Should soldiers have military tattoos while in service?

2015-08-29T01:20:15-04:00

Should we be encouraging our current service members to refrain from identifying tattoos while still in service? Upon graduation of some specialty schools, many soldiers flock to the nearest tatto shop to get there tab or wings drawn on. Could this compromise These soldiers down range in the future?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 29 at 2015 1:24 AM

2015-08-29T01:24:51-04:00

I understand the need for self decoration and we are all proud of what we do and who we are but to put another spin on it. I am a "Retired" CT (Spook) take a worst case scenario in a Pinch I could ditch the Spark and Quill from my Uniform and try and pass myself off as something else if Captured. If you have a Spark and Quill Tattoo and you get captured might as well wear a big old sign saying beat the holy crap out of me!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 29 at 2015 4:07 AM

2015-08-29T04:07:00-04:00

It is interesting how the times change. When I was in you could get discharged for getting a tattoo. It was looked at as damaging government property.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 6:08 AM

2015-08-29T06:08:20-04:00

I agree with the security aspect of the issue. I would say to leadership, talk to your Service Members about this aspect of Tattoos and discourage these types of tattoos. But in the end, it is that persons body and as long as it is within regulation, let it go.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 29 at 2015 6:56 AM

2015-08-29T06:56:54-04:00

If a person decides to get a tattoo they need to remember that if will effect their ability to get many jobs and will effect what people think of them for the rest of their life. In many jobs you will only get hired if your tattoo is located where it can be easily covered by your clothing. Think before you do it and think about what kind of tattoo you get.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-08-29T15:20:17-04:00

yes

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-08-29T16:22:09-04:00

I have to say it would be a good idea to get that type of tattoo whole in the military. There are a bunch of good responses up here and I agree with all of them. I have tattoos myself and it is true some places you go for a job frown on them if they are visible. You should think of the security aspect of the tattoo before you get it, and think of your life after the military before you get one that can't easily be hidden.