What will happen if I get a face tattoo while still active duty army?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:37:25 -0500

Chapter status. What discharge will I be looking at?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 27 at 2020 12:41 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:41:32 -0500

Not sure of the exact discharge, but I would be very careful doing anything that would make you question your discharge. It would suck to see one decision to ruin a successful career. Also, put some time to think about what your future plans for employment are.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 27 at 2020 12:45 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:45:42 -0500

Whatever chapter the CO wants to throw at you along with any and all UCMJ punishment because YOU KNOW it is a reg violations. Be a shame to be thrown out ans a flippin PV2 when it comes time to draw final pay.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 27 at 2020 12:56 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:56:08 -0500

I feel sorry for anyone in the military that would contemplate getting such a tattoo!!’

Do you have that much hate for the system or is it our society?

What do you intend to achieve by getting such a tattoo?!

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jan 27 at 2020 1:43 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 01:43:28 -0500

The military is temporary, your life is permanent. Just wait until you ETS to get the face tattoo.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Jan 27 at 2020 3:07 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:07:02 -0500

Why would anyone want a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling that can never be hidden from public view?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 3:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:17:03 -0500

Actually, you'll be ordered to remove it at your own cost. The face tattoo itself won't generate a discharge, but refusing to obey a direct order will have numerous consequences.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 4:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:34:09 -0500

Good morning Dwahn, how are you doing today? I understand with this type of question, you don't plan to make the military a career. I use to be young like you and wanted to get the face tatts, gold grills, etc just to be cool. Only thing I can tell you is, don't fuck up your military career or the little time you have left by doing something silly..... You have to ask yourself, how do I explain to future employers asking why you have something other than honorable discharge. Your reply should be, because I can't follow rules, policy, or regulations. Or in civilian terms, I can't follow directions. I'm not here to bash you, but here to guide you on the right path. You are a grown man, it's your choice and future.....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 8:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:32:08 -0500

There has got to be a better way than this to get on the commander's radar screen. This one is sure to draw fire that you won't want.
The most likely scenario is that they order you to get the tattoo removed at your own cost and you are left with an expensive and ugly scar. The CO might in turn process a failure to adapt chapter, depending on how long you've been in.

The obvious advice here is to stick it out and fulfill your obligations. Pretty much everyone will tell you that.
I want to know what has made it so bad that you are considering such an extreme response?

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Jan 27 at 2020 9:30 AM

SPC Richard Zacke — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:30:29 -0500

If you do get a face tattoo make sure it reads MS-13 that way you can get out of the Army and possibly be deported at the same time!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 9:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:35:08 -0500

why anyone would want a face tattoo is beyond me. and this coming from a guy who has numerous body tattoos.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 9:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:38:47 -0500

Un-F*** yourself please...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:53:35 -0500

Did.....Did I really read this question correctly?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 9:56 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:56:18 -0500

Let me first answer your question with a question:
What kind of job are you hoping to get when you get out?
Because a face tattoo will close off about 90% of those opportunities.
With a face tattoo, most of those interviews will end in 5 minutes with a "thanks for coming in".
You think you hate "the system" now, but that "system" is any job you get.
The only two differences are:
1. in the Army, you can get by with someone telling you what to do and how to do it every day if you don't want to apply yourself and be proactive. In most jobs other than fast food and construction, the private sector doesn't have the time or patience for that, they'll just let you go and hire someone else.
2. in the Army, it takes 3-6 months to chapter someone out, in the private sector, you are fired that day and the paperwork is complete that day.

Like SFC Boyd said, you would be ordered to remove a face tattoo, and that is more painful and slower than getting the tattoo. Refuse the order and you will get kicked out.
Instead of limiting yourself with a face tattoo, take some time to really understand what you want to do on the outside, take some time to plan how you are going to get there, and start that process of getting there about six months from your ETS.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 11:34 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:34:41 -0500

As soon as you replied with: "I hate the system man I just wanna go home I’m miserable"

I support you getting a face tattoo. Its not a "system" there are rules and regulations, and if you follow them and do your best then you will succeed.

There will always be bad leadership (not just in the military) and learning to 1) deal with them, and 2) knowing that eventually it will pass is how to adapt to it.

Others have already said that this course of action may lead to additional expenses and extended time in the military, but hey that's the "system". Want to do something so drastic and not fulfill your commitment you made shows that this is not the path for you. Which is fine, but there are smarter and less "permanent" ways (eating your way to freedom.)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 11:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:38:39 -0500

Can you just not get the face tattoo?? Putting all the army stuff aside like really guy??? Out of all places you want that shit on your face? Stop tryna be like post malone and all them. Even when you get out that's not look well with civilian employers.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 11:55 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:55:35 -0500

The fact that you’re asking what kind of discharge you would get makes me wonder if you’re pursuing a face tattoo as an easy out. As a SPC that is so junior in their career, there are so many things personally and professionally that you could be focusing on instead of focusing on a tattoo. Do some soul searching on why you’re so hell bent on getting a tattoo in a very specific place. If you think you’re doing this to get out, an old Chief always told me, “The fastest way to get out is to do your time”. Trying to cheat the system will anger enough people to deadlock you in administrative red tape. That will be far more painful than executing the contract that you signed.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 27 at 2020 12:09 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:09:14 -0500

