28:39 -0500

Have one around my neck the other in my boot laces, somethings ya just cannot let go of. Funny as hell because I have been out a long time

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 9 at 2015 9:01 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:01:51 -0500

Crap....now I have to memorize ANOTHER number..... ;o)

Response by SFC David Davenport made Dec 9 at 2015 9:10 AM

SFC David Davenport — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 09:10:23 -0500

They should use a service number instead of the SSN. This was done in the past with success.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Dec 9 at 2015 10:26 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:26:16 -0500

Glad to hear they are going away from that, hopefully the AF follows suit. They are such an easy thing to lose with far too much personal info on them for whoever finds them. I know many airmen who lost theirs after leaving basic and had to order new ones. Most people may not think much of that but when it has your full name and social on there that can become a big issue down the line. That and most people keep them after service and will of course still have to keep track of them or at least destroy them.

Using the DOD ID number or some other number would work much better and I think would enable service members to sleep better at night knowing the don't have to worry about someone stealing their identity from those little tags.

Response by SPC Kevin Sickles made Dec 10 at 2015 1:23 AM

SPC Kevin Sickles — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 01:23:58 -0500

What's funny is that when I was in you had to have a security clearance to have other peoples' SSN's in the unit. Why the hell did they ever change from service numbers in the first place?

Response by SGT David D. made Dec 10 at 2015 1:57 AM

SGT David D. — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 01:57:09 -0500

Well that means "cruits" will have to memorize their new service numbers again, like they did back in the day, I already knew SSN so, that was one less thing for me.

By the way, I think this change is loooong overdue.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 6:29 AM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 06:29:40 -0500

i guesss this would be benificial in case i get drunk one nightan for some reason to decided to wear my tags and ended up losing em. would be good to know that Sinnamon wont open any credit cards in my name.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 11 at 2015 1:23 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 13:23:21 -0500

Yes I read a couple days ago that the military is removing the SSN from ID Tags going back to the way it was decades ago when military service number was used SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member
This may be a good thing since the SSN was supposed to be used for limited purposes and so many scam artists know that if they have you name and SSN they can access a lot.
FYI I think your discussion will be merged with this one COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 9:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 21:09:24 -0500

I think this is a great idea, long overdue! How many times have you been playing sports for PT, or wearing your equipment, and that chain pops loose and out fall your tags? I've had it happen two or three times over the last five years or so. Might not sound like much, but if it's picked up by someone with ill intent, who knows the damage that could be done?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 7:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:38:54 -0500

Good idea...

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 17 at 2015 7:44 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:44:38 -0500

I agree. Good idea. Obviously I am dating myself but my dog tags had a 10 digit "service number" on them instead of my SS #. They changed to the SS # after I was off active duty but still in the reserves. Not sure what year. Too many things have the SS # on them and it can be used for too many bad things.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 17 at 2015 7:45 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:45:21 -0500

It was a great idea for it's time, but due to stolen identities, it's time for a change. I'd recommend something maybe a serial number like what was had in the days before. Can I get my unit motto in place of my SSN? That would be real cool.Hell RP how many of you STILL have your dog tags and know where they are?

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Dec 17 at 2015 7:51 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:51:58 -0500

Great idea and long overdue.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 7:53 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:53:28 -0500

Why is it when I post a question on the same topic, it's considered duplicate and deleted?

Response by PO3 Michael James made Dec 17 at 2015 8:10 PM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:10:52 -0500

GEE all they assigned me was a letter followed by 6 numbers.. Appeared to work well !! Why the change ??

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 8:22 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:22:07 -0500

Way past time for Social Security Numbers to be removed from Dog Tags. A step in the right direction.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 8:22 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:22:41 -0500

It is a good thing. I am reminded that I had a "discussion" with a young fellow who insisted the military would never put a person's SSN on their dog tags.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 17 at 2015 8:42 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:42:11 -0500

I hate to be a naysayer, but completely unnecessary and more hassle than it's worth.

The SSN is our de facto identification number in the US. I understand not wanting to have it on one more document, however... and I pause for effect... how may 9-12 digit numbers are we supposed to remember?

I have my father's original dog tags with his air force service number on them. I've called the VA on his behalf, and you know what I used? His social. I go to the DMV, you know what I use. My social. I call my bank, and I use my social. I buy a gun. I use my social. Everywhere I go, I use my social. It's unique, and it's easy to remember.

If they convert to a DOD#, it will just have the same issues. It will just be people hacking your DOD# instead of your SSN.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 8:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:52:00 -0500

I'm surprised we have our ssn on our tags to begin with. I have a set of both my grandfathers dog tags, neither with an ssn. Just some assigned number, though not 10 digits long. Seemed pointless to make that change to begin with. Or was there a specific reason?

