What are the tattoo regulations in the Army?

2017-05-16T22:34:00-04:00

I have 1 tattoo that passed the physical at MEPS. What are the rules and regulations regarding the addition of other tattoos?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 16 at 2017 10:36 PM

2017-05-16T22:36:10-04:00

SGM Erik Marquez - do you have any insight into what the new regulation says? As far as I am aware, as long as the tattoo is not on the head, face, neck or hands, it's okay.

Response by Lisa McCarver made May 16 at 2017 10:38 PM

2017-05-16T22:38:40-04:00

I know you can't have face, neck, or hand tattoos. You can have one ring tattoo per hand and no racist, sexist, or derogatory tattoos

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 16 at 2017 10:40 PM

2017-05-16T22:40:00-04:00

Make sure it cannot be seen while in your class a's and you're good to go.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-05-16T22:46:33-04:00

So, no tattoo's are allowed on the hand OR above the tan t-shirt we wear under our uniform. Now if you have a tattoo that's ON or NEAR the wrist, you can add to sleeve out your arm. The tattoo however can not go on to your hand. If you have a wedding band tattoo, you CAN NOT add on to it. Any alteration of the tattoo on your hand would disqualify you based on the regulation and you could get kicked out(assuming you have one on the hand or wrist area). You can have a full body tattoo with the exception of the TWO areas I just mentioned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 11:02 PM

2017-05-16T23:02:12-04:00

http://www.apd.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/r670_1.pdf
3–3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation policy

r670_1.pdf

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Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 3:48 AM

2017-05-17T03:48:57-04:00

A simple Google search under Army Tatoo Policy came up with dozens of links. I suggest you seek and learn yourself. Hint: AR 670-1/DA PAM 670-1 had a recent update

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 1:59 PM

2017-05-17T13:59:01-04:00

Per AR 670-1, as of April 2015, you're able to get additional tattoos as long as they don't show below the sleeves in your Class A ASU, with the exception of one wedding band tattoo, they also can't be above the neck or anything derogative, racist, or anything that implies such.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 17 at 2017 2:16 PM

2017-05-17T14:16:37-04:00

If you are in the DEP, you should have been "advised" not to get any more tattoos until after you are on active duty. While it is not prohibited to get another tattoo, it is discouraged for several reasons:
1. Infections or still healing tattoos can delay your ship date if the MEPS doctor doesn't clear you to ship. This may require your service to cancel your existing contract and do another with a later ship date. You may lose the previous options/training if there are no vacancies available, and you will have to chose something else.
2. Your enlistment documents have to be updated with the new tattoo, and in some cases may require approval from your recruiter's commander that the tattoo is within policy.
3. The unlikely occurrence of contracting hepatitis or HIV, which will permanently disqualify you from military service.
4. The chance you unknowingly get a tattoo that is disqualifying.
In my many years in recruiting, I have seen all of these happen except #3, although #3 has happened for other obvious reasons.

Response by Melissa Neale made May 17 at 2017 7:43 PM

2017-05-17T19:43:21-04:00

Honestly, save yourself the trouble of changing the paperwork you completed at MEPS. Also there is a chance your new tattoo could become infected which could impact your ship dates. Not saying don't get one but just be aware "if" something happens it could affect your military career.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2017 10:37 PM

2017-05-17T22:37:56-04:00

The following is NOT allowed,

Extremist tattoos: According to the regulations, these are tattoos or brands "affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities." This would include tattoos that: feature philosophies, groups or activities that promote racial or gender intolerance; encourage discrimination based on numerous factors, including race, gender and religion; advocate violence or "other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law."

Indecent tattoos: These include tattoos or brands that are "grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism." The Army's regulations do not provide examples of tattoos that would fall under these descriptions.

Sexist tattoos: These include tattoos and brands that "advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender," according to the regulations.

Racist tattoos: Tattoos or brands that "advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin" are not allowed.

tattoos and brands are not allowed on:
Your head
Your face
Your neck above the t-shirt line
Inside your eyelids, mouth or ears
Your wrists
Your hands
"permanent makeup," which includes tattoos used as permanent eyebrows or eyeliner, is allowed as long as it follows the Army's rules on makeup. Allow makeup only for women, and require the makeup to be "applied modestly and conservatively."
regulations advise speaking with a unit leader to make sure the tattoo that's envisioned will abide by Army rules. If a soldier with a disallowed tattoo or brand refuses to have it removed, then the commander is instructed to initiate administrative separation proceedings. Full details in AR 670-1

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2017 10:20 PM

2017-05-23T22:20:31-04:00

You should read AR 670-1 and the accompanying DA Pam 670-1. The current policy is laid out there completely. Plus they are just good to know because it deals with everything regarding your uniform and appearance in the army. It's part of that "every soldier should know this" stuff.

Additionally, you should not get any ink work done under 30 days prior to deploying or shipping out anywhere. I believe it is because of the increased possibility of infections and any bloodwork that may be required.

Response by Samantha Updike made Nov 29 at 2017 12:19 AM

2017-11-29T00:19:15-05:00

So I’m currently debating joining the army. I’ve been thinking of getting a simple tattoo with and owl and maybe a few words. Would It disqualify me if it was on my wrist? This is the owl that I’m currently looking at