identification disk

A soldier wears his identification disk on a chain around his neck.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A military identification tag: "identification disk" refers to a small, round piece of metal (or similar material) worn by military personnel, typically bearing the wearer's name, serial number, and other identifying information. It is used to identify a soldier in case of death, injury, or capture.

Usage Examples

• (A metal tag for personal identification in the military.)
• (The tag enabled rapid recognition of a casualty.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be identified by an identification disk": To have one's identity confirmed through the tag.

  • The remains were identified by the identification disk found with them. (The tag provided the necessary identification.)

• "Identification disk as a historical artifact": The disk can be studied as a piece of military history.

  • Collectors often seek out vintage identification disks from World War II. (Old tags are valued as historical objects.)

Variants and Related Words

• Identification tag (n): a broader term for any tag used for identification, often synonymous with "identification disk."

  • The identification tag included the soldier's blood type. (A tag with medical information.)

• Dog tag (n): a common informal term for an identification disk, especially in modern military contexts.

  • He wore his dog tag on a chain. (A colloquial term for the metal identification disk.)

Synonyms

• Identity tag: a tag used to establish a person's identity.
• Service tag: a tag issued by a military service.

Related Idioms

• "Tagged for identification": marked or labeled to be easily recognized.
  • The equipment was tagged for identification before storage. (Labeled to avoid confusion.)

Notes on Usage

• The term "identification disk" is more formal and often used in official military documentation, while "dog tag" is the common colloquial term. The disk is typically made of metal and is worn on a chain or cord.