Future Of Armed Forces Tattoo Policy
The acknowledgement by top Army officials regarding outdated tattoo policy is a good sign when it comes to remaining viable and maintaining acceptable recruitment numbers. Just like any organization, the United States Army must constantly adapt to changing attitudes. Sometimes this means reexamining different rules and regulations in light of wider societys current trends.
As tattoos continue to gain popularity among the youth forming the pool from which the armed forces draws recruits, it is likely Army policy may need further updates. Given the growing popularity of face and neck tattoos there may a time in the future when officials have to further relax guidelines in order to find recruits, although for anyone interested in enlisting it is best to get tattoos conforming to current official guidelines.
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Can A Soldier Cover Up A Tattoo With Makeup Or Bandages
The Army does not allow soldiers to cover up a tattoo anywhere on the body with bandages or makeup.
It doesnt matter if the tattoo is hidden when in uniform or not.
However, permanent makeup is an exception.
The Army approves permanent makeup like tattoos that represent eyebrows or eyeliner as long as it follows the traditional rules for makeup .
Air Force Tattoo Policy
The United States Air Force tattoo policy is almost as lenient as the Navy policy, except it prohibits tattoos on the hands. Those serving in the Air Force can have full sleeves as well as large pieces on their backs and legs and are allowed one single-band ring tattoo on their hand. The Air Force tattoo policy, which was updated in 2017, is the same for enlisted members and officers.
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How Do You Make Your Tattoos Less Of A Liability For Military Service
If youre considering joining the military but have tattoos that would be an issue for service, its important to consider how you can make your tattoo less of a liability. Some options include:
Covering tattoo with temporary tattoos
Covering tattoo with medical prosthetics
Taking advantage of military enlistment opportunities that have been created in response to tattoos
Taking advantage of tattoo removal services that are available through the military
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Us Army Tattoo Ideas And Meanings
Unlike the more cryptic and subdued tattoos popularized by Navy Sailors, Army Soldiers traditionally get tattoos that are bold, bloody, and rich with images of wartime battle.
For instance, you might see a soldier with a tattoo depicting a bomb dropping, or two soldiers fighting for their lives in a foxhole.
Tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets are the norm as are machine guns spitting bullets down a leg or an arm.
Here are a few of the more popularized Army tattoo designs
Guardians Will Be Allowed To Sport Neck Tattoos
Space Force recruits will be allowed to have tattoos that extend to infinity and beyond or at least to the neck.
An Air Force memorandum shared by the popular Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page reveals that the tattoo policy for incoming guardians will be different from standards for airmen.
While the service will allow all recruits for both Air and Space Forces to have hand tattoos that dont cover more than 25% of the hands surface, only guardians will be allowed to have neck tattoos.
Applicants with neck tattoos are not authorized to dual track with the USAF or list any USAF specific AFSC in the job preference tab, the memo says.
But dont go getting a sick choker tattoo if youre hoping to float among the stars. The neck tattoo policy is still fairly strict.
Guardians will be allowed only one neck or behind-the-ear tattoo, and it cannot exceed more than 1-inch in size.
But we cant have a beard cause its unprofessional… wrote user Chris Capkovich.
So far, the updated policy hasnt been added anywhere on either the Space Force or Air Force websites. The memo also doesnt provide any information about current airmen and guardians, and whether or not they will be able to get hand or neck tattoos if they are already enlisted or commissioned.
Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.
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More On The Army’s Rules
The Army doesn’t allow recruits or soldiers to cover disallowed tattoos with bandages or makeup.
Before soldiers decide to obtain a new tattoo, the regulations advise speaking with a unit leader to make sure the tattoo that’s envisioned will abide by Army rules.
If a soldier is found to have a tattoo that breaks the rules, the commander is instructed to take several steps, beginning with counseling of the soldier about the tattoo rules. If a soldier with a disallowed tattoo or brand refuses to have it removed, then the commander is instructed to initiate administrative separation proceedings.
Are Army Officers Allowed To Have Tattoos
Yes, officers of the Army can still have tattoos.
The Army tattoo policy for 2021 is different from previous regulations that held commanding officers to higher physical appearance standards compared to enlisted soldiers.
The new policy basically holds officers to the same rules as enlisted soldiers when it comes to tattoos.
Commanding officers are also responsible for determining if a soldier under their watch gets a new tattoo that is deemed offensive.
