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

SGT Brandon Moren,

I wouldn t worry about the sleeves. I have 15 tattoos and fly as a corporate pilot. If I can fly 15 million dollar jets, you should be ok...I wouldn t worry about it.

I agree that this is BS, and you should be good to go because the new SMA rescinded the current standing tattoo policy.

Just a word of caution-having your PPL doesnt mean squat. It just shows you have an aptitude for learning how to fly. You know just enough to be dangerous....try and be a sponge when you go to Army flight training and learn how they want you to learn.

That s part of the reason I won t do it-I don t want to be teaching classes because I am a CFI, and I already know there are a few things that are so set in stone for me on the fixed wing side it may not bode well in the Army.

SGT (Join to see), was the opportunity available to you before? If so, why did you wait until you were no longer qualified?

My son in law, recently told us he wants to join and deploy and fight to defend our country but unfortunately now he is unqualified they want to step forward to volunteer because of his tats. I looked him in the eyeballs and asked him if he wanted me to rename him Pinocchio. I often see Soldier (and people in general) not act on opportunities until it is too late and then sit back and complain.

Good thing for you is that we have a common sense SMA that is going to take this issue on. Also take a look at what 1SG (Join to see) provided, does that get after the root issue for you?

The tattoo policy really needs to go away!!! As if nobody has noticed but like at least 90% of military members are tattooed! Yes I agree with some of the reg stating what is except able as far as not to offend a race or religion but to say that you can have a job because of having tattoos is ridiculous!!!!

Yes it is a standard and policy...but really tho it's 2015. I am pretty much covered in art work and I am proud of all my ink. I am a 100% professional. Does artwork change my character?...no. Does artwork change my personality?...no. Eventually when out generation are the ones leading things will change and they will have something else to debate. For now fight it and try to get a waiver. Sorry for your troubles my brother

Sure it's bs. What did you expect?

The difficulty with a 'tat' policy comes with a variation of the "One man's trash is another mans treasure" type philosophy. In this case it becomes "One mans art becomes another mans pornography". It's not that someone will perceive your tattoo as obscene, I would imagine it's acceptable enough if you say so. But if they allow yours, how then can they deny someone who has a truly objectionable tattoo but claims it is "art"? I may be mistaken here and feel free to correct me if I am, but I seem to recall that "discrete" tattoos for officers have been accepted but were frowned upon, while obvious tattoos (other than cosmetic) were a big no-no. I feel for you and I agree that it's an unfair block for a purely cosmetic reason.
That being said, consider this; How much time, manpower, and resources would be needed to research, develop, gain approval for and institute a policy that would allow the consideration, review, and approval or disapproval of each applicants tattoos. Combine that with the current downsizing of the military and the budgets and I believe the writing is on the wall. It would be a huge can of worms and you would have a difficult time proving the worth of the effort to the powers that be...... I wish you luck though!

Without adding fuel to the fire. (And I'm too busy to read the other responses) the issue lies in the face that is intended to be presented. Tattoos and the like to the general populace is indicative of rebellion and a lack of respect to authority. Right or wrong. That is what the populace sees. The regulations and rules are there to placate them.

I think that the military does not exist to provide people with job opportunities. The military has regulations and standards that have been developed over the years and if someone doesn't meet them, that's that, move on.

The art that you wear on your arm should have no bearing on what you "should" be wearing on your shoulders

I think you are responding like a new recruit. Hey the Army did not put that ink on you. You did. Easy fix get them removed. When you do be a good leader and tell your troops even little things can haunt you later.