Do tattoos really define you as a bad Soldier?

As much as i hate to admit it. I have to agree with at least part of the SMA's thought process. Tattoos should not be allowed on the arms. People make the arguement that "You cant see them in Class A's". Well there is a Extreme Tropical Class A uniform thats in the new AR670-1, Prior to that it was the ALARACT : http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform/docs/ALARACT%20message%20332-2010.pdf<br><br>That being said. Tattoos on the legs? i am on the fence.&nbsp; <br><br><br>

All I have to say is this: Some of the most experienced and combat proven Soldiers I've met have tattoos that could be construed as "unprofessional" simply because it's visible in the PT uniform or even in their dress uniform. However capability should trump visibility, that is sadly, above my pay grade.

This goes back to turning noses up at a pair of pressed, no-holes, clean blue jeans as being "unprofessional."<div><br></div><div>To directly address the 'tattoos' question, let me take away what I view as the "only" argument against them in this case. &nbsp;We don't all "look uniform" if tattoos are showing on some of us and not on others.</div><div><br></div><div>Now.</div><div><br></div><div>Does that matter? &nbsp;I mean, really?</div><div><br></div><div>Can anyone come up with a logical, thought-out, decent response to why they shouldn't be allowed in uniform aside from the above? &nbsp;Or - for that matter - why jeans aren't acceptable with a button-up shirt, and nice shoes? &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It seems to me that a lot of the decisions made by humans are purely arbitrary and many of them are traced back to outdated ways of doing business and/or thinking that don't apply to the here and now.</div><div><br></div><div>To back up what the SPC said earlier - I'm more interested [far more interested] in your ability to do your job than what you look like. &nbsp;You have tattoos? &nbsp;Nice, but irrelevant. &nbsp;Can you do your job?</div><div><br></div><div>My analysis is that we can all expect to see things become more and more "entertaining" as the crunch occurs during this downsizing. &nbsp;Many things will come down the pipes we don't agree with, but it's best to simply bite the bullet and press forward or risk winding up on the street.</div><div><br></div><div>I have a single tattoo and wouldn't mind getting more.</div>

I recently spent some extended time with the Army and met a lot of great soldiers, with tattoos on their necks. &nbsp;The immediate impression I had of them though was not good because the tattoos did not look professional. &nbsp;You can say that I am reading a book by it's cover - but don't we all judge service members with buttons on their uniform testing the tensile strength of the thread holding them on the uniform?<div><br></div><div>On a cultural note - tattoos have a very negative reputation here in Japan. &nbsp;Do we want a service member with visible tattoos representing the US to a culture that dislikes tattoos?</div>

I think al long as you can not see the tattoo while in ACU's and the tattoos are not offensive it should not be a problem. we should be updating the regulation on what is considered an offensive tattoo. &nbsp;

As a Old Core Soldier and NCO, tattoos are apart of the US Military and have been since WWII. As long as the tattoos are not on the hands, neck and face area there shouldn't be any issue on this. I have my fare share of tattoos and I got them all while serving in the Military and they never have interfered with me doing my duty and serving my country. <br>

I think in my current platoon and troop more soldiers have tattoos than those that don't.&nbsp;<br>Tattoos definitely do not make you a bad soldier and certainly not an unprofessional one.&nbsp;<br>I am in agreement that some tattoos should be removed (i.e. Profane, vulgar and blatantly offensive material) but I am a believer in the self expression of Tattoos and the personal significant meaning behind them.&nbsp;<br><br>It would be flat out wrong to try and state that having a tattoo makes you unprofessional. I work with a great group of soldiers, professionals and experts in their craft, with probably close to 70% having at least one tattoo.&nbsp;

I don't think so, but with the era as it is and more people are getting tattoos even earlier in age, future recruitment is going to be very difficult, and if they cannot meet the objective numbers, it may just get waivered again.

" getting ink done " lol , I say that we as military and the gov are worrying about the wrong things. I see no issue with tattoos&nbsp;at all,&nbsp;its art.

I agree with you. Why dose it matter if I have ink below my elbows or knees. No one will see any of it while I am in uniform anyways. And my ink didn't change who I am