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If I Have Tattoos Can I Join The Military

What Air Force Tattoos Are Not Allowed

Can I join the Army? – Army Jobs

While the Air Force has one of the more lenient tattoo policies of all the military branches, they still have standards and restrictions that must be followed.

As far as size and location of unauthorized tattoos, Airmen cannot be inked up in the following locations:

Otherwise, its fair game for size and location.

USAF Airmen can have tattoos that are much larger than their hand when covering it.

And if you think about it, that leaves A LOT of canvas to be tattooed.

See below for a visual of what the new Air Force tattoo policy entails, what they prohibit, and what they permit.

Now that youre clear on the size and locations of unauthorized tattoos, lets discuss the content of tattoos that are prohibited.

The following unauthorized body markings are not allowed anywhere on the body, even when covered up by PTs.

So keep this in mind when visiting a recruiter, because they will ask, and you must tell.

Here are the tattoos not allowed in the USAF:

  • Any markings that are obscene
  • Associated with gang activity
  • Ethnic or religious discriminatory tattoos

These tattoos will NOT fly, in more ways than one.

However, if you are unsure of a particular tattoo or tattoos, it doesnt hurt to visit an Air Force recruiter and get their opinion.

Sometimes they give waivers in certain cases.

Youd hate to blow your chances simply because you think your tattoo will automatically disqualify you.

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.

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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How Can I Remove A Tattoo At Home For Free

  • Aloe Vera. It uses for many skin treatments and in cosmetics products. …
  • Salt. Salt is an abrasive material. …
  • Honey. Honey is an effective natural way to remove a tattoo at home, especially for light-colored and tiny tattoos. …
  • Sand powder and grinding stones. …
  • Can You Have A Tattoo Behind Your Ear In The Air Force

    Army Times: Pick a tattoo for SMA Dailey  What do you think of this ...

    No, you will not be able to have a tattoo behind your ear in the Air Force. Whilst it is covered by an ear and possibly hair, there is still a chance that the tattoo may be seen, and therefore against regulations.

    As it stands, any tattoo on the head or face is banned, and, seeing as a tattoo behind the ear is still technically on the head, it will not be allowed in the Air Force.

    As well as a ban on tattoos behind the ear, the Air Force also has rules regarding piercings of any kind, especially visible piercings on the face or ears.

    Of course, piercings can be taken out, but tattoos cannot be as easily removed unless you want to fork out for expensive laser removal .

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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.

    Coast Guard Tattoo Policy 2022

    The U.S. Coast Guard says its tattoo policy strikes a balance between personal expression and maintaining our sharp military appearance as it aims to continue recruiting and keeping its next generation of Coast Guardsman.

    Tattoos that represent racism, discrimination, indecency, extremist/supremacist ideals, lawlessness, violence, or are sexually explicit are banned.

    Theres also no limit on the number of tattoos one can have, but there are restrictions on where they can be on the body. Chest tattoos that are visible above the Coast Guard crew neck T-shirt are not allowed.

    Service members can have one, 1-inch tattoo on each hand, but it cant go past the first knuckle closest to the wrist.

    One finger tattoo per hand is also allowed within the length of the finger from the first to the second knuckle, according to the Coast Guard tattoo policy.

    Additionally, one ring tattoo per hand is allowed on the wearers finger but not the thumb.

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    Can We Get Govt Job After Tattoo

    Having a visible tattoo can prevent you from furthering your career with the government or even beginning one. Many agencies cite professional standards and require their employees or agents to have no visible tattoos.

    Can I apply for SSB if my Tattoo has faded?

    In case a candidate has undergone removal of tattoo prior to appearing for SSB interview and the same has faded substantially, this will be treated as a scar and not a tattoo. Such candidates will be permitted to undergo the entire selection process subject to approval by the Commandant, Selection Centre.

    Navy Tattoo Ideas And Meanings

    British Army Rules On Piercings And Tattoos 2021 | Military Tattoo Policy

    The U.S. Navy has a rich history when it comes to tattoos and their meanings.

    For instance, you might see an old-timer sporting an anchor, a few swallows, a dagger with a rose, etc.

    The younger generations are catching on to the meaning behind these, and are carrying the torch and heading for the tattoo parlor for the same tattoos.

    Here are a few U.S. Navy tattoo ideas and their meanings:

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    Can The Military Boost Recruitment By Allowing More Tattoos

    Congress wants to know if tattoos and piercings are keeping too many potential recruits out of the military.

    On Wednesday, during debate over the annual defense authorization bill draft, members of the House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved language which would mandate a new report on whether tattoos and body modification for potential enlistees have become a deterrent to meeting recruitment goals.

    The research, which would be due in March 2022, would include the exact number of potential enlistees per year that are denied access to the military due to tattoos and body modifications and comparison of military rules to private-sector policies.

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    The measure passed without opposition. It still has to survive negotiations with the Senate later this year before it becomes law.

    But the move recognizes changing cultural norms and emerging demographics of the country, and the challenges that presents to recruiters, according to committee members.

