Can You Have A Neck Tattoo In The Army

Can You Join The Military If You Are Suicidal

The military considers any suicide attempts in the past as disqualifying for military service. Additionally, any history of suicidal behavior that includes gestures or discussions about the thought is disqualifying. The military also previously disqualified those that had a history with self-mutilation.

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Arthritis.

b. Complaint of a disease or injury of the spine or sacroiliac joints with or without objective signs that has prevented the individual from successfully following a physically active vocation in civilian life or that is associated with pain referred to the lower extremities, muscular spasm, postural deformities or limitation of motion.

c. Deviation or curvature of spine from normal alignment, structure or function if â

It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

It interferes with wearing a uniform or military equipment.

It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical finding and demonstrable by X-ray.

There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, and kyphosis or lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb method.

d. Fusion, congenital, involving more than two vertebrae. Any surgical fusion is disqualifying.

f. Juvenile epiphysitis with any degree of residual change indicated by X-ray or kyphosis.

Caf Announces Tattoo Policy Changes

Tattoos are now only prohibited on the face and scalp, with accommodations being made for religious or cultural reasons, according to the Canadian Armed Forces s updated tattoo policy for its members.

Issued on Aug. 12, the policy also stated that exceptions will also be made for cosmetic tattoos that are natural-looking in shape and colour.

However, the CAF is still adamant regarding certain restrictions on tattoos. The restrictions include any tattoo that displays a connection with criminal activity, nudity or promotes or expresses hatred, violence, discrimination, or harassment on the grounds prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act.

As the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, Im always observing who we are as a force and how well we are reflecting those we serve. Tattoos are more and more mainstream in Canada and thats what this policy update is all about. Greater control over your personal appearance is good for the morale of our people and it helps us attract future members to our team. Chief Warrant Officer Guimond

As part of the CAF leadership, Im proud of how we are modernizing our work culture and we will continue to do so, said Chief Warrant Officer Guimond.

The policy of years prior included tattoos that were visible either in military uniform or in civilian clothing that could be deemed to be offensive or otherwise reflect discredit on the CAF, were banned.

So Does The Military Allow Tattoos

The simple answer: there is no simple answer. It all depends, and although military tattoo regulations and policies are liable to be modified each year, take a look below for a quick guide on current military tattoo policies per branch.

Because much of these policies are up for interpretation its always best to seek feedback from a recruiter directly. However, if you already have ink and are worried it may not pass the military standard you have options! For starters, active service members who enlisted before a new regulation dont have to worry. However, if you add or alter a tattoo and it then violates new military tattoo regulations, you could run into some trouble.

Also Check: How Does A Tattoo Get Removed

More Ink On Heads Fingers Allowed In Updated Coast Guard Tattoo Policy

Coast Guard men, women and recruits now have more options to show off tattoos on their fingers or behind their ears under a new policy the service announced Monday.

The new finger regulation allows service members to get a tattoo anywhere between their first knuckle and fingertip, or on the top or side of the finger, in an area that may be visible at the position of attention.

The Coast Guard previously had stipulated that a single finger tattoo could be placed per hand but needed to be between the first and second knuckle. Any ring tattoo counts as the single finger tattoo allowed on that hand.

The new rules also allow for a single tattoo no larger than an inch wide to be placed behind one ear.

Read Next:

Hand tattoos remain authorized as long as they are no more than an inch wide. One finger and one hand tattoo are allowed on each hand, according to policy, published as ALCOAST Commandant Notice 113/21.

The Coast Guard last updated its tattoo policy in 2019 to broaden the pool of potential recruits and allow members flexibility in decorating their bodies.

Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said in his first State of the Coast Guard Address in 2019 that the services leadership needed to look at its policies to draw service members and retain them.

All the military services have issued updates in recent years to address similar concerns, as well as trends in the general population where they hope to attract recruits.

Miscellaneous Conditions Of The Extremities

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Arthritis.

Active, subacute or chronic arthritis.

Chronic osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis of isolated joints of more than a minimal degree, which has interfered with the following of a physically active vocation in civilian life or that prevents the satisfactory performance of military duty.

b. Chronic Retropatellar Knee Pain Syndrome with or without confirmatory arthroscopic evaluation.

c. Dislocation if unreduced, or recurrent dislocations of any major joint such as shoulder, hip, elbow or knee or instability of any major joint such as shoulder, elbow or hip.

d. Fractures.

Malunion or non-union of any fracture, except ulnar styloid process.

