Posted on Dec 28, 2015
Why are tattoo regulations so strict? Do they hinder your ability to fire a weapon?
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Over the years I've tried to get into the national guard to continue to serve our nation, and have been denied due to tattoos, I really don't understand this rule.. Last time i checked, tattoos don't hinder my ability to fire a weapon , nor does it hinder my ability to receive or give orders... Just looking for some insight ...
Tattoos
Regulation
Uniforms
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 40
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It is simple - you enlisted and agree to all the terms of your enlistment - not just the ones that you think are correct. You are a member of the U.S. Military, your appearance is a reflection on the country, branch of service - weight, wear of your uniform, how you act in public, etc. There were always restrictions on Tattoos - they were just relaxed after 9/11 to build up the ranks. Now that we are forced to cut spending - that effects who can enlisted and who can stay in the service. As others have said there are differences in each branch on what is allowed, but generally it is - not allowed on the face, neck - only on arms & legs and can't be more than 25% and there are limits on type of tattoos that you can get. If you really want to serve - then you either get them removed at your costs and/or seek a waiver. Are you willing to do the extra step to get into the service. It is not just about can you do the job - fire the weapon, pass the fit test, follow regulations, it is the whole package. Service is not a right - it is a privilege.
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Cpl Kenny Woods
I've already done my service. Just looking for some insight into fellow military minds
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Double check with a Guard recruiter again. Policies were changed with the new SMA in regards to tattoos. I work with the Idaho Army Guard recruiters and we are constantly getting waivers approved for new enlistments with tats.
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Long hair and a crappy uniform don't either, right? Or an IQ above room temperature, yet we have restrictions on those also
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Simply put it boils down to the appearance of professionalism. The same reason there are uniformity based regulations in the first place. Whether or not they make sense, they are the rules all the same.
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Another reason for the regulations severity is, I believe the fact that so many gang members have tattoos and it gives everyone with a tattoo a bad rap.
I spent a career working in corrections after my time in the Corps, and the latter part as a training officer. Virginia did not recognize the fact that we had a gang problem until the mid 2000s. Once they did, they went overboard, and everyone with a tattoo was a gang member. I spent a lot of time correcting that assumption as I have tattoos and I am not a gang member.
I think that theory bled over to the military.
I spent a career working in corrections after my time in the Corps, and the latter part as a training officer. Virginia did not recognize the fact that we had a gang problem until the mid 2000s. Once they did, they went overboard, and everyone with a tattoo was a gang member. I spent a lot of time correcting that assumption as I have tattoos and I am not a gang member.
I think that theory bled over to the military.
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Assuming that there is nothing obscene or extremist-related, the only remaining issue you should be having is the size of them, limited to one the size of your hand on each extremity.
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1SG (Join to see)
Cpl Kenny Woods, SSG (Join to see) - from AR 670-1:
3–3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation policy
Note: This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.
a. Tattoos and brands are permanent markings that are difficult to reverse (in terms of financial cost, discomfort, and effectiveness of removal techniques). Before obtaining either a tattoo or a brand, Soldiers should consider talking to unit leaders to ensure that they understand the Army tattoo and brand policy. The words tattoo and brand are
interchangeable in regards to this policy.
b. The following types of tattoos or brands are prejudicial to good order and discipline and are, therefore, prohibited anywhere on a Soldier’s body:
(1) Extremist. Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color,
gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law (see AR 600–20).
(2) Indecent. Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism.
(3) Sexist. Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender.
(4) Racist. Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
c. Tattoos or brands, regardless of subject matter, are prohibited on the head, face (except for permanent makeup, as provided in paragraph 3–2b(2)), neck (anything above the t-shirt neckline to include on/inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), wrists, and hands, except Soldiers may have one ring tattoo on each hand, below the joint of the bottom segment (portion closest to the palm) of the finger. Accessing applicants must adhere to this same policy.
d. Soldiers may not cover tattoos or brands with bandages or make up in order to comply with the tattoo policy.
3–3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation policy
Note: This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.
a. Tattoos and brands are permanent markings that are difficult to reverse (in terms of financial cost, discomfort, and effectiveness of removal techniques). Before obtaining either a tattoo or a brand, Soldiers should consider talking to unit leaders to ensure that they understand the Army tattoo and brand policy. The words tattoo and brand are
interchangeable in regards to this policy.
b. The following types of tattoos or brands are prejudicial to good order and discipline and are, therefore, prohibited anywhere on a Soldier’s body:
(1) Extremist. Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color,
gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law (see AR 600–20).
(2) Indecent. Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism.
(3) Sexist. Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender.
(4) Racist. Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
c. Tattoos or brands, regardless of subject matter, are prohibited on the head, face (except for permanent makeup, as provided in paragraph 3–2b(2)), neck (anything above the t-shirt neckline to include on/inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), wrists, and hands, except Soldiers may have one ring tattoo on each hand, below the joint of the bottom segment (portion closest to the palm) of the finger. Accessing applicants must adhere to this same policy.
d. Soldiers may not cover tattoos or brands with bandages or make up in order to comply with the tattoo policy.
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SSG (Join to see)
Roger. The verbiage associated with size has been removed. We went over the changes ad nauseam, as they occured, in USAREC. People we were processing became unqualified literally overnight. We recontacted and contracted those people immediately once the latest change (that you posted) came out.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - You sir, are correct. However, the remainder of what I said still stands, so if the issue is that he is still in non-compliance, he's going to need to pursue a medical solution.
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I think it's the recruiter you're talking to.
I served in the NG from 1998-2007. The recruiter's aide who drove me to MEPS had eyes on the back of her neck just above her collar. Since then, regs have changed.
My advice is to talk to a different recruiter, because I suspect there's something else going on.
I served in the NG from 1998-2007. The recruiter's aide who drove me to MEPS had eyes on the back of her neck just above her collar. Since then, regs have changed.
My advice is to talk to a different recruiter, because I suspect there's something else going on.
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"Uniform". If the service wanted you to have tattoos, you would have been issued them. Look alike, talk alike, act alike.
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Hindsight, being what it is, has taught me that being in the military, whatever branch, is about being an asset. A tool. When you need x number of tools, of the same type, you tend to get the same brand, make, model. Ask an auto mechanic, who probably has more than one of a given tool. You'll find that most of them will tell you that every one of them is the same. Individualism is not in the best interest of the military.
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