Posted on Mar 4, 2015
New SMA learns tattoo policy is still an issue, is it?
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Just read the new SMA got a shock learning the current tattoo policy is not a solved issue. I understand the Army wants to be PC, but come on, we all know tats don't make a good or bad service member. I really think he needs to conduct another survey and get this issue put to bed.
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/03/04/sma-dan-dailey-army-tattoo-policy-jblm-visit/24377435/
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/03/04/sma-dan-dailey-army-tattoo-policy-jblm-visit/24377435/
Tattoos
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DA Pam 670-1
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 28
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I personally do not have tattoos but I believe a person should have the right to choose.
I know many great Soldiers with Tattoos and if they want to make a big deal about and take all these pictures and force them to be uploaded to IPERMS then Senior Leaders at the DC level shall have to sleep in the bed they make.
How is this not seen as an EO Complaint?
I mean seriously, many TEAM Guys have Tattoos. Who shall do their dirty work if all of them leave?
I know many great Soldiers with Tattoos and if they want to make a big deal about and take all these pictures and force them to be uploaded to IPERMS then Senior Leaders at the DC level shall have to sleep in the bed they make.
How is this not seen as an EO Complaint?
I mean seriously, many TEAM Guys have Tattoos. Who shall do their dirty work if all of them leave?
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As long as it does not interfere with readiness or the wear of the uniform, what is the issue?
Is this just too terrifying?
Is this just too terrifying?
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MAJ (Join to see)
Sir it's like someone threw up skittles, glitter, and a My Little Pony on a arm.... it offends me rofl
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CPO (Join to see)
Historical trivia question: How did US and UK Soldiers identify and capture fleeing Nazi SS at the end of WWII?
Answer: Their tattoos.
COL: Even the SERE Instructors had extra "fun" with the students sporting high speed tattoos like jump wings, dive bubbles, and such
Answer: Their tattoos.
COL: Even the SERE Instructors had extra "fun" with the students sporting high speed tattoos like jump wings, dive bubbles, and such
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I did my 20 and have watched this crazy stuff go on all the time. We lost a ton of good soldiers when the Army needed to downsize and they did it with the Army Overweight Program. To save face the rank and file stated a Russian General had stated that th US Army was fat and lazy. Yea OK!
Tats? The military made them mainstream. WWII you went to basic, got your tat and off to war. SMH
Tats? The military made them mainstream. WWII you went to basic, got your tat and off to war. SMH
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I'm in agreement with a lot of the other people replying as in my opinion tattoos do not make or break a professional. I can understand arguments banning face tattoos, but if a tattoo is in a place that would normally be covered by the ACU or ASU then I don't see a problem. This mindset is clearly at odds with the leaderships however, so I truly do hope that the new SMA does something about this.
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SMA of the Army learns tattoo policy is still an issue? Really? Where has he been hiding the past few months? As a SSG I've been seeing it's an issue since the change in the regulation.
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SPC James Bailey
I honestly think that SMA Chandler tried to hide it from SMA Dailey that it was still an army-wide issue is why he was shocked
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First off, I have tattoos. I like tattoos. That said, this is the question I have to ask:
"Do VISIBLE tattoos present a Professional image?"
I cannot, in good faith, say yes.
"Do VISIBLE tattoos present a Professional image?"
I cannot, in good faith, say yes.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
CPT (Join to see) No discrimination involved.
Please note the photo on the left does not "Present a professional image" while the image on the right does. What is the difference between the two?
Please note the photo on the left does not "Present a professional image" while the image on the right does. What is the difference between the two?
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CPT (Join to see)
There is NO difference Sgt Aaron Kennedy! That's the point, that it is the same person. If the required profession's garments can cover up the tattoos, I can't see the reasoning behind any ban. This is where, as you said, VISABLE tattoos, make the difference. When covered by the uniform they don't distract. I think we are on the same page :)
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
CPT (Join to see) As you said, covered by the uniform. The picture on the left highlights an individual that would not have tattoos covered when wearing a short sleeved uniform (Summer months).
If the tattoos don't extend past the short sleeve uniform edge, or above the collarbone, "Presenting a professional image" never comes into question.
If the tattoos don't extend past the short sleeve uniform edge, or above the collarbone, "Presenting a professional image" never comes into question.
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I agree tattoos do not define good from bad and I am tired of the debate. My only real issue with tattoos are ones that distract from the professionalism we are representatives of and I know there are very successful business people with tattoos. The key is when to reveal them and when not reveal them.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
The problem is that "when to reveal" isn't up to the service member. PT gear bears all, so to speak.
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I don't have one tat on my body, and quite frankly I don't understand why it's even an issue. If someone wants to get them, so what. My only concern would be troops go to a good shop, one that is clean and equipment is clean.
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I think they make these issues to take people's minds off of the other issues. A form of misdirection. Most people will worry about the issues that directly apply to themselves before they will look at the big picture.
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