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Can You Join The Military With A Face Tattoo

Can Navy Seals Have Tattoos

Can I join the Army? – Army Jobs

As of March 2016,tattoos including full sleeves are acceptable. According to the Navy, only the head, face and scalp are off limits. The neck and behind the ear may have one tat but it should be restricted to one inch. This means that full sleeves on the arms and legs and even tattoos on the hands are acceptable.

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Can I Join The Army With A Tattoo

One of the most common questions we get is Can I Join the Army if I have a Tattoo. This article answers that question and outlines what types of tattoos may keep you from joining the U.S. Army.

You will NEVER be allowed to enlist in the Regular Army, Army Reserves, or Army National Guard if you have any of the non-waivable disqualifying tattoos below. Depending on abundance of recruits, standards may be more strict than listed:

  • Tattoos located on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or fingers
  • Tattoos which are extreme, sexist, indecent, or racist
  • Having more than four tattoos located below the knee or between the elbow and wrist

As part of efforts to maintain the professional appearance of the force, the Army dialed back the number, size and placement of tattoos in the March regulation.

Previously authorized tattoos were grandfathered in, but Soldiers hoping to become an officer had to get an exception to the policy.

The updated regulation takes into account that previously authorized tattoos should not prevent a Soldier from becoming an officer, but that candidates are to be evaluated based on the whole Soldier concept, or all characteristics of a Soldier.

Here is the latest policy on tattoos from Army Regulation 670-1 :

33. Tattoo, Branding, and Body Mutilation PolicyNote: This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.

Tattoos Brands And Piercings

Airmen are subject to strict requirements and restrictions pertaining to body modifications. If you plan to get a tattoo or other body modifications, carefully consider placement, size and content before you proceed.

Tattoos, brands or piercings anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that may bring discredit upon the Air Force, are prohibited both in and out of uniform. This includes modifications that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. Even if rectified, excessive scarring resulting from tattoo removal may also be disqualifying.

Tattoos are not completely disqualifying, however. There are no size or area limitations for authorized tattoos on the chest , back, arms, and legs. Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one single-band ring tattoo, on one finger, on one hand.

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Can You Join The Military With Tattoos What Are The Rules

Tattoos have always been a part of the militarys culture. But, lately, the military has been cracking down on tattoos that are deemed inappropriate.

The military is now strictly enforcing tattoo rules in an effort to make its members more professional-looking. If youre thinking about joining the military and want to know if your tattoos will disqualify you, here are some things to consider.

Can you join the military with tattoos?

Yes, you can join the military with tattoos. Long answer: Yes, you can join the military with tattoos. Though its difficult to predict what your tattoo will look like in 10 years, yes, you may be disqualified for tattoos that violate the rules. That being said, if youre a good fit for a particular military branch or service and are willing to put in some elbow grease and time in the recruiting process, then joining with tattoos may be a possibility.

Before we get into specifics about how to join the military with tattoos, lets first talk about what kinds of tattooed people have been accepted into the armed forces.

What Are The Rules For Tattoos In The Military?

  • Generally, tattoos that have religious, political, or sexual themes will not be allowed. The military does allow tattoos with designs of a flag, as well as patriotic tattoos like the Statue of Liberty and bald eagle. However, tattooing that is deemed inappropriate will not be tolerated.
  • Making Sense Of Waiver Rules

    BTS WITH TATTOOS

    According to GAO, every service except the Navy allows recruits and current service members to request waivers for certain tattoo restrictions. However, the watchdog organization said, the services dont consistently lay out the possibility of such waivers or the process for getting them.

    respective policies generally do not document this possibility clearly,it states. Clear guidance on waivers for unauthorized tattoos would provide consistent information about requirements for waiver requests and conditions for approval. This could clarify whether tattoo prevalence affects future or continued military service.

    Currently, all services offer recruit waivers for tattoo rules, although the Air Force and Space Force limit such waivers to exceptionally qualified recruits in critical, understaffed career fields. None of the six services, however, outlines how to request waiver approval and what conditions must be met, GAO found. The Navy is the only service that does not offer waivers for current troops. Again, however, the other services fail to specify how to apply for these waivers, and none are clear about which tattoos might qualify for them.

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    An Updated Approach To Tattoo Policy

    Under new guidelines enacted during Iraq and Afghan combat in 2015, the seemingly arbitrary number of four tattoos on the arms and legs was replaced with a more detail oriented approach. Under the new policy, the number of tattoos isnt specified instead limits are focused on where the ink can be located and its subject matter.

    The following graphic shows where tattoos are and are not accepted in the US Army in 2020.

    On the visible part of the arm tattoos must be one inch below the elbow and tattoos cannot extend onto the wrist or hands. For upper arm pieces, tattoos must start two inches above the elbow.

    Tattoos on the legs must be either two inches above or two inches below the knee, leaving the areas of skin on the knee untouched. As long as these placement rules are followed no number limit for tattoos is specified.

    Tattoos on the back and torso are less restricted regarding size and placement as long as they dont pass the shirt collar and extend onto the neck.

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    Military Tattoo Policy And Joining The Military

    Another recurring line of questioning in future military personnel is the issue of tattoos. We live in an era that emphasizes the importance of expression that takes on the form of what previous generations considered mutilation. Whether or not that kind of accusation holds any weight is normally left up to the individual.

