Military Tattoo Regulations On Body Placement
Military tattoo regulations on tattoo body location are different for each branch of the military. The Navy has the most relaxed military tattoo regulations, while the Coast Guard is the most restrictive. When choosing where to serve, it is critical to understand the current military tattoo regulations for that branch. Tattoo regulations are continually evolving. If youre unsure about any tattoos you have, its best to talk to a recruiter for the branch of the military you want to join. Then youll know which tattoos you can keep an which tattoos you will need to remove.
Navy Tattoo Policy
The Navy just overhauled their regulation 2201 for tattoos in March of 2016. Sailors are now allowed to have multiple visible large tattoos on the arms and legs, they just cant be visible through your dress whites. Tattoos are now allowed on the hands. You can have one tattoo visible on the neck no larger than one inch in any direction. Tattoos on the head, face and scalp are prohibited. Navy Tattoo Regulations can be found here.
Army Tattoo Policy
Army tattoo regulations 670-1 for tattoos was last updated in April of 2015. If you have tattoos on your hands, wrist face, neck or head, youll need to have those tattoos removed to join the Army. Additionally, the Army will not accept you if you have tattoos inside your mouth, ears, or eyelids. Army Tattoo Regulations can be found here.
Air Force Tattoo Policy
Tattoo Removal For Military Service Members
If you are considering a career in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or even the Coast Guard, you need to know about their restrictions on tattoos. Each branch of the armed forces differs in what it will allow, but all of them have one thing in common: if you have certain kinds of tattoos, or tattoos that cover too much of your body, you will not be allowed to enlist. Whats more, even if your tattoos are within the range of what is permissible, they may end up hindering your ability to progress and be promoted beyond a certain rank.
Because of this, if you are looking for a fresh start so you can begin an active duty career, you might want to consider laser tattoo removal. While other options do exist in certain circumstancessuch as simply covering the offending tattoo with something that complies with the existing regulationslaser tattoo removal is great option to help get you eligible to enlist.
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Air Force Tattoos Allowed
Although the Air Force has already eliminated the 25 percent rule for good reason, you need to know which body parts can be tattooed. knowing the policies can save you from possible disqualification if you intend to apply for the air force soon.
The good news is that aviators can now have virtually any size tattoo anywhere on their legs, feet and arms. Not only this, full sleeve or half sleeve tattoos are perfectly and technically allowed on both hands. if you have an existing tattoo on your hands, they were cleared and screened under the new policy standards.
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Who Has The Final Say On Appropriateness
Commanders and first sergeants are the first line of authority for making this determination. Body piercing is relatively straightforwarddon’t display it while in uniform, while performing official duty in civilian attire or on a military installation at any time. Tattoos are a bit more subjective, but this policy provides commanders guidelines to make the calls.
Does The Air Force Accept Tattoos
There is no definitive answer to this question as it can depend on a persons beliefs and personal preferences. However, some people believe that tattoos are acceptable in the Air Force, while others believe that tattoos are not acceptable at all. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they believe.
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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!
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Does Acne Disqualify You From The Army
If the acne is severe and interferes with the individual properly wearing military equipment, he or she would be disqualified. Individuals undergoing treatment with system retinoids like Accutane must be at least four weeks off of treatment.
How tall is too tall for the Air Force?
Applicants below 64 inches or above 77 inches can now enter a cockpit without a waiver. Under the Air Forces previous requirements, an Air Force pilot applicant barring waivers needed to have a standing height between 54 to 65 and a sitting height of 34-40 inches.
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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.
Popular And Acceptable Military Tattoos
With a better understanding of what is and is not acceptable under the current Army tattoo policy, we can now look at more popular styles and trends in military tattoo design.
Many of the brave men and women that serve in our nations armed forces choose designs highlighting their patriotism such as American flags and bald eagles. Other popular designs are more specific to a soldiers service and many choose to get dog tags or the insignia of their military branch inked on their bodies. Some soldiers even get different missions and operations that they participated in commemorated with tattoos.
