Posted on Mar 29, 2015
Cannot become an officer or warrant officer because of tattoos: What do you think?
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I think along with many other think this tattoo policy needs to go away. I am barred from becoming a warrant officer because i have a sleeve tattoo. Seriously? I think this is complete bs. I have my pilots license on the civilian side i have passed all my Army pre reqs. So why can't i become a warrant offer? Because i have a tattoo and thats bs many great soldiers and potential great leaders are being screwed out of advancing to the top. Wjat do you guys think?
Tattoos
Officers
Warrant Officers
Aviation
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 127
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We all make decisions in life. Each decision has a consequence. The military experts a certain image from its officers and visible tattoos are not acceptable. I agree with the standard. It has to professional appearance. This is true no matter the profession. A college student may have all As and a great test score but won't get into medical school with an arm full of tattoos. It does not lend itself to professionalism. As a pilot going into an interview with an airline with an armful of tattoos, you will not be hired. You made a decision about your appearance. Certain sectors of society have standards. You no longer meet those standards.
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CW5 Ranger Dave
Sorry Steve, we're talking Warriors here, not ALPA membership. Been in thousands of cockpits and seen a whole bunch of tats. Question is, should Warriors be barred from advancement for looking like Warriors?
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LtCol Matthew Rajkovich
CW5 Ranger Dave - CW5 Ranger Dave - LOL! I like your thinking, but it sounds like you just figured out a way to save the DoD billions of dollars in training. To make warriors all we need to do is grab a civilian, give them a uniform and some tattoos. Presto! Instant 'Warrior". Seriously, we both know that there's more to being a warrior than a costume. Its what is inside that makes the warrior, its what really counts (not what you choose to show on your chest or on your arm). However, if an organization has determined that the size, shape, weight, and or conduct of its members be specifically outlined...then there you have it. Image sends a non-verbal message. Non-verbal messaging trumps verbal all the time. The Army is attempting to preserve a uniform and consistent image of it leadership to the people with whom they must interact (to which they must be responsible). Questioning tats and/or resisting them is well withing their purview. Its in their lane, but their waiver process shows an attempt at using judgement when and where necessary. If someone wants to be a tattooed warrior (or Warrior) with cigar in teeth, hard drinkin', long locks, mustache and beard he (or she) can do so anytime they want....on their own...just not in the US Army.
Let's flip this over. What if the Army required its members to get tattoos? What would these be, and would soldiers resist?
Let's flip this over. What if the Army required its members to get tattoos? What would these be, and would soldiers resist?
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MCPO Roger Collins
Don't understand why. How tall do you have to be to wade ashore if you have problems. It could be an issue with the blue water Navy.
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CSM Charles Hayden
A Rotary Wing Pilot, shirt-tail cousin maxed out in the Army, went Coastie, maxed out agewise and flew a desk for the remainder of his career!
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I think a little common sense needs to be applied. If one has a big swastika on the arm, then "no!" However, a heart with your wife's name, would be OK with me.
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Is it your tatoos, or your whining, that keep you from becoming a WO? Consequences of your actions.
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Think About It: Nobody forced you to have A Tattoo, It was your choice so live with your decision. Some Tattoo can be taken off at great pain that an option. Leaders Lead by Example.
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I don't agree... But if you don't like it just use those skills elsewhere...
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I do think we loose a lot of great candidates due rob the policies that govern our military. That being said, this is a volunteer force, if you don't meet the standards, find a new line of work. Maybe you can get hired on by a different organization that allows the tattoos.
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This must be an Army policy because half of the LDOs and CWOs in the Wardroom have ink. Yes, even visible below the sleeve tattoos (including myself). The Navy has no such policy on tattoos and commissioning programs.
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I don't care about tattoos as long as you do your job. Unless they are racists tattoos then forget it. Oh and I have no problem with the confed battle flags either. It think it is silly to have a losing flag on you but that is another discussion.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
LOL Losing Battle Flag! Good one! I am going to remember that and use it - thanks
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