Does the Marine Corps have tattoo waivers?

2021-09-09T13:05:01-04:00

Sooo aside from my previous question about my husband going 11B active army, He is loyal to the Marine Corps (understandable). He got out a few years back with an Honorable Discharge. He tried to go back in but the Recruiter he spoke with told him that his tattoos were out of the Regs. The unit he was in had documented the tattoos on Page 11’s and then lost the paperwork. He is having a lot of difficulty adjusting to the Army way of life, Especially the Army Reserves. He would do ANYTHING to be back in the Corps. I am just trying to get an definitive answer on whether or not he cannot go back to The Marines. The Marine Corps reserves is not an option for him. He is either Active or nothing at all as far as the Marines go.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 9 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-09-09T13:21:26-04:00

He also lost his copies of the Page 11s? SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2021 1:43 PM

2021-09-09T13:43:59-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Here is the tattoo policy. The tattoos were documented by the Marine Corps and the paperwork was lost?

https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Docs/TattooPolicy_Booklet.pdf

TattooPolicy_Booklet.pdf

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Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 9 at 2021 2:09 PM

2021-09-09T14:09:09-04:00

If it was documented on page 11 it is still there in his service record book. When he was discharged (or released from active duty) his book was forwarded to where they keep the permanent records.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-09-09T14:27:19-04:00

He needs to go talk to a Marine recruiter who would have the most current and accurate information on Marine Corps regulations and any waivers.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-09-09T16:44:10-04:00

The challenge is going to be the needs of the Marine Corps. If the Corps is in a downsizing then they don’t go after prior service. The inter service transfer is easy. Tattoos can be waived if the recruiter is willing to work it. If he is serious and willing to fight for it, he will need to find a recruiter willing to work it. It may take time. There is no guarantee. Ask to speak to the OIC of the RSS and they will give him the latest information. If he willing to go reserve route he needs to speak with a prior service recruiter. They do not work at the Recruiting Station, they work at the reserve center.

Former prior service/inter serve transfer/recruiter.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 9 at 2021 5:08 PM

2021-09-09T17:08:40-04:00

I don't think I would want him in any unit with me. He doesn't want to be a soldier, he wants to be a Marine. We have had our fill of "in the Marines they would.........." or 'this isn't how we did it in te Marines". Heard it all before.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2021 6:01 PM

2021-09-09T18:01:04-04:00

My question is, if he would do ANYTHING to rejoin the Marines, why is a tattoo stopping him? Why isn't it important enough for him to get his tattoo removed?
If his rank will be an issue, and the USMC will almost certainly reduce his rank to what it was when he left, why isn't he willing to join the USMCR if it will help get his foot in the door? Especially since at his rank High Year Tenure will be an upcoming issue? When someone says they will do anything, but they won't do that, it means they won't really do "anything" just something that's easy enough to grasp without much work

It sounds like he is unhappy with the civilian life. I suggest getting involved with a mission focused Veteran Volunteer group like Team Rubicon, or Wounded Warrior Project. It's not an uncommon story... Vets leave the service and nothing is quite like it was, they feel lost without that same "it" they had before.

There's a very real likelihood that your spouse is unable or unwilling to do what it takes to reintegrate into his previous service status. Even if he does, he will probably be upset that "its not like it used to be". Then he will be stuck on Active Duty in a Corps that he no longer recognizes or wants to be a part of.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-09-09T18:07:28-04:00

I wouldn't think so. I can't speak to the Marines, but I can remember being in the Army and the reg there (as I'm sure you know) was that tattoos were fine as long as they were not visible in typical uniform (not PTs) during the duty day. Unless they're on his hands, face, or neck, he shouldn't be out of regs... unless they've changed that since 2012 (possible).

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 10 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-09-10T10:35:50-04:00

No offense, if your husband is that dedicated and only looking at the Army as a fallback, he should probably look at another profession. The Active Army, Guard and Reserves are nothing alike. But they can all tell when someone is not in it to win it. Once a Marine always a Marine, Sokdier for life. Bottom line is he needs to have his head and his heart into it. They are all serious and dangerous professions. I would not want anyone on my flanks to not be in it. Just my opinion.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Sep 10 at 2021 8:34 PM

2021-09-10T20:34:51-04:00

So he’s Army reserves, but MC Reservers are out? Seems if you go MC Reserve the option to go active are greatly increased especially as an 0311. Tattoos aide of course, but get rid of the offending Tats if he’s willing to do anything.