What are your opinions regarding the tattoo policy in the AR 670-1 update?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:49:12 -0400

From what I have gathered regarding the tattoo policy, only 4 (size of your hand) tattoos are permitted below the elbow or knee. People with more or sleeves will(?) be grandfathered in. On that note, I do not understand as to why the new policy is needed. I understand and agree with no face, neck, or hand tattoos; as they do look unprofessional and are visible in ACUs and ASUs. To further the topic, I believe tattoos, to include sleeves, are a part of military heritage and tradition. Any other insight on this or furthered opinions?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 10:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:28:37 -0400

It is a great way to reduce the force, but that is about it.

Response by SGT Larry "Teruji" Sakai made Dec 12 at 2014 8:52 PM

SGT Larry "Teruji" Sakai — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 20:52:20 -0500

Just my opinion I do not think a tattoo looks professional when in uniform (on duty) And I had and have Tats.,

Response by SFC Howard Kempf made Dec 15 at 2014 1:51 PM

SFC Howard Kempf — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 13:51:23 -0500

If they take away from the professional appearance of a service member in uniform, they should be forbidden. Should not be seen in uniform, sorry all you sleeve lovers.

Response by SPC Kimm Bridges made Dec 15 at 2014 5:35 PM

SPC Kimm Bridges — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:35:14 -0500

I got my first tattoo in 1988 when my son was born. It was strategically placed on my ankle out of sight. I received 3 other tats over the next 20 years, all out of sight. In October 2009, my only child, was killed while on active duty and I had his dog tags tattooed on my right hand so that regardless to what I'm wearing, it shows. I have had people tell me that it is unprofessional, and I simply ask them to grieve their way and allow me the same freedom. If you are hurt or in trouble and I showed up to help would you send me away because I have my deceased son's name tattooed on my hand in a gesture of love.

Response by SPC Kimm Bridges made Dec 15 at 2014 5:46 PM

SPC Kimm Bridges — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:46:43 -0500

People are killing each other in the streets of the communities where service member's families live and the only thing we have to worry about are how many tattoos a soldier has???!!!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 17 at 2014 1:34 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:34:38 -0500

"To further the topic, I believe tattoos, to include sleeves, are a part of military heritage and tradition."

Yes they are.....but be careful to draw too many extrapolations from that. Historically, soldiers and sailors were considered the dregs of society and what they did to "mutilate" their bodies was something that polite society merely considered was par for the lower social strata.

Personally, I am one who believes in all things in moderation. I don't think there is anything wrong with tattoos per se, but I think a lot of folks go overboard with them and being overly tattooed is not a professional image. Anything that can be seen in short sleeve dress uniform, IMHO, should not be allowed.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 4:57 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:57:04 -0500

I personally see nothing wrong with tattoos. Just not head, face, or neck. I've seen even in the civilian field folks getting their wedding band tattooed on their fingers. I've seen names or symbols on hands. I personally see nothing wrong with it. I have tattoos but you don't see them unless I wear a tank top at the gym.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 6:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:27:37 -0500

I myself have tattoos. I also have a couple that have to be grandfathered in now. I agree with no tattoos on the face, neck or hands. I think as long as they can be covered with your uniform on that they should be authorized. Tattoos are a statement of that persons individual path through life. I have one Soldier who is not re enlisting just for the fact of this policy.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Dec 18 at 2014 7:47 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:47:31 -0500

Does a tattoo make you any less of a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine.. the answer is no. If the tattoos are in good taste and not overly offensive because offensive is a subjective term but we all know what I mean when I say overly offensive. We are a professional military but even in the civilian workforce the attitude and stigma of tattoos is changing.

Response by SFC Terry Logsdon made Dec 17 at 2015 6:47 AM

SFC Terry Logsdon — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:47:43 -0500

only the navy, most solider in the past got one-two tats usually in ait. now that tats are considered art many solider will join with them

Response by CPL Timothy Coffey made Feb 28 at 2016 9:01 PM

CPL Timothy Coffey — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 21:01:07 -0500

I was in 11 years, and went many places, never got a tattoo. I am now 50 and still don't have one. So heritage is a little to much. I think you would be hard pressed to find many Veterans my age with more than four tattoo. Get some colored pencils and paper, may help.