Tattoos on your OMPF

2014-03-26T16:17:47-04:00

In accordance with ALARACT 082/2014 States that all tattoos will be photographed and recorded with a memorandum for record and placed on your IPERMS and OMPF within 30-60 days from AR 670-1 release.

Do you think Senior selections boards will discriminate against Soldier with sleeves or Tattoos ?

Will this become a tool to discriminate NCOs for MSG and above?

What are your thoughts?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 26 at 2014 4:19 PM

2014-03-26T16:19:54-04:00

We just recieved the memorandum template today, pictures are on Monday...

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 26 at 2014 4:23 PM

2014-03-26T16:23:14-04:00

Well, I can speak only for myself.  I will not discriminate as I have tattoos myself...  I may have a borderline tattoo by location as well, we shall see what is to become of me.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 26 at 2014 4:37 PM

2014-03-26T16:37:58-04:00

I would hope that it does not become an issue during selection boards.  Maybe they will be "unavailable" to the board?  Who knows?  I do believe that in the long run, for the young and coming NCOs, the bugs, and the "old school" mindset, will be worked out for their boards. On a side note, I am personally looking forward to my photo shoot and being able to view my "Tattoo Tab" in my IPERMS and OMPF.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 7:36 PM

2014-03-26T19:36:15-04:00

Why are we in such a rush over this aspect of the reg? It hasn't even been published yet and commands are in a hurry to enforce something that isn't even officially here yet.

As for discriminating against those people with tattoos? Absolutely this will be a discriminator. If you think otherwise you are naïve. If it was not supposed to be a discriminator, then this record would be filed in your medical records and screened by a medical professional. The fact it is going onto your OMPF means boards WILL have access to your tattoo file and will take it into consideration when not selecting you because you have tattoos. Of course this will never be made public because it would open the Army up to all sorts of legal trouble.

I understand the no tattoos on the head neck and hands, but sleeves and legs? These areas are covered 95% of the time by your duty uniform. I still wonder where all this hate for tattoos is coming from; was someone picked on mercilessly by other Soldiers with tattoos?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 8:45 PM

2014-03-26T20:45:43-04:00

While I do think there should be some parameters set for tattoos, (i.e. no vulgar, sexually explicit, extremist, and/or gang-oriented ink) I've never seen skin art affect the professionalism or standards of a solid soldier. Certain pieces and placement may indicate a temporary lapse in judgement, but shouldn't be the be-all-end-all in determining a soldiers skill-set and level of professionalism. In my opinion, its an archaic mindset to believe that tattoo's effect that.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:28 PM

2014-03-27T22:28:01-04:00

I do not believe it will be used to discriminate but to control. Hard to figure out if that tattoo was new or old unless it is documented. I believe during boards this data will be masked.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 28 at 2014 1:02 AM

2014-03-28T01:02:36-04:00

I want only one tattoo but I have yet to get it. I want on my left upper arm to state SPQR- Senātus Populus que Rōmānus ("The Senate and People of Rome"). The meaning behind it comes from the belief that the power of the government comes from the people.

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 28 at 2014 10:54 AM

2014-03-28T10:54:07-04:00

It shouldn't be allowed to be used, hopefully it will be blocked out like PT, profiles, weapons, etc., so it won't be a major issue, some of the 1st few boards may be looked at as a test to see how the percentages go as far as how many did or didn't get promoted that had tattoos in their files though.

It will be a litmus test for the 1st year or two I believe, so we will have to wait and see.

Response by SSG James Seets made Mar 28 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-03-28T11:44:11-04:00

SFC Cardenas,

I can't say weather it will or will not hurt you. I can say that within the last ten years tattoos have become more and more popular in the ranks, there are a good amount of Soldiers sporting multiple tattoos. A lot of these soldiers will one day be the ones on those boards. The Military has to have a way to weed out the "bad boys" (and girls) and this; in their eyes is a great way to do that.

It's a phase, just wait for the next war and they will be begging those same guys they kicked out to come back and fight and die for them because their pretty boy sons are too scared.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-03-29T14:22:10-04:00

Probably

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 3:04 PM

2014-03-29T15:04:12-04:00

The tattoo policy coming into affect shortly is reasonable in my opinion. However, I am against preventing NCOs who are "grandfathered" to not have the ability to be commissioned officers. So a person without tattoos coming into the force is more experience, more professional, and more capable to lead than someone who is a combat veteran, already leads, but has tattoos past his or her elbow and knees? Sound Crazy To me too!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 11:47 AM

2014-04-27T11:47:41-04:00

SFC,

I believe if you get NEW tattoos it could potentially hurt you at your unit level, but that if you have previously recorded tattoos (grandfathered in) you're safe. Tattoos are recorded as identifying marks when you join the military anyway, as part of your medical packet I believe. It could be one more way to discriminate, but I don't expect it to become that as far as boards go. I know several consistent 1/1 NCOs that are already being prevented from going warrant, but as a means to deny promotion or separation I think it's a bit low. I don't expect tattoos to prevent you from furthering your career in the current career path (enlisted, warrant, officer), just prevents you from switching at this time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 12:20 PM

2014-04-27T12:20:26-04:00

It should have zero effect on your career. The reg specifically states that the tattoo memos will not be seen by board members. It just goes to your OMPF to keep everyone honest about any future tattoos.

Response by MSG Jason Sikes made Apr 27 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-04-27T14:15:19-04:00

Well, couple more days till memo and photos are due to your OMPF. The real question is, if you wait to get the memo and photos done will that be held against you at the board looks? If they even look at the memo and photos..?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 6:17 PM

2014-05-19T18:17:00-04:00

That is the only reason they are doing it is to discriminate against those that have them because if you get one now they can give you an article 15 if the feel like it. It is discrimination all the way next they will say you can't have hair and what color your skin will have to be.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-02-25T18:57:51-05:00

my main question is if a soldier has not been recorded..the commander has not given the memorandum or a counseling statement on these new regulations as of 15 sept 2014, what could stop a soldier from getting his or her sleeve complete?if there is no proof and the commander has yet to do his job as stated in the regulations, is this a failure on the soldier or more of a fail for the company commander in charge?