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Military Tattoo Rules In One Graphic
To understand just how far the military has come on tattoo tolerance, check out below the comprehensive graphic GAO created. It shows side-by-side depictions of areas of the body that were off-limits to tattoos prior to 2020, and the much more limited restrictions now in effect. The graphic also contrasts the various services policies on tattoos.
Under old regulations, every service prohibited tattoos on the head and face most services substantially restricted ink on the hands and fingers. All services had limitations on how much ink could show on the arms, torso, and legs, though no service completely barred tattoos on these areas.
Under new policies, four out of six services permit tattoos on the neck, with some limitations. Previous limitations on the arms, legs and torso have been lifted for all the services. . All services now permit tattoos on the fingers, with some limitations, and three of the six now allow hand tattoos as well. With only head and face tattoos still banned across the board, its clear that advocates for ink are winning their fight over the more conservative military establishment.
That said, some services have come farther than others. The Marine Corps, which takes special pride in its professional image, has historically been among the most conservative on the subject, limiting size and placement of tattoos and restricting certain special duties, such as embassy security guard, to those without large visible ink designs.
Coast Guard Tattoo Ideas And Meanings
The USCGs official flag shows a seal of an eagle with the words Semper Paratus underneath it.
This is always a popular tattoo for Coast Guardsman. Similar to the Marines Semper Fi , Semper Paratus means Always Ready.
And thats exactly what the Coast Guard is all about.
Preparing men and women to be ready at a moments notice to govern and bring peace to the coast and sea.
Here are a few of these tattoos, and other common Coast Guard tattoos.
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What Tattoos Are Not Allowed In The Army
As far as placement or location goes, we recommend the t-shirt test.
Throw on a t-shirt and stand in front of the mirror. Now, you cannot have any tattoos showing above the t-shirt collar line or anywhere on the neck, ear, face, scalp, etc.
This restriction also includes any inner-mouth or eyelid tattoos .
You cannot have any tattoos on your hands either .
The hand is defined as any location below the wrist bone. With this in mind, its best not to have any ink on your wrists at all.
As far as content of the tattoos, the Army prohibits anything that is:
These types of tattoos cannot be located anywhere on your body. And believe us, theyll check.
Of course, the terms above can be interpreted in different ways, so its ultimately up to your Recruiting Commander to make the call.
Also, if you have tattoos and eventually want to become an Officer or Warrant Officer, dont worry, theres still hope of moving up in rank.
You see, Commanders make recommendations for soldiers based on many considerations so you likely wont be rejected on account of your tattoos alone.
Finally, if you have a tattoo that you think will disqualify you from the Army, its worth a shot to check with the recruiters anyway.
You might get a waiver for, say, a tiny tattoo on your hand or something small behind your ear.
So dont count yourself out!
Navy Tattoo Policy 2022
Like other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Navy updated its tattoo policy in 2016 in an effort to ensure that the branch is able to recruit and keep talented sailors.
“The tattoo policy change was made to reflect tattoo realities in the nation our military serves. The Navy does not want to miss opportunities to bring in talented men and women willing to serve,” it said in a 2016 publication of All Hands, the U.S. Navy magazine.
Neck and sleeve tattoos are allowed, officials said. But tattoos that are “prejudicial to good order, discipline, and morale, or be of a nature that brings discredit upon the naval service” are banned, including those that are racist, sexist, extremist, or indecent. Commanding officers and the chain of command are responsible for making these determinations.
Specifically, one tattoo is allowed on the neck, but it cannot exceed one inch in any direction. Any size or amount of tattoos on the arms and legs are allowed, officials said.
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How Long Will I Serve
Enlistedpositions typically require an initial service commitment of four years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve five- or six-year obligations.
Officerpositions typically require an initial service commitment of three to five years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve longer service obligations.
Army Policy On Tattoos Has Changed For The Better
Posted by Lark Tattoo,
SMA explains Armys new tattoo policy
Under the Armys new tattoo policy, soldiers will be able to have ink on their arms and legs as long as it isnt visible in the Army Service Uniform.
This means sleeves are once again authorized as long as they dont extend past the wrist, Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey told Army Times.
As long as its not visible in the Army uniform thats the spirit of what we went after, he said.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno announced the upcoming policy change Wednesday afternoon at the Association of the United States Army conference in Huntsville, Alabama.
The more lenient tattoo rules are based on input from soldiers, Odierno said.
Society is changing its view of tattoos, and we have to change along with that, Odierno said. It makes sense. Soldiers have grown up in an era when tattoos are much more acceptable and we have to change along with that.