Response by CSM William Payne made Dec 17 at 2015 9:01 PM

CSM William Payne — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:01:55 -0500

I still have one of my original duffle bags with my full social security number stenciled on it. That bag spent a lot of time on company streets, the back of trucks and in air ports (1973 - 1977). Back then we had tags with our SSN on our belts and in our boots, wrote it on our laundry lists. . . People were always wanting to make a copy of your ID card with your SSN on it, drove me crazy. The social security number was designed for one use only and that's social security. Times have definitely changed. This change was really needed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 9:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:04:27 -0500

thats probably a good idea, lets use the dodid number instead

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 17 at 2015 9:26 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:26:07 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Our dog tags had unique serial numbers that said several things about you as a Soldier.

The prefix and the first 2 numbers ofmy RA 19xxxxxx serial number indicated I was an enlistee from the 6th US Army area whose AOR in 1953 was the Western states; that I was not a draftee who would have had 'US 56xxxxxx, nor a Guardsman who would have had NG 28xxxxxx. CONUS was divided into 6 areas and the first two numbers indicated what part of the country you were from.

My middle brother was in the Guard and had a NG 28xxxxxx SN which converted to RA 28 xxx xxx when he enlisted in the active Army. His first 214; dtd 28 FEB 59, reflected that SN. His final 214, dated 76 06 30, had his SSAN in place of the SN.

The younger brother; he with the 26 day round trip to Nam was also an RA 19 xxx xxx on his first 214, dtd 27 Feb 66: "To Immediately Reenl RA". His DD 1300, Report of Casualty, dtd, 10 March 1967 also had the RA 19 xxx xxx.

I was always proud of the "RA" designation and thought the Old Army had many fine systems that worked well!

Questions?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 9:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:38:01 -0500

Im fine with this. We don't have it on our ID anymore and with the DODID we are a little more secure (if I am wrong please correct me). I feel we should stop dealing with our Social a little more. I have to say it out loud on the phone for every doctors appointment or write it on every piece of paper where anyone can hear or see it. Maybe we should all learn that little ID number they put on our cards and start using it. Im sure the computer systems will understand it.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 17 at 2015 9:57 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 21:57:52 -0500

We all know when entering the mess hall we had to give the last 4 of our SSN. One day entering the mess hall, I was behind one of my guys. He gave his last 4, it was written down. I gave my last for, I was told, "You can't do that". I asked what? The SGT told me I couldn't use the same last for as the guy before me. We both had to pull our I.D. cards and show we both had the same last 4! How many times will that happen, the guy your in line with?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 18 at 2015 12:09 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:09:43 -0500

Figured it would happen sooner or later since they have stopped putting it down on pretty much everything else.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 27 at 2017 8:51 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:51:06 -0500

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member, the U.S. Army used service numbers from 1918 to 1JUL69. When I enlisted on 9AUG69, I was one of the new era soldiers utilizing SS numbers and not service numbers. Frankly, the Army should've never discontinued the practice of creating service numbers, and we wouldn't be worrying about stolen identities now.

Response by SPC Charlie Robinson made Jun 7 at 2018 8:07 PM

SPC Charlie Robinson — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 20:07:10 -0400

Service no. worked just fine when I was in. If someone else gets your no. it won't do them any good. Unlike a SSN.

Response by 1SG George Kincannon made Jul 12 at 2019 6:14 PM

1SG George Kincannon — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 18:14:30 -0400

I still have my original dog tags with my RA service number, I don't wear them anymore, but keep one on my truck keys.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 7 at 2019 10:55 PM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 22:55:12 -0400

Good.

Response by 1st Lt Rick Gauthier made Sep 4 at 2020 8:18 AM

1st Lt Rick Gauthier — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 08:18:51 -0400

Not a big deal. My dad had a DoD service number. My tags have a social security number which was my DoD number. Just changing the system back to pre social security number days.

Response by SSgt Eric Owens made Dec 30 at 2020 3:21 PM

SSgt Eric Owens — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:21:44 -0500

SSN's should have never been put on ID Tags. It was a stupid idea. They should go back to how it was done prior to that.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 5 at 2021 6:23 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 06:23:49 -0400

No reason to have the SSN anymore

Response by SN Earl Ramsbottom made Nov 27 at 2021 6:38 PM

SN Earl Ramsbottom — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:38:26 -0500

Mine had my ss# don't like it

Response by CA Brandy Martin made Jan 28 at 2023 8:11 PM

CA Brandy Martin — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 20:11:05 -0500

If you want a set of military dog tags go to dogtagus.com

Response by 1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) made Nov 27 at 2023 11:11 PM

1SG(P) Dean Mcbride (MPER) (SPHR) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:11:47 -0500

I still have my original set from Basic Training in July of 1960.
4 Lines:
Line 1: Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial MCBRIDE DEAN M
Line 2: Service Number (2 Letters & 8 Numbers) RA196585..
Line 3: Blood Type A
Line 4: Religion First Christian