Can somebody tell me the Army's current tattoo policy?

Cpl Micah Wing — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 03:32:48 -0400

I wanted to re-enlist in the Marine Corps but they wouldn't let me because of a tattoo that I have. I got it while I was in and they said that it was perfectly fine and that there shouldn't be any problem re-enlisting. But when the time came they said that I couldn't.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 8 at 2015 3:40 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 03:40:10 -0400

Must be the flag. It's not PC these days.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Aug 8 at 2015 3:48 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 03:48:50 -0400

The Army policy for tattoos was relaxed back in April. The basics are in the first link, and I am including a link which explains the changes to Army Regulation 670-1, which covers tattoos in Uniform, in more detail.
You can also look up the Regulation online.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/04/10/army-regs-tattoos-uniforms/25576197/

http://www.army.mil/article/146268/Revised_uniform_policy_changes_rules_for_tattoos__wear_of_combat_uniform/

It's official: Army issues new tattoo rules

It's official: Soldiers can now get their arms, legs and most of their bodies covered in tattoos.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 8 at 2015 3:55 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 03:55:02 -0400

Have you considered getting the ink removed?

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Aug 8 at 2015 4:32 AM

Sgt Matt Koeneman — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 04:32:36 -0400

It can't be of a certain size. I.E your hand must completely cover it. And it can not be in any way offensive.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 8 at 2015 6:41 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:41:36 -0400

Unless You never read the news I figure you should be able to figure it out for yourself.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 11:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:54:37 -0400

I you know if your denial is before or after the relaxation and tattoo policies occurred. also, I have no idea if the Confederate flag is considered offensive or not. It might be interpreted differently and may explain why you were given contradictory informatiion. I suggest talking to the JAG and get their reading on it. If they say its offensive and you want to remain or return to the Army, than get it removed. If they say its ok thn there should be no problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 11:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:56:01 -0400

You need to talk with an Army recruiter. I was one back in 2014 policy changes often your recruiter will have to submit a tattoo review to MEPS. They will take pictures and do a tattoo form and submit it, they will not do this till you have completely transitioned. Due to some of the recent outrage with the confederate flag and the shooting in SC it may be harder than you think. But if you can get over you Might as well come over, promotion is much better in the Army.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 6:23 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 18:23:02 -0400

Who is "they" that said it would be completely fine? Tattoo regulations haven't always been fully enforced but they really haven't changed much.

Response by LCpl Ash Carson made Nov 4 at 2015 9:33 AM

LCpl Ash Carson — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 09:33:25 -0500

With the way things are now and how they are downsizing the military it seems like they won't allow many individuals to re-enlist and will use any excuse to get people out