I just made MSgt & want to be a 1st Sgt. I have both my arms tattooed. Will I get denied?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:11:33 -0400

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 22 at 2016 7:12 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:12:32 -0400

Congrats on making MSgt! Not sure on the tats.

Response by MSgt Mike Samson made Jun 22 at 2016 7:20 AM

MSgt Mike Samson — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:20:29 -0400

As a 1st Sgt you become more of a role model. Young airmen will be looking up to you for guidance. If the new regs prevent them from enlisting or obtaining sleeves in seems like it may place you in a position of "Do as I say not as I do"
Now can you wear long sleeve all the time?
It's sad that they use ink as a negative image when most may be positive reflecting on our jobs, family and career!

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 22 at 2016 10:01 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:01:44 -0400

Please understand, this is !merely a suggestion, of course, I'd entirely realize why you might obv prefer to not do what I'll suggest here. However, though I'm now total and perm VA aprvd disabled, unfortunately, due to my prior background before that, I was aware of something I just thought you might possibly find of interest. I'd read of various dermatological and or plastic surgical procedures in the past, many times, whereby tattoos can, in at least some instances, I'd gathered, actually be removed, possibly by laser based approaches. I'd read that such procedures are freq uncomfortable possibly, however, I did read of tjem, that I do recall. Now, having said that, I suppose that's depend greatly on themsizemand/or nu!ber of tattoos, their location, ink types and/or depth, as well as methods of application, age, other associated scarring, etc., however those are, of course, merely surmises on my part, obviously. Doubtless, also, whether such procedures might be covered by any insurance, or if the svcs would approve them being used for you, or deem them acceptable at all, I obviously have no idea, certainly. I'd also thought, as I type this, that you might possibly ask whether VA hospitals can also do such procedures, I've known of instances wherein svc mbrs can seek care from VA facilities, if svc facilities can't handle a given case, or if VA hospitals might have capabilities, or their academic affiliate med ctrs and/or hosps, as well, possibly, though, once again, pls understand, those are merely thoughts on my part, obviously. Also, in the case of vision correction, e.g. LASIK , I've read or known of instances where someone might seek vision correction to be allowed to submit for a given training program, e.g., police, fire, EMS, military and/or civilian flight training, etc., which merely also struck me as being somewhat analogous, that's all I'm trying to suggest. I hope that was of at least so!e use and/or interest, I'd be eager for any thoughts, I just thought such ideas might be merely worth your exploring, though, as I said, I can obv understand why you might prefer to not do so, of course, hope was of at least some use, many thanks, I just wanted to emphasize I know nothing about such procedures, or if they'd be at all suitable for you and/or your circumstances, I was just trying to offer those thoughts as help, that's all, honest, many thanks.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jun 22 at 2016 2:42 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:42:29 -0400

Yes

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jun 22 at 2016 3:40 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:40:13 -0400

It may not be that big of an issue since you will most likely be wearing long sleeves most of the time anyway. The AF has a working group that is currently reviewing its tattoo policy. The results may work in your favor as they are leaning towards the new Army tattoo policy. The Army policy basically says that if they are covered up, you are good. The results are expected out in the Fall of 2016.

As long as the tattoos you have are not unauthorized (hate symbols, racist, obscene, etc), you may be just fine. Since you just made MSgt, you need to figure that job first before you move onto the 1stSgt role. So you have some time and hopefully by then the AF policies will work in your favor.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 22 at 2016 3:51 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:51:15 -0400

Congratulations on your promotion!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 5:13 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:13:48 -0400

Congrats on making MSgt! I've seen a lot of Shirts with ink. But you may have to resign yourself to wearing long sleeves.

Response by MSgt Leif Divoll made Jun 22 at 2016 5:20 PM

MSgt Leif Divoll — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:20:57 -0400

If the tattoos can be seen while wearing a short sleeve shirt, then they will be a problem. You really can't resign yourself to long sleeves all the time because there are situations in which the short sleeve shirt will be required.

Response by MSgt Leif Divoll made Jun 22 at 2016 5:21 PM

MSgt Leif Divoll — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:21:57 -0400

Congrats on the promotion though.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 22 at 2016 7:09 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 19:09:12 -0400

I Hope Not but I have not a clue. I don't think Skin Art has anything to do with Leadership Capabilities. 21 years in I don't have a one but my Baby Boy has more than made up for my Shortcoming.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 7:18 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 19:18:07 -0400

Congrats on making MSgt!! Well done!! :)

I agree with most posts here, tattoos do not preclude strong leadership. Although I am not a 1st Shirt, I have 13 and my only limitation is that until they change the AF policy again, I cannot wear my blue skirt. I have been assigned to numerous tropical settings and never had problems with just wearing my sleeves down (in BDUs/ABUs) or wearing long sleeves (in Blues).

Follow the regs and go for that Diamond!! Good luck!

Response by SPC Zac Long made Jun 22 at 2016 8:03 PM

SPC Zac Long — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:03:32 -0400

Nothing to add other than a congratulations on your accomplishment!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 22 at 2016 9:16 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:16:43 -0400

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Sergeant Major Chandlers in town!

He's making a list,
And checking it twice,
Gonna find out who's tatted or not.
Sergeant Major Chandlers in town!
He sees you when you're shaming,
He knows when you're being lake.
He knows when you've got a sleeve or half
So take it off for goodness sake!

OH!...You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I'm Telling you why.
Sergeant Major Chandlers in town.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 22 at 2016 9:39 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:39:18 -0400

Congratulations! Huge step!

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jun 22 at 2016 10:52 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:52:13 -0400

Why would you be denied? I am not sure what the Air Force policy is for tattoos while already serving, but it should not be a problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 4:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 04:26:34 -0400

If I were you, and I were interested in future advancement, I'd work on writing skills and ignore the tattoo issue.