After many Army Times readers questioned the validity of the news because it was announced on April Fools Day Dailey stressed on Wednesday evening that the policy change is real.
We didnt pick April Fools Day. Its real, he said. I have a copy of the AR 670-1 update here.
Soldiers are still not allowed to have tattoos on their neck, head, face, wrists or hands. The exception is a ring tattoo on each hand, Dailey said.
Also banned are tattoos that are sexist, racist, extremist and derogatory, he said.
April 2 comes quick, Dailey said.
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Your Simple Guide To Military Tattoo Policies For 2021
No military regulation has been more closely watchedand more frequently changedthan the dos and donts of tattoos. Last week, the Marine Corps revised its policy, allowing the sleeve tattoo and also permitting officers more than four tattoos visible in uniform. Both officers and enlisted can now tat themselves up as much as they want, as long as its not on the face or neck. And hands may sport only one finger ring tattoo. The reason for the change is simple: recruiting and retention. Nearly half of young adults have tattoos, and many have several. The new Marine Corps Bulletin 1020 emphasizes balance between decorum and practicality: The American people expect Marines to be disciplined, physically fit, and ready to accomplish any mission. They also expect Marines to represent the nation they are sworn to protect.
The new policy, the bulletin goes on to say, ensures that the Marine Corps maintains its ties to the society it represents and removes all barriers to entry for those members of society wishing to join its ranks.
With the new Marine Corps policy, the service branches regulations on tattoos are now nearly identical. If youre curious about these rulesand the slight variations among themheres an updated comprehensive guide:
All five major branches of service agree that there must be no tattoos on these body parts:
Neck: The Navy is the only branch to allow a single neck tattoo. One neck tattoo, no larger than 1-inch in diameter, is permitted.
Can You Have Neck/face/hand Tattoos In The Army
No, the Army does not allow tattoos on the face, neck, or hands.
The only exception is a small ring tattoo that can exist on each hand .
Face and neck tattoos are highly discouraged in the U.S. Army.
There are a few waivers that are granted each year by Army recruiters if the officer determines the tattoo is not too distracting.
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But Here Are Some General Guidelines To Follow:
If your tattoos are in any way offensive, racist, sexist, extremist, or discredit America, unpack your bags.
The Navy has a strict policy regarding the content of tattoos.
They do not allow tattoos that discriminate against religion or national origin.
And any tattoos that suggests gang affiliation or the use of illegal drugs are not allowed.
Likewise, tattoos that are deemed offensive might also not pass the sniff test.
You cannot have any tattoos on your head or scalp, and nothing on the actual ear itself.
As previously mentioned, a neck tattoo cannot exceed the height/width dimensions of one inch.
However, in some cases, a neck tattoo that exceeds the maximum 1-inch x 1-inch dimension might be considered by the Navy recruiting commander.
But this tattoo must be located on the back of the neck, and not be touching the hairline or reaching behind the ears.
Furthermore, body mutilation is not allowed in the Navy.
This includes everything up to and including the following:
- Gauged or enlarged holes in ears
- Skin modification such as intentional scarring
- Intentional burns to create designs on skin
- Any sort of dental ornamentation such as gold front teeth
Finally, men are not permitted to wear body piercings.
However, women are allowed to wear one ball-studded earring in each ear.
Final Words On Military Tattoos
If youve been following along, you should be a military tattoo policy pro by now. Weve covered the new and updated tattoo policies for each of the armed services the Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Youre also well aware that the overarching theme is this: the military is becoming less strict and more accommodating of tattoos at least in size and number of tattoos.
As far as the content of tattoos, each of the branches still have their non-negotiables that you must be aware of and abide by.
We hope this extensive, in-depth guide helps you on your way to serving our country.
As they say, knowledge is power and in this case, its half the battle! So go forth in confidence, knowing exactly what to expect from your desired service branch.
In the meantime, have a look at our other related posts, and keep an eye out for more in-depth guides and articles all about the military and how to join.
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Questions About Tattoos And Tattoo Removal
It is common to have questions about your tattoos, or about the tattoo removal process. If you are not sure whether one of your tattoos will keep you from enlisting, be sure to talk with your recruiter and review the applicable regulations. If you have questions about laser tattoo removal, feel free to contact us. We are happy to sit down with you, assess your tattoos, and give you a realistic idea of the amount of time, cost, and the number of treatment sessions that it will take to remove them.
We are thrilled that you are considering making a career out of serving our great country. And we are here to do whatever we can to help make your dream a reality. Contact us today for a consultation, and lets get started!