    A 2015 Harris poll found that about half of millennials have at least one tattoo, and at least a third of all Americans have gotten one.

    Rules regarding tattoos or piercings vary from service to service, but most prohibit offensive imagery or tattoos on the face, upper neck and hands.

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    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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    Can You Have A Full Sleeve Tattoo In The National Guard

    The National Guard follows the Armys stance in terms of full sleeve tattoos.

    The U.S. Army recently changed its policy regarding tattoos on the arms.

    You are allowed to have tattoos on the entire arm, but not past the wrist bone.

    Therefore, a full sleeve tattoo is possible in the National Guard based on current standards.

    The same is true of sleeve tattoos on the legs since the National Guard now allows body art on that section of the body.

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    What Air Force Tattoos Are Allowed

    Can You Have Tattoos In The Army National Guard

    Well, for starters, Airmen can sport tattoos that are nearly 100% the size of their body.

    As previously mentioned, the Air Force has lifted the 25% rule , and for good reason.

    Recruiters were aware of the fact that nearly half of all millenials had a tattoo.

    But what they quickly realized was that 1 in every 5 of the recruits who did have tattoos had tattoos that required review and were potentially disqualifying.

    And the #1 disqualifier turned out to be the 25% rule.

    Go figure.

    Today, with that rule out the window, Airmen can have virtually any size tattoo, or grouping of tattoos, anywhere on their chest, back, arms, legs, and feet.

    Ah, yes, the feet! Here is where the Air Force differs from other branches as well.

    They allow tattoos on the feet below the ankle line.

    In other words, Airmen can get inked up to their hearts content .

    Sleeves anyone?

    Its true, this means the USAF now allows sleeve tattoos full-sleeves or half-sleeves, or anything in-between is now perfectly acceptable.

    Hand tattoos are technically allowed, but as mentioned, theyre limited to one ring tattoo on one hand only.

    According to one news report, Current Airmen with existing hand tattoos that were authorized under the previous policy will be grandfathered in under the old policy standards.

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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

    Easing On Soldier Tattoo Policies In The Army

    Last June, Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth signed Army Directive 2022-09 that allows recruits and current soldiers to receive tattoos on their hands, the back of their ears, and the back of their necks.

    This means that the processing time for recruits with existing body art will now be lessened, and they will have a better chance of getting their applications approved. Previously, these aspirants had to file waiver exceptions that could sometimes take weeks and affect their application to the service altogether.

    Tattoos are undeniably popularespecially among late teens and young adults. So to allow top able-bodied applicants to serve in the Army, the Army began allowing soldiers to have tattoos. However, the requirement to file a waiver, which can take up to 14 days, hampered recruitment because potential recruits who previously had tattoos in restricted areas may have decided to enlist in another military branch, according to David Andrews, Army Training and Doctrine Command enlisted chief.

    According to Andrews, as of May, Army recruiters had already filed over 650 waivers for active duty and reserve recruits who have tattoos on their skin.

    The lengthy wait for the waiver also discouraged recruits, who instead chose to join other military branches, such as the Navy and the Marines, which have less stringent tattoo policies.

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    What Tattoos Are Not Allowed In The Air Force

    The Air Force does not allow tattoos that are very visible such as on your face, neck, hands, wrists, and head. The rules have changed in recent years to include a little more allowance for tattoos, such as allowing tattoos when they cover less than 25% of the body and the removal of size stipulations.

    Sleeves on the arm may also be allowed now. Tattoos on the lips, even if on the inside, are still considered visible and so they also incur a ban.

    In terms of the design of the tattoos, the Air Force strictly bans any tattoo that is racist, sexist, homophobic, extremist, indecent in any way and any other tattoo that may be offensive. In our opinion, this is the right decision.

    After all, the Air Force should not allow for any form of discrimination in their employees, and a tattoo depicting such a thing is a sure sign that the person is a bad fit for such a role!

    To be more specific, anything that can be classed as obscene under guidelines set by the USAF is not allowed. The Air Force also has a total ban on any tattoos that are associated or affiliated with gangs and gang activity. These banned tattoos are not allowed on any part of the body, even if they can be covered up!

    Whilst hand tattoos are generally banned, the Air Force does make an exception for ring tattoos. There is an allowance for a ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.

    This is to ensure that married personnel who have decided to mark their marriage with a tattoo instead of a ring do not need to be excluded.

    Is Tattoo Allowed In Ssb

    Explaining the Army tattoo policy

    Though no restriction on size or type of tattoo has been specified, tattoos are only permitted on body parts as given at Paragraphs 2 and 4 above. Only small innocuous tattoos, that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline are permitted e.g. religious symbols or names of near and dear ones etc.

    Is tattoo allowed in PSU?

    There is no such rule in PSUs and they dont strip you down to check. But, If you have any offensive or intimidating tattoo inked at your face or any other bodypart that you cant cover then yes, there is a possibility of you getting rejected.

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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.

    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.

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    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.

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