Posted on Jun 7, 2016
LTJG Aviator
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I am currently in the process of an interservice transfer to Active Air Force Officer from Enlisted Marine. As a Marine, i've thought about getting at least two tattoos. However, I've always wanted to be a pilot so I held off getting them. I'm not married to the idea of getting one so if it's not appropriate I won't be too broken up about it. Any informal rules about this in addition to official AF regs?
Posted in these groups: Tattoo logo Tattoos
Edited >1 y ago
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CAPT Kevin B.
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I'm sure some AF types will have a "reg" input. You can consider some analysis on your own. Are there much tats in the O-4 and above community? If not, you have to realize you'll be younger and visibly different. If your orientation, dedication, and ability to get a clue are in good shape, you don't offer up a reason to be cast aside because you have tats and likely most won't. However, if there is an aspect to you a piece of the CoC isn't thrilled in, the tats can become an amplifier in their mind. You see an axiom of leadership is it's a good idea to help people along until they give you reason to help set them aside. So my take is having tats in your case ranges from neutral at best and then downhill from there.
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CDR Terry Boles
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To tat or not to tat, that is your question. Just wait and see what the climate is. As an officer you are a lot more visible than you think!
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Capt Seid Waddell
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When I was in tattoos visible while in any uniform were not allowed at all; this seems to have changed. See http://www.afoats.af.mil/ots/documents/afi36-2903.pdf Page 22.

Although tattoos are now allowed, I don't think they would be good for your career.
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Capt Seid Waddell
Capt Seid Waddell
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Even when allowed, tats may not be a good idea. One should consider which is more important - one's ink or one's career.

“Ever since this issue has risen, I have felt singled out and judged by the ink I have on my skin instead of my work performance and my performance as a United States airman,” said Senior Airman Noah TeGrootenhuis, stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. When he appeared in his PT uniform recently, he explained how his superiors began eyeing the tattoos on his arms to see if they were more “excessive” than previously documented, thus warranting his removal.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2016/04/24/airmen-weigh-possible-changes-tattoo-policy/83348664/
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