The weapons of war are definitive elements in every soldiers life. These tools of the trade are also often incorporated into military tattoos.
The following galleries depict some of the popular styles of military tattoo:
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How Do I Apply For An Army Waiver
Applying for an Army waiver is as simple as requesting a form. However, it should be noted that the point of the waiver is for the applicant to prove they overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent them from joining the Army. Once the waiver has been submitted, a comprehensive review will take place and it will be determined if the individual can join.
Can You Get A Tattoo On Your Arm
Tattoos are a popular way to show your personality and style. They can also be a form of self-expression. If youre considering getting a tattoo, be sure to ask your doctor about the risks and benefits. Tattoos can last up to five years, so its important to make sure you have a long-term plan in place.
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Air Force Tattoo Ideas And Meanings
Turns out, the Air Force gives you wings!
In fact, I would venture to guess that 90% of all Air Force tattoos somehow incorporate the famous wings overlapping a central star.
Youll also see Airmen sporting USAF tattoos that symbolize a deep patriotic pride in their nation and flag.
Eagles abound, and of course, no USAF tattoo is complete without showcasing the very symbol of the branch the fighter jet itself.
What Tattoos Are Not Allowed In The Navy
Now, you might want an exhaustive list of exactly what types of tattoos the Navy does not accept, but its not that easy.
While there are guidelines there arent any set-in-stone rules that cover every possible scenario.
Because lets face it, the diversity of tattoos are only limited to the imagination, so new cases pop up all the time that the Navy must deal with on the fly.
With this in mind, its the commanding officer who gets the last say.
USAToday goes on to quote Stevens saying:
There are just so many variables when you look at tattoo language and tattoo art that its just not reasonable to try and identify a set list of what is and what isnt acceptable. This is one of those areas where we trust this senior leadership, our triads, to be able to look at something in its context, using the chain of command and having discussions amongst themselves as to whether something is appropriate or not.
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Leaked Air Force And Space Force Policies Ease Tattoo Restrictions For Some Recruits
Senior Airman Autumn Rosado works on a tattoo at Sacred Art tattoo shop in Abilene, Texas, Sept. 19, 2019.
The Space Force is going one step beyond the Air Force with a neck tattoo policy that gives some young recruits another reason to look to the stars.
The Space Force will permit small neck tattoos, and the Air Force is waiving some size limits on hand tattoos, according to an Air Force Recruiting Service memo leaked recently on the popular Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page.
“The tattoo policy has not changed, Air Force Recruiting Service spokeswoman Chrissy Cuttita told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. “New as of May 13, 2022, an Air Force Recruiting Service memo informed recruiters that the two-star AFRS commander may waiver qualified applicants who have small, discreet hand tattoos under specific circumstances.
The waiver allows commanders to ensure the Air Force does not lose quality recruits, she said.
The revised tattoo policies are small concessions. Hand tattoos may not cover more than 25% of an Air Force recruits hand. The Space Force limits neck tattoos to one inch in length in any direction and they may be located only on the back of the neck.
Space Force guardians with neck tattoos cannot qualify to dual track with the Air Force and may only apply for eligible Space Force jobs.
The Air Force has been struggling to meet its recruitment numbers this fiscal year.
Tattoo Restrictions For Air Force
As you can see in the image below, there are still some body parts where tattoos are not allowed to be visible while in uniform.
With that said, the only outright ban in the current USAF tattoo policy relates to tattoos placed on the head or neck.
Other areas which have been previously a no-go, now seem to be a little more tolerant.
A good example of such areas is the hands. While previous policies completely banned any ink on the hands, the new rules seem to be a little more relaxed. As far as the US Air Force tattoo policy is concerned, you are now allowed one tattoo in the band style on one finger of one hand. Its worth noting that the art cant be wider than 3/8 inch.
The other big change is the allowance of sleeves, which were previously not allowed. The green light for full-sleeve tattoos in the military has been greeted with a lot of enthusiasm, especially from those who were planning on enlisting.
