What Is The Army Tattoo Policy
- It is an Army policy that a service member may not have tattoos visible on their hands, neck, face, or head. Additionally, the tattoo must be in good taste and not offensive to the uniform.
- Just because you have a tattoo doesnt mean you wont be accepted into the military. However, if your tattoo violates Army guidelines, it may prevent you from joining. If this happens to you, contact your recruiter for more information about how to apply for a waiver.
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.
Requirements To Become A Sailor
To join the Navy, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
- Be between the ages of 17 and 39 to enlist or be between 19 and 42 to become an Officer*
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent or have a four-year degree from an accredited university
- Have a qualifying score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or the Officer Aptitude Rating and Aviation Selection Test Battery
- Pass the Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam
- Meet the physical, mental and moral standards of the Navy
*If you are not yet 18, you need parental consent to join.
Contact a recruiter to request more information about basic requirements.
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Military Entrance Processing Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions that we have received, but as always, you should check questions yourself with a recruiter. To get in touch with a recruiter now.
Lying at MEPS
Question:
I had a misdemeanor, petty theft, and my Navy recruiter told me to lie. I was scared, and confused on why he wanted me to lie, though my offense wasnt even disqualifying. My fine was not paid for when I signed, and I had no idea that it was illegal to be processed without fines being paid. I refuse to go into the USN with inaccurate papers. Is it too late to change my papers what will happen afterward?
Responses:
1. Need some clarification. Did you admit to the charge? If so and your fine just isnt paid, go pay it. If you didnt mention it, pay the fine and mention it when you ship.
Or you can pay your fine and divulge this to the recruiter. It may void your enlistment contract and may require you to choose another rate. However, you dont have to worry about when big brother will come knocking. And you will be in compliance. Peace of mind is everything.
Is asthma a disqualifying condition?
Question:
What Tattoos Are Allowed In The Army
Well, the Cliff Notes version of the Armys tattoo policy goes something like this:
The wrist down and the neck up are off limits, with the exception of a single ring tattoo, otherwise its fair game.
While this might help to understand the policy in general terms, its actually a bit more nuanced than this.
Its true that there are no limits as to how many tattoos, and the size of those tattoos, a soldier can have on their arms, legs, chest, and torso.
You can be tatted up pretty good in the Army.
And while you cannot have any hand tattoos , you can have one ring tattoo per hand, located where you would naturally wear a ring.
Finally, permanent makeup such as eyebrows and eyeliner is allowed only on women, and must be applied conservatively and with modesty.
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Tattoos And The Military: The Dos And Donts If You Want To Join The Service
A lot of people have tattoos, and our reasons for getting them range from acknowledging meaningful, life-changing moments to a weekend bender in L.A., New York, or Miami that ends up at an ink shop. Its your body and you can put whatever you want wherever you want. Right? Well, that depends on your future plans. Pay attention to what comes next if you plan to join the military after high school or college or if youre already in the armed services.
This next line is tough for me to get out, but your mama was right: Think before you ink. Each of the armed services has different regulations that change on a continuing basis. If youre already in the service, your existing tattoos are grandfathered in, but the doesnt mean they cant hurt your chances at a promotion. Also, new tattoos have to meet the stricter requirements, which leads to my next point.
If you tend to make rash decisions after drinking, make sure at least one of your buddies has your back. You might want to pick someone big enough to deter you from making stupid things that involve a tattoo shop. Anything thats going to follow you to the grave deserves deliberate intention, so if you hanker for body art, plan it out and go to a reputable place that understands military regulations. Dont drink then ink.
National Guard Tattoo Policy For 2022
The National Guard acts as a reserve component for the U.S. Armed Forces.
Since it is a reserved military force, members of the National Guard have civilian jobs while also serving part-time in the military.
Therefore, the balance between having a traditional and professional military appearance is important yet not as well explained compared to other branches of the military.
The National Guard is aligned primarily with the U.S. Army and Air Force, which is why it has many of the same presentation standards, including what is allowed in terms of tattoos.
Read the full article to determine if your tattoos qualify or are not authorized based on the National Guard tattoo policy for 2021.
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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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National Guard Tattoo Policy
The US National Guard is an important branch of the United States Armed Forces. The National Guard and Air National Guard are reserve forces, which means that those that serve do so on a part-time basis while also holding civilian jobs. Removery often sees clients who plan to join the National Guard but have tattoos that violate their tattoo policy.
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What Military Branch Allows Tattoos
The Navy is the only branch that allows tattoos on the hands. Although Navy tattoos can be located anywhere, those located on the torso must not be visible through Navy dress whites.
Why are tattoos not allowed in military?
All five military branches restrict tattoo content. Youre going to have to remove any tattoos based on drugs, sex, violence, or gang affiliation. Similarly, your ink cannot discriminate against sex, religion, or race.
Can you have a finger tattoo in the army?
Hands: All the service branches prohibit hand tattoos. But they all have minor exceptions to this rule. The Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps allow finger ring tattoos, one per hand. The Air Force allows a single finger ring tattoo on one hand only.
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.
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Popeye The Sailor Man
While Popeye is a Sailor Man, and therefore a card-carrying member of the good ol U.S. Navy, hes a go-to for Coast Guardsmen who are looking for a great tattoo.
Dont be too surprised if you come across loads of Popeye-themed tattoos on Coasties young and old.
