With the ‘modern American in mind,’ Air Force OKs neck and hand tattoos

The Air Force style authorities have spoken: neck and hand tattoos are in, beards are still out.

The new version of the service’s dress and appearance standards policy allows tattoos up to 1 inch long on the hands and back of the neck, which were previously banned.

Tattoos are the third highest disqualifier for service, behind physical and citizenship standards, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Joanne Bass told Stars and Stripes in a statement Thursday.

The service turned away 4,240 prospective recruits between 2018 and 2022 because of tattoo disqualifications, Bass said. About 32% of them would have qualified under the new rules.