ID tags: make sure your number’s up

Tags: Soldiers going on operations need to be issued up-to-date ID tags.

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

NEW dog tags are needed to match the new tricks required by today’s deployments.

Changes introduced in DI (A) Pers 100-2 late last year regarding the information contained on personnel identification tags mean that many members have old dog tags that must be replaced.

The main change is that PMKeyS numbers have replaced service numbers.

Personnel identification tags assist in the rapid identification and treatment of casualties, and also allow for other NOTICAS procedures to be swiftly implemented.

WO2 John Wright, the RQMS at DFSU Randwick, said many people and units were unaware of the changes, which meant his staff had been inundated for new dog tags when people reported for pre-deployment training.

“We are reproducing over 50 per cent of dog tags for deploying members, as personnel are not aware that the PMKeyS number is required and that AS has now replaced the AUST,” he said.

“But deployment instructions state that a member must arrive at DFSU with current identification tags embossed with the member’s PMKeyS number, so units should ensure when checking a member’s DP1 that the dog tags are up to date.

“Area Clothing Stores have also been provided with the current writing, and members should always check that their tags have been embossed correctly when they receive them.”

The new Defence Instruction (DI (A) Pers 100-2 Personnel Identification Tags) can be accessed via the DRN at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/home/documents/DATA/ ARMYPUBS/DIA/AP100_02.PDF