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
LTC(P) Secretary Of The General Staff
0
0
0
I have no problem with Soldiers having full sleeve tattoos. With that being said...I cannot recall ever seeing an officer with them...although there are most likely some in the ranks.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Bink Romanick
0
0
0
I'm old, not sure if I approve. I think that in Class B it would be less than attractive. I have seen a lot of full sleeves in jail shows on TV.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Instructor
0
0
0
Sleeves are a way people can express themselves, but same as prior to the restriction on tattoo policies Service Members shall be briefed that they are restricted in what and where can go as to keep up professional image (Special Duty assignments and certain overseas billets). In turn will make them less competitive.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Charles Edwards
0
0
0
My understanding about tattoos in the Air Force is in accordance with the other branches, you can have them, but they better not be visible in uniform. Additionally, if there is a tattoo that is offensive in nature, it must be covered at all times while participating in a military function.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LCpl Joe Clayton
0
0
0
Full sleeve may be telling your story but they are very unprofessionally when looking from the outside in such as future career interviews or standing guard in a Charlie shirt. The regs are clear for Marines although they have gotten lax over the years. I was luck in the fact my command never bothered myself or others who got tatted below the Charlie line.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Cpl Rc Layne
0
0
0
In my opinion, if someone is willing to fight and die for their country, they should be allowed to have the sleeves. I can't begin to understand why it is an issue now, when it wasn't for so many decades. It makes as much sense as raking sand and painting rocks.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG(P) Transportation Management Coordinator
0
0
0
I don't think it really matters as long as they are in good taste. Meaning that they are not extremely offensive to others.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO1 John Miller
0
0
0
Another thing that pisses me off is how tats that have one meaning have been stolen by hate groups and now represent their belief system.

Example: Celtic tats and spiderweb tats (particularly on elbows) have been adopted by white supremacist groups like the Aryan Brotherhood.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO1 John Miller
0
0
0
Hell, tattoos precede the US military by how many hundreds, if not thousands, of years? Celtic warriors would often get another "link" in their Celtic knots for each victory!

Other tribal warriors and royalty would also get tattoos to denote their status. Think the Samoan tattoo that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson sports. It's an acknowledgement of his Samoan heritage.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
TSgt David L.
0
0
0
Don't judge a book by it's cover. As long as they are not inappropriate or controversial/hate speech.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

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

close