East German Army Dog Tag

The East German Army Dog Tag is a form of personal identification used by military personnel of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) of the former German Democratic Republic. Issued between 1956 and 1990, each tag consists of an oval-shaped aluminum plate, typically measuring approximately 50 mm by 40 mm. The design features three pre-cut notches to facilitate division into separate pieces if needed. Stamped into the metal are unique service numbers, often accompanied by unit or battalion codes and blood group information, allowing for the identification of the soldier in various circumstances. The tag would have been worn around the neck on a cord or chain as part of standard military regulations. These items reflect the official systems of identification and personnel management utilized by East German armed forces during the Cold War period, offering insight into the organization and structures of the NVA.