I am old school. I think the Army command has gone nuts. Many of us served with some really fine warriors that had ink. I would want them covering my back any day. But the Army command is about having pretty toy soldiers. I find this no different that 75 years ago when black soldiers were seen as inferior b/c of the color of their skin. My unit worked with the SEALs in Iraq 2004-2005. Their one full bird was covered from neck to feet with ink. He also smoked a cigar. A true warrior. To the Army, he is not worthy to wear the uniform. Maybe it's some of those sitting in the Pentagon & behind the company commander's desk who are not worthy enough to wear the uniform.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 12:24 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:24:34 -0500

You will be asked to remove it. Once you reject, you will most likely receive either a dishonorable or an other than honorable. Sounds like a dumb question, but you knew that before you typed it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 12:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:33:31 -0500

Enjoy the rest of the contract knowing that your can go to college and use your E5 BAH for all the tats you want...just saying with 1200-1500 you can get alot of work done!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 1:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:40:09 -0500

While I sincerely appreciate every one taking the time to give thoughtful insight, I’m leaning more towards believing that your maturity level is about the same as your ASVAB score. While others are trying to persuade you to be rational and not make life altering decisions, they are speaking to a brick wall. You have absolutely no regard for the work others have put into you. You’re not motivated, you posses every quality that I’d never want any of my soldiers to have, and you have no desire to truly hear anyone out. You’re disrespectful and if you want to go out in a fiery blaze of glory... let me know where I could come and watch that sh*t show.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 2:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 14:34:09 -0500

As with most questions on RP, your commander will determine your fate. AR 670-1 Chapter three has your answer. Ctrl F on the document and you can find the following:

Commanders will ensure that Soldiers understand the tattoo policy. If a Soldier has any tattoo or brand that is prohibited under paragraph 3–3b, has any tattoo or brand that is not authorized (such as a tattoo or brand on the face or head or a tattoo on the neck or hand that is not grandfathered), or acquires any new tattoo or brand in violation of paragraph 3–3c, his/her commander will— (1) Counsel the Soldier in writing.

Provide the Soldier with no less than a period of 15 calendar days to seek medical and/or legal advice, fully consider all available options, and respond to the counseling, in writing, by informing the commander that he/she will appeal the finding that the tattoo or brand is in violation of policy, pursue medical procedure(s) to have the tattoo or brand removed (or changed, if applicable), or not have the tattoo or brand removed (or changed, if applicable). (b) If the Soldier elects to have the tattoo or brand removed, the commander will counsel the Soldier on a plan for scheduling the medical procedure(s). Soldiers will receive a reasonable amount of time to schedule the necessary medical procedure(s) and pay for such procedure(s) (if not available at a military treatment facility). If the Soldier declines to have the tattoo or brand removed, the commander will counsel the Soldier in writing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 27 at 2020 5:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 17:44:40 -0500

WTF lol

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Jan 27 at 2020 9:19 PM

LTC Lee Bouchard — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:19:46 -0500

Best check Army regs. on this issue. Don't put yourself in a situation that will not be career enhancing.
Old school rule was you can have a tattoo that was not visible outside the uniform. Neck, face and hands are considered outside the uniform. Wherever or whenever you get a tattoo, as cool as many think they are, will not look so cool in another 10 years. And ugly in 20. Many civilian employers will not hire people with visible tattoos while working directly with the public. If working in the back room washing dishes is ok with you, go for it.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jan 27 at 2020 9:51 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:51:40 -0500

Seriously? I suggest you think a little more long term. Yes a face tattoo will likely get you out but not after some time. If you hate the military that much, you will find a face tattoo will not help you as a civilian either. There are plenty of places that will not hire you with that on your face. Tough it out, do your time and get out responsibly. Life after the military will be better as well

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 10:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 22:56:34 -0500

Excellent advice has already been offered. Finish your time left and get out with an honorable discharge. You might not like the Army but you should know that civilian jobs have rules that you might not like and bosses that might be as bad or worse.

Response by SGT Tom Recupero made Jan 28 at 2020 12:51 AM

SGT Tom Recupero — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:51:04 -0500

WTF Over? Why, why on the face, is the the path out? Just say you want out, show up without pants on lol whatever. Generation soft

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 4:50 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 04:50:19 -0500

Why are you trying to fuck up the rest of your life to get out of an unpleasant situation now? If you do it and then refuse to remove it you will not end up with an honorable discharge. That makes all your education benefits go away. Then you have no education, less than honorable discharge and a facial tattoo. No civilian employer will want to mess with that! You will destroy your future earning potential too. Stick it out. Honor your contract. Once you ETS with you honorable discharge, then get a facial tattoo if you still want to be stupid. That way at least you will only be fighting one thing that will make employers not want to hire you instead of many things.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 12:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:40:52 -0500

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jan 28 at 2020 3:51 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:51:29 -0500

Go AWOL and wait at least a month and get arrested instead. You will definitely get your wish to get thrown out and you won't have a scar. The scar will be on your employ ability.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 3:57 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:57:15 -0500

Very few reputable tattoo shops will even consider doing a face/hand/neck tattoo on someone who isn’t already almost completely covered because the stigma is that strong.