Can you be in ROTC or a officer with tattoos?

2021-03-05T11:17:43-05:00

Sleeve tattoos

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Mar 5 at 2021 11:19 AM

2021-03-05T11:19:42-05:00

Officers go by the same regulations as Enlisted. Look under AR 670-1 for Chapter 3-3 page 12.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-03-05T11:34:11-05:00

As long as it’s in regs. I know a TON of Os with sleeves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 11:43 AM

2021-03-05T11:43:41-05:00

As long as they meet the regulation, sleeve's are fine. ROTC is a college program so don't base what the Military accepts on what you see in the ROTC program.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-03-05T11:49:59-05:00

Yes you can. I have my shoulders and upper arms covered. I am probably going to get a sleeve soon. It used to be taboo to be an officer with a sleeve. It is more acceptable these days.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Mar 5 at 2021 12:05 PM

2021-03-05T12:05:54-05:00

I do not understand the younger generation's desire to get tattooed. That having been said, I can see why one would have an emblem or symbol, which has great meaning, tattooed on, like a military unit patch. But, to just cover your arm with a pretty picture -- I don't get it.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Mar 5 at 2021 12:36 PM

2021-03-05T12:36:47-05:00

Others mentioned checking current regulations, but also ask the ROTC recruiter at your future school if it will be an issue

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 5 at 2021 1:08 PM

2021-03-05T13:08:47-05:00

Here's a link to a 2017 Air Force policy.
https://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/cct/2017/CCT_011217.pdf?ver=2017-01-12-130729-393
All of the Services have regulations covering this subject. O and E are usually covered under the same policy. Waivers may be available for recruiting purposes.

CCT_011217.pdf

Response by MSgt Joseph Sweet made Mar 5 at 2021 2:17 PM

2021-03-05T14:17:34-05:00

Yes.

Response by COL Kelly Hines made Mar 5 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-03-05T17:48:37-05:00

Yes but...regs are changing constantly, if the tat is offensive/ on your face, probably not going to get that waiver.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-03-05T17:53:38-05:00

Yes-but not any extremist ones (new info not in AR below but emerging) and must adhere to AR 670-1, CH3, Sec 3

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 9:41 PM

2021-03-05T21:41:55-05:00

If you get tattooed then choose wisely. You also need to accept the consequences of your choice. The wrong symbol, inappropriate language, or a name you may come to regret can impede your selection for assignment. What was okay 10 years ago may not be okay now. Should it make a difference whether you have one or not? It probably should not. However, it may make a difference to the person who is the selecting officiant. That can be positive or negative. No matter what you choose to do or what happens in your career because of your choice, be prepared to own it!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 10:49 PM

2021-03-05T22:49:54-05:00

Used to be tattoos were taboo for officers. I was amazed at DCC how many medical officers were tatted out

Choose wisely if you get tats as regulations do change. Make sure you are in regs before you get one.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 6 at 2021 8:02 AM

2021-03-06T08:02:12-05:00

These days, yes. Nothing on the face, neck or below the sleeves on the hands, although they were allowing ring tattoos for awhile. They can't be racist, obscene or gang/extremist group related. See the current rules for confirmation since they change fairly often.
The Coast Guard was the last service that held out on visible tattoos. My son tried to join the CG back around 2009 and couldn't get in with the leg and sleeve tattoos. The last I looked they are following the same rules as the Navy today.
Even though it was considered taboo in my days, probably the majority of the Infantry Officers in my era had some type of shoulder tattoo. Airborne, Ranger, Death From Above, etc. I just have scars.