On top of allowing small hand tattoos and full sleeves, the new Air Force tattoo policy released in 2017 also:
- Removed the 25% coverage rule introduced years ago due to excessive tattoos among the military. Now theres virtually no limit on the number of tattoos you can have and the amount of space they take up as long as you abide by the general guidelines
- Removed the size limit. Akin to the 25% rule, limits on tattoo sizes were imposed to tackle the excessive tattoo issue. The size rule basically made it impossible to have the demonized full-sleeves
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Can You Get A Tattoo Below The Ankle
There are a few things to consider before getting a tattoo below the ankle. First, do your research to make sure that the artist you choose has experience with tattoos below the ankle, and second, make sure you have the correct size and shape of the tattoo. If youre not sure what size or shape you want, speak to your doctor or tattoo artist before getting your tattoo done.
Coast Guard Tattoo Policy
The coastal defense and maritime law enforcement branch of our Armed Forces The US Coast Guard is one of our countrys uniformed services.
And as such, they hold their personnel and service members to a high standard.
Like the other branches of military discussed in this article, the Coast Guard periodically reviews and updates their tattoo and branding policy to keep up with the times and our changing culture.
The Coast Guards latest tattoo policy was unveiled late 2016.
And according to Kurt B. Hinrichs /s/ Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Director of Reserve and Military Personnel, the changes to the policy are minimal but important.
The report released by Hinrichs explains that the policy update is to ensure our workforce presents a sharp, professional military appearance to the public while also allowing individual expression through authorized body art that is consistent with the Coast Guards core values.
It seems as though the Coast Guard is keeping in step with the trend thats being followed by all military branches.
That is, theyre loosening up to attract recruits from the largest recruiting pool possible, without sacrificing core values.
But these changes in their tattoo policy arent for new recruits only.
Rather, according to the report, All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the provisions of this Instruction.
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Air Force Tattoo Policy 2022
Tattoos in the U.S. Air Force are allowed on the chest and back below the open-collar uniform as well as on the arms, legs, and as a ring tattoo on one finger on one hand, according to the official policy sent to FOX Television Stations.
“Ring tattoos are limited to a single band of no more than 3/8 of an inch in width, below the knuckle and above the finger joint ,” the policy states.
It adds that there are no size or placement limitations on tattoos as long as they are in accordance with its official rules.
Tattoos are not allowed on the head and neck in the area above the open collar uniform, as well as on the lips and tongue. Any tattoos that are “obscene, commonly associated with gangs, extremist, and/or supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform.”
“Indecent tattoos/brands/body markings are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety, or shocks the moral sense, because of its vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature, or its tendency to incite lustful thought. It is indecent if it tends reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts,” the U.S. Air Force tattoo policy states.
Body Piercing While In Uniform
Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part .
The exception to this is that women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. The earring should fit tightly without extending below the earlobeexcepting the connecting band on clip earrings.
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Tattoo Content Thats Prohibited
As far as the content of prohibited tattoos, here are guidelines to be aware of.
Similar to the U.S. Navy and Army, the Marine Corps does NOT allow any tattoo that is prejudicial to good order and discipline or any tattoos that are drug related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist.
Also, its worth noting a recent development that was communicated by Marine Corps Service Recruiter Staff Sgt. Justin Eckersley in a social post titled Tattoo Leniency Alert!
He wrote that the Marine Forces Reserve will allow prior service Marines who have out of regulation tattoos to join the reserves in certain circumstances.
According to Eckersley, one of the caveats is that the tattoos cannot be egregious or racist or located on the face, hands, etc. And this lenient tattoo policy waiver isnt for everyone.
Rather, its specifically designed for the Marines who have left the service and have at least 12 months remaining in the Individual Ready Reserves and an actual billet at the reserve unit.
In the end, this leniency allows the Corps to bring back quality Marines who would have otherwise been disqualified from consideration.
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.
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