Posted on Jul 26, 2016
Can an Air Force MEPS commander deny entrance for a tattoo that is completely within regulation and guidance?
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My wife was supposed to ship for basic training today, and she was denied by the commander at MEPS for a tattoo that was previously authorized by the entire chain of command, including the former commander at the MEPS station in Phoenix, AZ. The tattoo in question is completely within regs. Everyone from myself up to a Lt. Col have seen it and judged it as such.
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Recruiting
Recruiting
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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If the tattoo is within regs they CANNOT deny her entrance so take it higher
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MEPS commanders are not the approving authority for tattoo exceptions. Each service has different policies and the approval authority level is determined by the service. For the Army, it is generally the recruiting battalion commander.
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It may be that the new commander is unaware of reg changes. Or maybe s/he's just a douche. Either way, I'd go to the MEPS senior enlisted (Dunno which branch s/he is, so I can't say 1sg/Chief, etc), and ask for help.
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TSgt (Join to see)
That's definitely my next course of action. She's Air Force, and i'm stationed at the same place she's shipping from so it shouldn't be too difficult for us to work our way up the chain.
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SFC J Fullerton
TSgt (Join to see) - You should contact the recruiting chain of command. MEPS has no authority over tattoos. If the Air Force approving authority has approved the tattoo, MEPS cannot over ride it.
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SFC J Fullerton
MEPCOM is a separate entity from each branch of services recruiting commands. There are certain things covered under MEPCOM rules, but each service has its own governing regulations and command authority. Bottom line, the services can grant waivers and exceptions for medical disqualifications (Ht/wt/physical, etc). Tattoos are governed by the services, not MEPS.
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