If I want a tattoo, do I need to get it authorized by my Chain of Command?

2021-03-06T10:32:23-05:00

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Mar 6 at 2021 10:50 AM

2021-03-06T10:50:41-05:00

As long as it is within Regulations no. AR 670-1 Chapter 3-3 page 12.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-03-06T11:01:39-05:00

I'm not 100% on this, but I don't think you are permitted to get tattoos while it IET status? But even if you are permitted to, I would suggest waiting until you are your duty station and then just stay within AR.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 6 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-03-06T11:11:52-05:00

With the way tattoo policies change like the seasons, I'd not get one until you retire, and then get one to celebrate your career.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-03-06T11:15:49-05:00

MGen Smedley Butler had a USMC emblem that covered his chest. That was 100 years ago, plus he had 2 MOH and a Brevet Medal, so it won't hurt to ask. Sometimes it's better to ask permission than beg forgiveness.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 6 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-03-06T17:18:37-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member "If I want a tattoo, do I need to get it authorized by my Chain of Command?"
No BUT.
Your COC and NCO support channel be able to help you understand what current regs allow, and not. They may also help you understand, what is todays Tattoo policy is, is not what yesterdays is, nor what tomorrows may be. What you get inked today my be within regulations, but may run afoul of them next week, year, ...and there is no guarantee of being grandfathered in. The person in charge making the policy next can have vastly different ideas of hat is acceptable, hat is allowed, and ho ill get a pass or not. So choose wisely, ask more experienced service members that have seen policy shift and effect SM's past decisions.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Mar 6 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-03-06T19:52:06-05:00

I wouldn't think you would need authorization as long as it isn't something disrespectful but maybe check first anyways. I don't know what the regulations are these days.
Speaking of tattoos, my future father in law asked me the first time he met me where mine was. I told him, "I'm not getting those." He said I was a "smart man." He rolled up his sleeve to show me his Navy tattoo (by now faded almost to the point you couldn't tell what it was unless you already had a good idea). I said, "Oh, your Navy tattoo." He said, "No, that's my idiot mark! Everybody was getting them so I did also." I came close a couple time but then remembered how bad his looked after twenty-five years and decided it wasn't worth it.

Response by PO2 Joseph Chantiny made Mar 7 at 2021 8:25 AM

2021-03-07T08:25:12-05:00

I agree with Melvin below my response, but are you one of those types that refuse to get your flu shot, and yet have no understanding of how tattooing works?
Why bother?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2021 10:03 AM

2021-03-07T10:03:24-05:00

As an IET soldier i don’t believe you are authorized

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Mar 7 at 2021 10:23 AM

2021-03-07T10:23:53-05:00

In any case you should be careful. A Major was discharged from the Army because he caught hepatitis C from caused by a tattoo painted on his arm. Also, most tattoos don't improve with age.

Response by SGT Sean Frost made Mar 17 at 2021 8:35 PM

2021-03-17T20:35:04-04:00

My advise is: Wait until you complete your training and get assigned to your duty station. DON'T go to the first tattoo shop you find right outside of the gate. If you already have an artist in mind, great! Visit after you complete AIT/OSUT when you get to take some leave.

I always kept my ink invisible unless I removed the t-shirt under my blouse- as a personal preference.

Consult the regulations, do your research, find a reputable shop, and get it done while on leave so it has time to heal. Don't get anything that could be interpreted as gang affiliated/offensive/etc-- that's usually bad. When I went to basic years ago, we were stripped down and had to explain all of our tats to make sure they weren't something bad.

If anyone asks if you have had your tattoo pressed, say no! LOL. Good luck!