Cannot become an officer or warrant officer because of tattoos: What do you think?

The Army cant make up its mind on this subject or uniforms and APFT for that matter. Tattoos are a part of out culture. Always have been. But, today's policy is there and many capable leaders will suffer. Any leader who decides thier seniors or subordinates are less capabale because of tattoos are just as ignorant as the policy makers themsleves in my opinion. Face neck hands nude or other other offensive symbols or slogans should be prohibited, but to keep an otherwise capable future leader from advancement is completely ridiculous. Good luck.

I don't understand? So an officer can't have any tattoos or only not have visible tattoos?

Sounds like you should've joined the Navy. We have the bare minimum when it comes to tattoo regulations. And that goes for our officers as well, if I'm not mistaken

The rules haven't changed, you should've thought ahead.

Their Army, their rules. I found it insulting that I spent four years working my balls off, training, and studying to become an NCO so a LT could attend ROTC at LSU and enter service with more authority and pay.

Strange, I went to OCS in 2007 with a right arm sleeve and another tattoo on my inner forearm... wait until we go to war again, then submit your package. Prepare to be judged by the conservative officer side, and idolized by your Marines. lol

The Army has a policy for facial hair, ear rings, the length of your finger nails, your hair cut. I understand that tattoos are part of pop culture now but that doesn't mean it effects Army policy. I'd like to grow a beard, but it's against policy. Why should tattoos be any different?

You made a poor decision getting a sleeve. Not only do they not present a professional military appearance, they don't present a professional appearance in the civilian world either. You'll find that having such extreme tattoos will be a roadblock for many civilian jobs too.

There's a waiver for it. It also depends on when you got the tatto from what I recall. I know an officer who was able to get his tattoos waived. It's a fight but there's a way around it.

I agree the policy has never been about ones capabilities but rather image. There are considerations one must make when they chose to place in on their body where it can be seen . I like tattoos, don't have any due to words my father spoke to me as a young adult. But to wish you had a tattoo than wish you didn't.