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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.
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Will The Navy Pay To Remove Tattoos
Unfortunately, the answer is usually no.
In the past a soldier could get funding from the military branch he or she was serving in order to remove a tattoo that was not allowed for service.
However, in 2006 the Department of Defense released a new policy that requires active duty military personnel to pay for their own tattoo removals.
There was hope along with the new Navy tattoo policy that the decision would get reversed, however, the DOD policy still remains in place.
Sailors that are ordered to have a tattoo removed by a commanding officer can get financial support yet a command-directed tattoo removal in the Navy is rare.
The good news is that since the Navy is more loose with its tattoo policy the chances of needing to remove a tattoo in order to serve the country are far less.
I Have Adhd Can I Join The Army
Yes. Previously ADD or ADHD was automatically disqualifying, but today it is only disqualifying if the applicant has been treated with ADD/ADHD medicine within the previous year or if they display obvious signs of the condition. If you are concerned about ADHD medical prescriptions, talk to your recruiter about potential options.
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Excellence In All We Do
Pursuing a career in the Air Force is admirable and will be incredibly rewarding, but it requires discipline even before you begin training. The Air Force maintains high standards, most of which are things within your control. If you aspire to be an Airman, ensure that you meet requirements now and make choices that will keep you eligible over time.
KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER
Recent Changes To National Guard Tattoo Policy
The Army recently adapted its tattoo policy to make it more lenient for recruits since more and more Millennials are opting to get some type of body art.
As a result, the National Guard follows the Army tattoo policy in that it allows tattoos on any part of the body aside from the head, face, neck, and hands.
There are no longer restrictions on the number of tattoos National Guard members can have on their bodies.
Additionally, the National Guard follows the Army by no longer judging the size of tattoos either.
It is quite a difference from the previous National Guard military tattoo policy which limited the number of tattoos to four.
The previous tattoo policy also prohibited tattoos on the chest, upper arms, torso, and legs parts of the body that are now authorized.
Finally, the National Guard tattoo policy for 2021 does permit one ring tattoo per hand yet that is it in terms of hand tattoos.
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Understand The Regulations Before You Sign Up
All five military branches restrict tattoo content. Youre going to have to remove any tattoos based on drugs, sex, violence, or gang affiliation. Similarly, your ink cannot discriminate against sex, religion, or race. If your tattoo ticks people off, chances are its going to keep you out of the service, unless you get rid of it. Theres no point in whining over this. If you want to serve your country, youll be facing much bigger decisions, so get it done. Having offensive tattoos covered or removed is a small price to pay.
What Other Grooming Standards Does The National Guard Have
Once again, the National Guard follows the same rules and guidelines as the U.S. Army.
The grooming standards expect men and women to be neat, clean, and well-groomed in personal appearance.
Common logic follows with standard short haircuts for men and neatly pinned up hairstyles for women.
Men are not permitted to have beards in the National Guard, but tightly regulated mustaches are allowed.
Body piercings are also not allowed on male members of the National Guard, yet females can have a single piercing on each ear.
You can get a more detailed explanation of National Guard expectations by studying Army grooming standards.
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Are Hand Neck Or Face Tattoos Allowed In The Navy
Hand and neck tattoos are allowed in the Navy.
Neck tattoos were recently added to the acceptable list of Navy tattoos so long as they are below one inch in diameter.
Tattoos behind the ear are also permitted as long as the ink is not touching the ear directly.
There are some circumstances where a Navy recruiting commander may grant a waiver for having a neck tattoo that exceeds the maximum 1 inch x 1 inch dimensions.
However, face tattoos are still NOT permitted in the United States Navy.
The same is true of the head, scalp, and ears.
Prohibited National Guard Tattoos
Secondly, the National Guard disallows tattoos that are inappropriate in terms of content.
The National Guard does not authorize, under any conditions, tattoos that are racist, derogatory, sexist, extremist, or indecent.
While the determination that a particular tattoo is offensive is a matter of personal speculation, there are some obvious examples:
It is also worth mentioning that it doesnt matter if an offensive tattoo is covered by the uniform or not.
The body art is still not authorized if a commanding officer finds it inappropriate and offensive.
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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.
What Happens If A Soldier Is Caught With An Unauthorized Tattoo/refuses To Remove
According to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia Manual 670-1, there are procedures for handling unauthorized tattoos.
If a soldier has any tattoo or brand that is prohibited under the Army tattoo policy , he or she will receive a written notice from a commander regarding the violation.
Once the soldier receives the notice he or she has 15 days to make a decision.
The Army traditionally provides three options: A) appeal the decision of the commander, B) have the tattoo professionally removed, or C) keep the tattoo.
Tattoo policy appeals are handled by a commander at the O-6 level for a final determination.
Military personnel that violates the Army tattoo policy are responsible for any costs related to the removal of the tattoo.
Soldiers that elect to keep tattoo in violation of the policy will begin administrative separation proceedings in order to terminate his or her service.
The U.S. Army like every branch of the military has fairly strict grooming standards.
Men and women service members are both required to follow stern haircut requirements.
Additionally, men are not permitted to have beards in the Army though tightly regulated mustaches are authorized.
Body piercings are not allowed for male service members, while females can sport piercing with several restrictions.
Learn what all is authorized and not authorized regarding Army grooming standards.
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