    But for those joining the military, its a different story. Although there exists a long history between the military and tattoos, all U.S. military branches have standards about where, what, how much, and how many their members can have prior to

    enlistment, and during service. These regulations ensure that all personnel maintain appearance standards for the given branch, much in the same way each branch maintains standards concerning uniforms and uniform appearance. In addition, as it applies to the content of the artwork, military regulation on tattoos is also in place to minimize the establishment of unnecessary divisions or senseless conflict between service members.

    As is often the case, each branch has its own definition of what amount of ink is acceptable, as well as the content and location. During MEPS, recruits will be given a full physical to verify that he or she is fit for duty. During this time, you will be looked over by a military doctor, who will assess if your artwork violates any of the military tattoo policy.

    According to Navy regulations, enlistment standards are based on four criteria,

    appearance

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    Side Effects In The Human Body Of Tattoo

    Tattoos can cause a number of side effects in the human body. These side effects include infections, rashes, and allergic reactions. Some people may also experience more serious side effects like bleeding or swelling. Side effects are usually minor, but they can be quite painful. If youre concerned about any possible side effects from your tattoo, talk to your doctor or dermatologist first.

  • It makes your skin irritating and itchy.
  • It can make your hair fall out.
  • You may have an allergic reaction to the ink used to tattoo you
  • It makes you feel like you are under a spell, freaked out
  • You will look terrible in a suit, especially navy blue
  • You will itch all the time 7. Your skin will look
  • Excellence In All We Do

    Trying to join military with tattoos USAF

    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

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    What Tattoos Are Allowed In The Coast Guard

    In the Coast Guard, you can have full sleeve and half-sleeve tattoos, full back and chest tattoos, and tattoos elsewhere on your body including your legs.

    Members of the Coast Guard arent restricted at all when it comes to tattoo size or percentage of coverage.

    However, any body branding cannot be larger than a 4-inch by 4-inch area.

    The Guards old policy detailed that tattoos werent allowed to be visible at all above the v-neck undershirt, and they have since expanded to the crew neck t-shirt.

    No tattoo can be visible above the Coast Guard crew neck t-shirt.

    Hand tattoos are allowed with certain restrictions. You can have one single band ring tattoo on each hand.

    You can also have a finger tattoo that can run the length between the first and second knuckle. On top of that you can also have 1 small hand tattoo, per hand, between the wrist and first knuckle , but it cannot extend one inch in any dimension.

    The Coast Guard also allows Ultraviolet or black light tattoos.

    The restrictions on these are exactly the same as for regular tattoos.

    Cosmetic tattoos are also permitted.

    Cosmetic tattooing is defined as a medical or surgical procedure conducted by a trained and licensed medical professional.

    Some people get cosmetic tattoos to cover up scar tissue, or to otherwise make a medical issue less prominent in appearance.

    The Coast Guard is perfectly fine with these types of tattoos.

    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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    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!

    Examples Of Army Offensive Tattoos

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    Here are the main types of tattoos the U.S. Army analyzes and may prohibit you from enlisting in the military:

    • Sexist Tattoos: Soldiers are not allowed to have body art that advocates a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender.
    • Racist Tattoos: Soldiers are not allowed to have body ink that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
    • Extremist Tattoos: The Army determines extremist tattoos as body art affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. The Army has zero-tolerance toward organizations that promote racial or gender intolerance.
    • Indecent Tattoos: The Army clarifies that indecent tattoos are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism. The definition of indecent tattoos in the Army is fairly loose. It might include body art like a character flipping the bird or using the restroom on another object.

    Lastly, branding tattoos are not authorized in the U.S. Army.

    Military personnel are prohibited from having tattoos, including brands on the head, face, and neck.

    There are several commonly asked questions regarding the Army tattoo policy:

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    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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    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.

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    Will The Army Pay To Remove Tattoos

    The Army will not pay to remove existing tattoos prior to joining the military branch.

    The only way you could get compensation for tattoo removal from the U.S. government is if the Army tattoo policy changed after you enlisted.

    For example, if a commanding officer determined your tattoo violates its policy, you could request funding for the removal.

    However, those circumstances happen infrequently in the U.S. Army.

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    Future Of Armed Forces Tattoo Policy

    Military Tattoo Removal 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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    What Tattoos Are Not Allowed In The Coast Guard

    Location. Location. Location.

    Similar to other branches of the military, the Coast Guard has very specific rules regarding the placement or location of tattoos.

    No tattoos or brands are authorized anywhere on the head, scalp, face, and neck.

    Otherwise, as far as location of tattoos go, your body is your canvas.

    As for content of individual or groups of tattoos, the Coast Guard is particular about what they authorize and what is non-negotiable.

    A Coast Guardsman cannot wear any tattoo that promotes:

    • Racism/discrimination
    • Sexual explicitness

    You can read all about how the Coast Guard defines the above terms in their official memo announcing the new tattoo policy change.

    But before we move on, the Coast Guard does offer guidance in the form of an image collage as to what type of tattoo designs are not authorized .

    Coasties are also not authorized to have any body mutilations, also known as intentional alterations and / or modifications to a members body .

    Body Piercings are also prohibited, with the exception of women who may have small studded earrings.

    As described in the Coast Guards latest uniform regulations, no piercing shall be made through the ear, nose, tongue, chin, eyebrow, or any other body part that would be visible while in any uniform.

    This prohibition applies to male and female members alike and is specifically intended to limit the less than military appearance associated with vacant holes in the face and other exposed areas of the body.

    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 .

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