Can I get a tattoo on holiday block leave?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 00:02:40 -0500

I’m a soldier in ait on fort lee about to go on holiday block leave could I get a tattoo during that period?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 3:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 03:52:18 -0500

I am sure you were counseled when arriving to your AIT unit. What does that 4856 say?

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Dec 6 at 2020 10:59 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:59:10 -0500

Time for the difference between “can” and “should”.

“Can you get a tattoo during block leave?” Yes, pretty sure you could.

“Should you get a tattoo during block leave?” Yeah, pretty sure you shouldn’t. There’s aftercare instructions that you probably won’t be able to follow during AIT in January.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 6:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 18:32:00 -0500

You can ask your DS prior to going on leave. They would have the most up to date information.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 7:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 19:03:53 -0500

Tattoos are a sensitive topic. They are commonly used to disqualify from re-enlistment should the army feel the need to shrink it's numbers. So make sure you don't cross the line of what is and is not permitted. Also, consider what is permitted today might not be permitted tomorrow. A non tattoo will never be prohibited.

It's also pretty clear evidence of breaking CV-19 distancing requirements should you contract anything because you went into a parlor that jabbed needles into you.

There is plenty of time to get that stuff done. I get it, you're young. The bigger prize however is getting through TRADOC and being a MOSQ soldier. Once you get that you are a little safer in regard to pushing the limits. Right now, if something happened that caused a disruption to your training you are in a prime position for the Army to just wash their hands of you.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 6 at 2020 11:53 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 23:53:15 -0500

Could and should are two different things.
While attending training you could run into issues with keeping it clean and follow-up maintenance to prevent damage, scarring or infection.
I am also guessing it may be an issue in regards to social distancing requirements you may have.
I would just sit on it for the time being. You have plenty of time to plan out your ink and get it done during a better time that may be more appropriate and feasible. Do some research and find a quality place with a quality design. Most of us have a jacked up tattoo from entry level training that has either been removed or had to be fixed down the line. Don't rush it.

Response by SPC Paul LaBelle made Dec 7 at 2020 1:46 PM

SPC Paul LaBelle — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 13:46:19 -0500

Are you 10000000% sure you’re going to graduate? Is there no possible way you can injure yourself and be medically discharged?
I ask this because I worked with a guy that had a combat engineer tattoo on his arm. When I asked about it he told me how he hates the tattoo and wished he had the money to get it lasered off because he broke his leg and was chartered out of the army and it’s a permanent Reminder of his not completing AIT.

Response by PVT Robert L. Zaks made Dec 26 at 2020 12:15 PM

PVT Robert L. Zaks — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 12:15:11 -0500

I don’t see any reason why not to get one.

Response by SGT Robert McCuistion made Jan 18 at 2021 3:30 PM

SGT Robert McCuistion — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:30:31 -0500

I would wait until you hit your post. Check with you chain of command to see what they would recommend. Remember, tats never go away unless you're willing to go through the process of laser removal or such procedures. Also, another reason to wait and think on it is due to AIT. If you get it infected by chance, there's a possibility of it scarring, or worse, requiring urgent medical attention. Wait on it, and think if you REALLY want to have that permanent addition to your body.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 20 at 2023 4:39 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:39:09 -0400

WHO WOULD WRITE THIS SHIT....TROOP/SOLDIER/WARRIOR OR WANTA BE.

WAIT UNTIL YOU GET TO YOUR FIRST DUTY STATION. AS PVT/E1 YOU WILL BUSY WHEN YOU GET THERE UNLESS THE IS THAT WOKE NOW, THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CLEANING SERVICE.

TRUSH ME...

IF YOU GO REMOTE LOCATION DEALING WITH AMMO YOU WILL HAVE TO WRITWE HOME ABOUT OF HIT UP ONE OF THE BARRACKS RATS TO DO ONE FOR YOU, JUST LIKE JAIL..MOST FIRAST TATTOS ARE PRETTY GAY.