What is the significance of marines giving each other their dog tags?

Question

My husband is/was a marine and I found 2 dog tags from a couple of his marine buddies. Why do they give each other their dog tags?

Answer 1

I dont think they give each other their dog tags.

Answer 2

I'm not a Marine, i'm Army. The reason I've given a sit of my tags away, is because that person made a HUGE impact on my life. We exchanged tags at airborne, and I carry hers with my tags. I won't wear them when I deploy, but I will carry them in my wall locker or hang them up with my photos of home and of friends.

I also exchanged a tag with my S/O, tso I can be with him and he can be with me, no matter where we are in country.

Everyone has their own reason to do so, some are VERY personal, so if you ask and someone choses not to tell, don't get upset. But, its like a giving your best friend a friendship bracelet!

Answer 3

for acouple reasons, I've got some of my buddies who have died in Iraq, its a brotherhood thing. also, some wants other marines to have them to pass on to fam. if they dont come home.

Answer 4

I think the first responder hit it.   I never did it, but I had a couple guys in my squad do it.  I figured it was about the same as giving one of your friends your death letters and letting him know where certain personal items I wanted my wife and kids to get.  The only other way to find out is to ask him.  He may tell you and he may not.  

My son was born during my last deployment and I wrote a letter, just in case.  I didn't do them during any other deployment.

Answer 5

I would ask your husband. As an Army Dogface I have my own and no one else. Think about the purpose of having your dogtags.