Orthopedic hardware, including plates, pins, rods, wires or screws used for fixation and left in place except that a pin, wire or screw not subject to easy trauma is not disqualifying.

e. Injury of a bone or joint of more than a minor nature, with or without fracture or dislocation, that occurred within the preceding six weeks: upper extremity, lower extremity, ribs and clavicle.

f. Joint replacement.

g. Muscular paralysis, contracture or atrophy, if progressive or of sufficient degree to interfere with military service and muscular dystrophies.

h. Osteochondritis dissecans.

i. Osteochondromatosis or multiple cartilaginous exostoses.

j. Osteoporosis.

k. Osteomyelitis, active or recurrent.

Read Also: Picosure Tattoo Removal Machine For Sale

What About Tattoos After You Are Enlisted

Some recruits think they can enlist in the military and then get whatever tattoos they wish once they have completed training. This is false. Commanding officers are always reviewing their servicemembers, and people who get tattoos after joining are still subject to disciplinary action up to and including administrative separation.

While cosmetic tattoos are acceptable, they must mimic the natural appearance of the body. The most common illustration is getting an eyebrow tattoo in cases where you are losing your eyebrow hair for some reason. However, the cosmetic tattoo must mirror the natural color, shape, and size of the eyebrow.

Some people who get tattoos after they have enlisted find that the tattoos hurt their ability to proceed up through the ranks. When they are reviewed for promotion, they might find that their promotions are delayed until they visit a tattoo removal clinic.

Generally speaking, visits to a tattoo removal clinic will be on your own dimethe government will not pay for you to have a tattoo removed, nor will health insurance. Fortunately, we do offer special discounts for military recruits, active duty, and veterans its our way of saying, thank you for your service!

Space Force Tattoo Regulations

As of the writing of this article, we were unable to locate a tattoo policy for the U.S. Space Force, the sixth and newest branch of the military.

Even though we found guidance on Space Force uniforms and insignia, we advise you to speak with a recruiter and become familiar with the Air Force tattoo policy as the Space Force is situated within the Air Force.

Don’t Miss: South Florida Laser Tattoo Removal

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:

• Airborne Tattoo Designs

What Kinds Of Tattoos Are Outright Banned

Per Marine Corps bulletin 1020 dates 29 October 2021:

Tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service, are prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, tattoos that are drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist.

You can read longer descriptions about type of banned content in MCBUL 1020.

Dont Miss: How To Choose A Tattoo Design

Don’t Miss: The Cost Of Tattoo Removal

Can The Air Force Deny You For Having A Tattoo

Yes. The Air Force can deny you for having a tattoo if the tattoo in question exceeds their limits. For example, if you have visible tattoos on your face, head, eyelids, lips, hands, neck, and wrists, you will likely get denied as these areas are not allowed to be tattooed.

You may also get denied from the Air Force if you have a tattoo design that is prohibited. Prohibited tattoos include designs that may be racist or sexist. They may also include any tattoo that is extremist or supremacist or depicts any messages of this kind.

The Air Force also has a ban on any tattoo that is affiliated or connected to gangs and gang culture. The Air Force also bans any tattoo that is affiliated with extremist religion, philosophies, and any religious blasphemy.

The Air Force also has a ban on branding tattoos in all areas, visible or not. If you have a tattoo that fits into any of these above descriptions then it is highly likely that you will get denied.

If you happen to have a tattoo that is in any way obscene, such as depicting an obscene or disturbing act, or if it falls under the USAF guidelines for obscenity, then you will also get denied.

The rules around tattoos are relaxed in many ways, but the Air Force quite rightly has a ban on any obscene and discriminatory tattoos, meaning you will not be allowed to join if you have them.

Also Check: Walk In Tattoo San Diego

Hand Ear And Neck Tattoos Now Ok For Soldiers Amid Recruiting Crunch

The military is struggling to find recruits right now, and the Army is no exception. With three months remaining in fiscal 2022, the service has only attained 40% of its enlisted recruiting goal, according to Army G-1 spokesperson Maj. Angel Tomko.

And thats part of why Army Secretary Christine Wormuth issued a new policy authorizing troops to have small tattoos on their hands, ears and necks, Army officials explained Thursday morning.

Wormuth signed a directive Wednesday that expanded the services acceptable tattoo policy. The changes will be incorporated in the next update to AR 670-1, the Armys appearance regulation.

The following tattoos are now authorized, according to the directive:

• One visible tattoo on each hand less than one inch in measurement. This tattoo cannot be on the fingers, though one ring tattoo per hand is okay, as are an unlimited number of tattoos between the fingers, as long as they are not visible when the fingers are closed.
• One tattoo on the back of a soldiers neck, less than two inches in measurement.
• One tattoo behind each ear, no larger than one inch in measurement and not extending beyond the ear lobe.

