Is it difficult to get a waiver for tattoos if I want to commission?

2018-08-15T22:51:07-04:00

I have 2 tattoos below the elbow that are larger than my extended hand. I got them while I was enlisted in 2016! I got out of the military and am currently going to school but I want to sign up for the ROTC program as well. And no this is not the green to gold program.

Response by 1LT Ryan Millican made Aug 15 at 2018 10:56 PM

2018-08-15T22:56:16-04:00

You need to go talk to your school’s PMS or and APMS. They’ll be able to let you know if you need a waiver and/or if they are available. It could depend on, too, if you’re wanting to go Active or RC, seeing as how Active Duty is competitive.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 15 at 2018 11:02 PM

2018-08-15T23:02:03-04:00

Talk to your leaders, they have the most up to date messages and policies. My 2 cents, they can probably get a waiver. Besides, the best Officers come from the ranks! E-5 to O-3 here!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 11:07 PM

2018-08-15T23:07:07-04:00

Nope!

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Aug 15 at 2018 11:08 PM

2018-08-15T23:08:44-04:00

The Army published an update to its set of rules on tattoos in Army Regulation 670-1. The new policy doesn't limit the size or number of tattoos a soldier can have on their arms and legs. Soldiers cannot get a tattoo on their face, neck and hands, which were stated in the previous regulation. That said, I’m doubtful a waiver is needed unless the tattoo violates current regulations. Consult the current AR670-1 and any pertinent policy letters first. If you still have concerns afterward, consult with the PMS and/or APMS at your local ROTC program for current command guidance on tatoo policy.

I retired a little over 2 years ago. A number of officers I served with have tattoos. While generally stilled frowned on by older officers, tattoos are looked on as commonplace. They are accept so long as they are not visible while wearing duty or dress uniforms.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 15 at 2018 11:11 PM

2018-08-15T23:11:09-04:00

Trust !e on something, OK? I don't have Amy, however, I've sent a lot of stuff in here on laser tattoo removal, invest the money if it might not be covered, go to dermatology or plsstic surgery, and just get ten off, it can be slow and painful, as well as cost, however. In the long run, you'll likely spare yourself considerable needless worry and aggravation once they'd be gone...it'd be your choice of course, however, honest, it:s a well-estsblished procedure, just find a hospital near you, or ask your clinical facility where you're stationed to give you gpqualified board certifed fellowship trained referrals...also, elaborate as to your major for undergrad you want, whether you'd consider warrant, have an associates or higher thus far, grades, GPAs...I'd seem you were behavioral health...look at going USPHS COSTEP, their analogue to ROTC, and look at all svcs, not just Army, trust !e, OK? Been there, done that (BTDT), honest, I wamet prior enlisted, that would've helped me enormously on long reflection....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 15 at 2018 11:11 PM

2018-08-15T23:11:29-04:00

http://www.ocsfoumdation.org

Look at this....

www.ocsfoumdation.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 15 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-08-15T23:13:33-04:00

http://www.usphs.gov

Look up engineering, social work, and their COSTEP Jr and St levels, as well as their clinical fields and assignment to Army, Navy, and USAF, esp in psych related fields, they have a major intersvc agree!EMT with a full site of assign!EMTs, honest....

www.usphs.gov

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 15 at 2018 11:14 PM

2018-08-15T23:14:04-04:00

Do a detailed bio sketch, the more you send inz the more I or mother's can suggest, honest, OK?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 1:17 AM

2018-08-16T01:17:07-04:00

I see cadets in the ROTC program with full sleeves. I seen a great amount of cadets that are about to be army officers with tattoos everywhere. I don't think you will have a problem as long as you have a decent gpa and pt score.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 6:08 AM

2018-08-16T06:08:11-04:00

That’s not a thing anymore.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 6:36 AM

2018-08-16T06:36:19-04:00

As long as the tattoo is not on the face, nec, or hand, the regulation no longer limits them. Tattoos cannot extend beyoun the wrist bone and much not be visible in uniform. The update to 670-1 dated 2017 did away with the tattoo policy that limited size and number below the elbow.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 16 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-08-16T10:00:39-04:00

Depends on how many LT's they need the year you put your packet toghther

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-08-16T10:06:22-04:00

No, you should be fine. With the ALARACT message repealing the limitation on size and location of tattoos and their visibility (excepting face, neck and hands), you should be clear for school.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 4:26 PM

2018-08-16T16:26:16-04:00

Should be hard to get one on the officer side but also check the regs (AR 670-1).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-08-16T18:11:00-04:00

They let criminals in with tattoos, so I don't think you'll have an issue :)

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Aug 16 at 2018 7:44 PM

2018-08-16T19:44:09-04:00

I sure hope so Unless you joined before 2011 you should not of been allowed in the Army.
Sure do not need rag tag tattooed Enlisted or Officer representing the Military.
Should not made bad decision that will haunt you the rest od your life

Response by CPT Blake Ruggiero made Aug 23 at 2018 11:05 AM

2018-08-23T11:05:56-04:00

I have two tattoos, one is large and covers my left shoulder to elbow and is visible in my PTs, the other is on my right forearm and while not huge, you can definitely see it creeping out if I try to cover it with my hand. Regardless, I literally just commissioned, and at no point did anyone question my tattoos. When you get to your ROTC program be sure to ask the PMS if there will be an issue, but I doubt there will be, and even if there is ROTC slaps out waivers like candy these days.