Do tattoos really define you as a bad Soldier?

Warriors throughout history have used tattoos as a way of expressing their cast, and striking fear into the heart's of their enemy.  I'm not saying everyone should run out and get heavily tattooed, I just think that the regs should go as far as to say, no ink on face, neck, or hands. as long as it cant be seen in a DA photo, I don't think it should be an issue.

I personally do not believe that tattoos shouldn't determine the personal outlook on any soldier. I personally am tattooed and I do not believe my outward appearance should determine my professional determinations. As long as we look professional in our dress and combat uniforms does our outward appearance ink or not should not dictate how we are viewed as soldiers.

As long as I am grandfathered in I will be ok with it. I will never understand it but I do understand the neck, face and hand policies. We should all look professional in our perspective uniforms. As far as my forearms and legs..... Whats the problem? Nobody besides us are out at the crack of almost dawn in our PTs... Just a thought. <br>

It doesn't ACTUALLY affect the ability to lead...it affects the ability to be commissioned.<br>

I don't have any tattoos, nor do I want one.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>As long as it is not visible with sleeves down. I have no problem with them.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>If visible on hands, wrist or neck…thats a no-go as it looks un-professional.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>If the tat is racist or inflammatory, thats a problem!</div><div><br></div><div>We are still at war, we appear weak to the world and our budget is shrinking. The Army has allot worse things to worry about than tattoos!&nbsp;</div>

use to be having just 1 tat, but no, now you want dozens of tat's. Are you a soldier or a gang banger? Now, does someone have to take pics and exam the tat's to ensure no gang-related or extremist connections

How does having extra weight effect your ability to lead? I have seen Soldiers bust tape and score a 300 on the PT test. The Army says you will look a certain way and this is another aspect. Does having a Mohawk or crazy haircut effect your ability to lead. Probably not but you are supposed to look professional and this is the standard.

It affects my ability to lead&nbsp;the same way it prohibits me from going warrant unless I get selected by July the 1st, hopefully one of these days the craziness will stop, in the meanwhile as always, I will just follow the regulations

I completely disagree with it.&nbsp; I have ink as well.&nbsp; I actually have an American Flag sleeve with lady liberty, and the Bald Eagle.&nbsp; I guess my pride for my nation has screwed me.&nbsp; Looks like I will be held back for being a proud American.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; :)

SMA is a political job. &nbsp;Tattoos don't degrade a person anymore than any other factor. &nbsp;I was in Iraq in 2004 &amp; the highest ranking SOCOM officer stationed in country was a Navy SEAL O-6. &nbsp;Under the new policy, this guy might get processed out if he were in the Army. &nbsp;He had plenty of body art from his younger, more foolish days as he described it. &nbsp;He was a damned fine officer &amp; leader. &nbsp;When our job is going to war, we don't need a pretty military, we need one that can fight. &nbsp;The Army has an issue with soldiering. &nbsp;Many commanders &amp; CSMs want their troops to look like little toy soldiers on a board. &nbsp;Looks become more important than capability. &nbsp;It's the higher ups that need to be scrutinized not those fine troops who have body art.