Sgt. Maj. Ashleigh Sykes, who oversees uniform and appearance policy for the services personnel directorate, cautioned that some ink still isnt okay.

Also Check: Tattoo Shops In Jacksonville Fl

Cosmetics: A Gray Area In Military Tattoo Policies

One type of tattoos that may confuse some people are cosmetics, like permanent eyeliner or eyebrows.

These are currently allowed in all branches. Just make sure they are natural-looking in color and shape to adhere to the regulations pertaining to face tattoos.

The team at Empire Resume hopes this information about tattoo policies in the military has been helpful. Were always here to help with your career planning needs and deliver results, guaranteed!

Where Can You Have Tattoos

To keep the polished and disciplined appearance of the Marine Corps, each Marine is allowed to have tattoos anywhere except on their head, neck, and hands. In addition, tattoos on the chest or back must be covered by a properly fitted crew neck t-shirt with no tattoo visibility. Tattoos on the lower arm may extend no further than a line around the wrists circumference measured at the wrist bone. Lastly, hand, finger, and wrist tattoos are prohibited, except for a single band tattoo of no more than of an inch.

Also Check: Best Thermal Copier For Tattoos

Also Check: Tattoo Shops In Fort Worth

Amid Recruiting Crunch Army Approves Small Hand Ear And Neck Tattoos For Soldiers

WACO, Texas – U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth on Thursday issued a new policy allowing soldiers to have small tattoos on their hands, ears and necks.

The Army Times reports the U.S. military is struggling to find recruits right now. With three months remaining in fiscal 2022, the U.S. Army has only attained 40 percent of its enlisted recruiting goal.

The following tattoos are now authorized for Army soldiers:

• One visible tattoo on each hand smaller than one inch in measurement. This tattoo cannot be on the fingers, though one ring tattoo per hand is okay, as are an unlimited number of tattoos between the fingers, as long as they are not visible when the fingers are closed.
• One tattoo on the back of a soldiers neck, less than two inches in measurement.
• One tattoo behind each ear, no larger than one inch in measurement and not extending beyond the ear lobe.

READ THE U.S. ARMYS MEMORANDUM ON SOLDIER TATTOOS:

Most Read

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.

Recommended Reading: Best Thermal Copier For Tattoos

The Tattoo Artist Must Be Licensed By Local Laws

The US Army recommends that soldiers attend a licensed studio for their tattoos. You are responsible for knowing the laws of your state. If you are not sure, call your local police department or sheriffs office. If you are planning to do the tattoo at home, be sure that no one under 15 years old is present when you do it.

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.

Also Check: Color Tattoo Removal Before And After

What Tattoos Are Allowed In The Navy

As of April 2018, sailors can sport a single neck tattoo , as long as it isnt bigger than 1-inch in diameter.

Additionally, tattoos below the knee and elbow, no matter the size and quantity, are perfectly fine.

This means full sleeves are allowed. Hand and ring tattoos are permitted as well.

This new policy isnt much different from one released in 2016.

The only major difference is the addition of the small neck tattoo.

Before that, however, the Navys policy on tattoos hadnt been changed in over a decade.

One relatively new amendment to the Navys tattoo policy is that they now allow sailors with sleeve tattoos to attain rank of Recruit Training command and other Recruiting command positions.

So dont be too surprised if you see a full-sleeved, tattoo-loving sailor show up to your high school or college.

As far as cosmetic tattoos go, the Navy does allow cosmetic tattoos to correct certain medical conditions.

But this is on a case-by-case basis.

All in all, compared to the Marines, the Navy is incredibly generous regarding their tattoo policy.

Joining The Military Or Aspiring To Be Promoted Your Tattoos Could Have An Impact

Each US military branch has its own appearance policies and tattoo policy that dictates the type, size, and location of allowable tattoos. However, all military tattoo policies are consistent regarding the content of allowed tattoos. Tattoos in the military cannot feature vulgarity, nudity, graphic violence, or any sentiments that could be considered racist, elitist, or anti-government. If the content of a military tattoo is in question, the decision is made by the soldiers commanding officer.

Recommended Reading: Maybelline Tattoo Brow Gel Instructions

What Are The Educational Opportunities And Benefits In The Marine Corps

FAQ Answer

As a Marine, up to 100% of your education expenses may be paid for by the federal government through programs like Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, and the Marine Corps College Fund. Dependent upon force readiness needs and deployment status, Marines may attend school through the two- or four-year College Degree Program, which covers tuition, fees, and textbooks at selected colleges and universities, and Marine Officers may be eligible for financial assistance with advanced degrees.