Response by SCPO Dan Ramey made Jun 23 at 2016 6:01 PM

SCPO Dan Ramey — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:01:46 -0400

Congrats and there are other ways to cover besides long sleeves. One method is using http://www.tatjacket.com/tatjacket-full-17--tattoo-coverup-sleeve-tan.html.

Cover Up Tattoos with Tattoo Cover Up Sleeves | TatJacket

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Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 6:27 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:27:36 -0400

Congrats on the promotion , but to be quite frank you may not be eligible under current regulations. That being said I would still try and apply for the position. If you are denied and it means that much to you they do have techniques to remove tattoos and that's always an option. Quite honestly I don't know how that works other than that uses lights/lasers to nullify the die and I'm not sure how it works with darker skin. What I'm saying is, go for it, if denied ask what they would like to see an order for you to fill that position. If it comes down to tattoos or promotion you decide what's more important. So you can 1) stay in retire at the rank you're at and the position you hold now 2) get promoted because that's what they choose to do with you 3) Fork up the money to remove the tattoos and do that 4) take it as a sign that it's time to look for an exit strategy and your next step in life .... So go for and see what happens and have the contingency plans worked out in your head in advance. This way you're not disappointment just move to phase 2 phase 3 etc. ... I think your biggest disappointment would be not to try .

I would also like to share my personal views on tattoos, I'm not all that fond of them but I'm also not against them. My body is free of ink, but I have never looked down on anyone who has them and I also understand when guys in the unit or guys you serve with in combat, commemorate their experience/s and bonding with one. I'm surprised in fact that it isn't required after a combat tour :) but for me no ink I tell my kids it so when the bank cameras zoom in on me they have less information to ID me with after the robbery :).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 6:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:39:39 -0400

My two cents: If you are within the regulation, instruction or policy, and or you are grandfathered in, you should have no issues. Lead by example, do as I say and not as I do, may not be your case if you are good at your job. Tattoos as something the services have not been able to pin point or at least stay on target for more than a few years at the time, while one reg is running, then people get new tattoos, and then the regulation changes and then they are out of regulation. In order for this not to happen again, the armed service would need to ban tattoos altogether. Not happening. Again, as long as you are good at your job, and take care of your subordinates, it shouldn't be an issue as to how many tattoos you have. I knew a very influential, top notch 1SG (Army) with both full sleeves. (Probably he created some envy from those who wanted to be like him). Tattoos now a days are part of the military culture, they are more significant that before; they just don't represent service, but sometimes represent a memorial for fallen buddies. This is something that does not need more fixing. If it is not vulgar, racist, sexist, or any of the -ists, they should just leave it that.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2016 12:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 12:58:26 -0400

I heard that the tattoo policy is being phased out July 1st?! Not sure if it is accurate, I do not have tattoos but worth looking into.

Response by 1stSgt Adam Sinclair made Jun 29 at 2016 11:52 AM

1stSgt Adam Sinclair — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:52:53 -0400

Conrats, I just retired after 4 yrs of being a 1st Sgt and can tell you that I served with many shirts that had sleeves. There is always the chance the Command Chief could say no, but I can tell you that I was in class with some and served with many.

Response by 1stSgt John Sims made Jun 30 at 2016 8:14 PM

1stSgt John Sims — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 20:14:55 -0400

Congratulations on your promotion. Put in for the shirt position and try to iron out the wrinkles as they come. I was more surprised than others when I was selected. Put the unit and people before your self or career and you will do fine. Do not listen to doubters...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 12:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:07:14 -0400

Wear Long Sleeves all of the time. If asked, tell them the truth. A part of your job as a First Sergeant is to conform others to the Regulations and Instructions. If you are denied your chance to be a First Sergeant don't worry about it. You will eventually be asked to fill that duty and you will shine at it.

When you graduate the 1st Sgt Academy let me know. I will try to be there!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2016 7:36 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:36:09 -0400

You have to be vectored under DSD to become a shirt, so it's on your leadership to decide if they would vector you. If you're out of regs "25%" of the exposed body part I personally can't we how you would be allowed to be a shirt, for shirts are supposed to enforce regs and you would be out of regs. Personally start with taking to your leadership and see if they'll vector you.

Response by MSgt Kelly Musgrave made Aug 15 at 2016 9:03 PM

MSgt Kelly Musgrave — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 21:03:14 -0400

I know I am chiming in a little late, first off Congrats on MSgt, Secondly, I retired in 08 and I am sure things have changed but at that time the AF was desperate for Shirts. Press forward with your dreams, I doubt that the ink will hold you back but if it does, another route to go is PCS and try at new station. The PCS thing may happen depending upon how deep your base is on MSgt's in your career field - Best of Luck to you

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 7:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 19:04:55 -0400

No.....I start 1st Sgt training this fall...more to come if you want to Facebook IM me at your discretion.....Cheers and all the best -- KT out!

Response by 1stSgt Desiree Smith made May 10 at 2017 6:53 PM

1stSgt Desiree Smith — Wed, 10 May 2017 18:53:44 -0400

No.

Response by Sgt Jeff Hudspeth made Jul 12 at 2017 9:16 AM

Sgt Jeff Hudspeth — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:16:18 -0400

Shouldn't be if they are out of sight

Response by MSG Andrew White made Oct 27 at 2017 6:43 PM

MSG Andrew White — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 18:43:25 -0400

CONGRATS !!!

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 10 at 2020 10:29 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 22:29:02 -0500

Who cares about your arms. Can you do the job? I've done it and hated the entire six months until we got a First Shirt. Hope you get it and enjoy it.