Do tattoos really define you as a bad Soldier?

This is what the Vice Chief of Staff GEN Campbell said yesterday, "They need to fix the reg, and they should be doing so in the near future." From what he said, I don't believe the intent was to bar current tattoo holders that are grandfathered in, but to prevent future ones from taking those positions. Additionally he said something about Soldiers currently having a year to drop OCS/Warrant packets before they will be targeted by that reg. I understand that's not what most folks are getting out of it, so I'm wondering if there's a typo.

16,000 signatures just prompted a look into the recently changed regulation on grooming standards. What the signatures pertained to doesn't matter, what does is the fact that people keep going on about this, but aren't doing anything about it. I'm sure there are more than 16,000 service members with tattoos... just my two cents.

I think everyone will agree with me that perception is factor that goes a long way when first meeting new soldiers especially in this "Call of Duty" generation. Not saying all new soldiers think alike when they do but if they do see tattoos then some would be more incline to follow your direction faster than others. Tattoos today kind of act as that icebreaker buffer. To some soldiers if you have them, then I'm more incline to follow your lead. To others, if you have them, I'll follow your lead because as a soldier that is what I'm suppose to do but I'll choose not to get to know you as much personally because your tattoos either turn me off to a point where I can't really approach you or because they frighten me which makes me think you're really not that approachable. I see where the Army is trying to do but at the same time its going to be a negative effect because numbers are going to drop across the board in enlisted, Warrant & Commission causing the Army to critique the policy

Yes, I agree that this isn't fair for some of us. Tattoos, in no shape or fashion, affects your leadership. I think the Army is trying to prepare us for the civilian world. Most employers have strict tattoo policies that are similar to the new AR 670-1. Believe it or not, we get tattoos not thinking about the future. The Army is trying to be proactive and make these changes now for the new Soldiers trying to get in.

It does not affect your ability to lead. I just think as long as they are visible in any uniform then there is no problem

Ooh Rah tattoos.  They are a staple of the military.  Do they affect the ABILITY to lead?  No.  Thre are certain jobs and promotions that you cannot get if you have them, but I don't think that tattoos affect leadership qualities.

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</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">I don’t think it would affect your ability but could affect
your credibility. There are some people out there (I won’t mention Rank or
Names) that feel if you don’t look a certain way you could not be taken seriously
at all. I personally don’t think this way (the proof is in the pudding) if you
uphold the Army Values and have the appropriate leadership skills lead on.</font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

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<p>OK so here is a question to your question...... you say "I understand the no neck, face, and hands part of the tattoo policy" and the very next sentence you say "how does the tattoos below my elbow, but above the wrist affect my ability to lead?"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So here is my question... Purely from being able to lead, (despite the profession and appearance) why would tattoos on your hands neck or face make you any less of a leader than one with them?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I do not have tattoos that are visible while in the summer APFU or in the class B uniform. I got three of my four tattoos while in the Army and did so with looking professional in mind. I see way too many of these threads here on Rallypoint about the new tattoo policy. If it were a policy that supported ones way of life but not anothers then would you be happy about it? (clearly what is going on here with the tattoo policy)&nbsp;The change was made based solely off of visible perception of what a leader should look like. Profession of Arms!! It is one of a few true professions in the world. The leaders of such a profession are expected to look presentable and like professionals at all times. Personally I like tattoos and will likely get full sleeves after I retire. These are just my thoughts and thought I would share.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

I agree with you. &nbsp;I get the whole thing about appearance and professionalism but you are right. &nbsp;Tattoos do not effect your ability to lead Soldiers. &nbsp;

I would say it's not the first requirement that has people have questioned, all we can do is follow it and press for change until such time.