Posted on Jun 8, 2015
A1C Electronic Warfare Technician
123K
425
93
14
14
0
Soldier tattoo
I know I recently asked a question about if anyone thinks the Air Force will officially allow full sleeves, but with this I just want the opinions of y'all. From what I have been told, in the AF at least, we can get away with having full sleeves but aren't technically "allowed" to have them. What do y'all think? Should the service members of every branch be fully allowed to have full sleeves or not? Comments as to why or why not would be greatly appreciated also.
Posted in these groups: Tattoo logo Tattoos
Avatar feed
See Results
Responses: 63
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
3
2
1
The issue with tattoos is that they are Art, and hence Subjective, not Objective. That said, making a "non-visible" policy is a way to apply Objective rules to a Subjective concept.

Should people be allowed to do what they want with their own bodies? Absolutely. However, when in Uniform, there are constraints.

Full sleeves don't present a "Professional Military Image" just like other forms of visible body modification don't present a professional military image. That doesn't lesson actual skill, but it does alter public perception.
(3)
Comment
(1)
Avatar small
SSG Intelligence Analyst
1
1
0
The old default of "not visible in Class A uniform" and "no images of a sexual or racist/hate nature" were good enough. I have no tattoos and never plan to get any, but the military freakout over people having tattoos always seemed like an overreaction. I'd rather they go after the Hungry Hungry Hippos who haven't passed a PT test in 2+ years.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Christopher Perry
1
1
0
I don't have a single tattoo personally. However, over the years I never saw an instance in which a tattoo made a difference in a person's ability to lead.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Cpl Rc Layne
Cpl Rc Layne
>1 y
Truth.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
There one and only one issue with tattoos: There is NONE. It is issue with some dickhead in charge who thinks tattoos somehow magically make someone useless in the military
CSM Assistant Field Office Director
1
1
0
LTC- Tricky question, I beleive that if a servicemen/an have the skill qaulifications and can perform accordingly why not. Arm or leg sleeves should not matter.  Most of the time SM's are covered up with the exception of PT or while in PT uniform.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Aaron Barbee
1
1
0
As a matter of professionalism, do your best to keep anything below the elbow tasteful. Tattoos are fine as long as the visible tattoos are tasteful and don't look "tacky" in uniform (would say as long as they don't detract from the uniform, but let's face it, anything other than bare skin is obvious).

To be fair, I have a half sleeve on my lower left arm. It just happens to work out that the design ultimately put together is tasteful.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Candace Leach
1
1
0
Tattoos have been around military for ages and shouldn't be a problem with having sleeve tattoos as long it's not on the hands, neck, and face. Shouldn't get rid of great service members because of their tattoos. I've seen a lot of good ones go because of their tattoos and it does not effect our mission and performance. Some people have tattoos as art and some have a story to it and I say leave the tattoo policy alone cause we are losing good service members and even potential recruits.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
COL Ted Mc
1
1
0
I've never really understood tattoos (other than a discrete "Handle With Care" on some hidden body part, or a name which can be later converted to read "Mom" or a design which can later be converted into some historic monument -and/or [possibly] a graphic directly related to one's original posting).

However, one thing you should remember is that the metallic components of most tattoo inks will REALLY screw up your new $500.00 "Apple Watch" and have been known to set off anti-theft RF systems when you are walking out of your friendly neighbourhood "adult" bookstore.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PFC Signals Intelligence Analyst
1
1
0
Edited >1 y ago
I see no problem in it. You would decorate an HQ building with stuff that pertains to its taste or nature. Why should you not do the same to your body? But, like the building, it must be in good taste.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO3 Sherry Thornburg
1
1
0
I'd prefer the old rules where there were no tatoos showing in short sleeve summer whites. I've seen a good many full sleeve tatoos. When you get into the gothic and biker motifs, its just doesn't look good with the uniform. I'm not sure even flower motifs really look good with a uniform either.

Keep it simple. Save your full sleeves for later.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close