Shannon,  To put the Kiwi among the Yanks...  "Dog tags" are issued to New
Zealand civilian research team members, as well as (NZ) Scott Base personnel
(military and civilian).  The intended purpose is to identify your blood
type for medical purposes and your body if you die on the ice. (per Ron below)
   I assume the US (NSF) research teams and civilians that work at the US
installations (Mactown/ Willies field) are also fitted with dog tags.
   I checked my tags (a momento of Hist Huts work) they identify the NZ
research  organization DSIR but not the country.
-Cheers   Alexy
 
>> Shannon:
>>
>> The "dog-tags" of which you mention are a symbol of botherhood, shared
>> experiences not soon forgotten, solidarity against what some perceive as
>> an unjustified war, and a badge of honor and internal pride.
>
>The dog tags issued by the military were worn to identify the corpse of
>one killed in battle. With the mouth opened, the end with the little
>notch was to be wedged between the teeth to prevent loss of inentity.
>Been there. Done that.
>Ron
>
>