1
1
0
Hello Everyone just need a little more clarification on the tattoo policy.
I am being told I cannot reenlist due to my current tattoo and the army regulation in 670-1. I came active duty in 2007, Army Regulation 670-1, chapter 1-8E (1) was modified via an ALARACT 017/2006 . My tattoo is located behind my ear 3. AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8E (1) IS CHANGED TO READ: ANY TATTOO OR BRAND ANYWHERE ON THE HEAD OR FACE IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT FOR PERMANENT MAKE-UP (PARAGRAPH 1-8B (1) (A)). TATTOOS THAT ARE NOT EXTREMIST, INDECENT, SEXIST OR RACIST ARE ALLOWED ON THE HANDS AND NECK. INITIAL ENTRY DETERMINATIONS WILL BE MADE ACCORDING TO CURRENT GUIDANCE. In May 2012 AR 670-1 was revised again stating any tattoo on the hands, face, or neck are prohibited. What is your take on this does that include me even though I am already in, or is this for initial entry soldiers trying to enter the army.
I am being told I cannot reenlist due to my current tattoo and the army regulation in 670-1. I came active duty in 2007, Army Regulation 670-1, chapter 1-8E (1) was modified via an ALARACT 017/2006 . My tattoo is located behind my ear 3. AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8E (1) IS CHANGED TO READ: ANY TATTOO OR BRAND ANYWHERE ON THE HEAD OR FACE IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT FOR PERMANENT MAKE-UP (PARAGRAPH 1-8B (1) (A)). TATTOOS THAT ARE NOT EXTREMIST, INDECENT, SEXIST OR RACIST ARE ALLOWED ON THE HANDS AND NECK. INITIAL ENTRY DETERMINATIONS WILL BE MADE ACCORDING TO CURRENT GUIDANCE. In May 2012 AR 670-1 was revised again stating any tattoo on the hands, face, or neck are prohibited. What is your take on this does that include me even though I am already in, or is this for initial entry soldiers trying to enter the army.
Posted in these groups: 
Tattoos
Tattoos
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 14
5
5
0
<p>SGT Savage,</p><p>What you have read above is excellent advice. Please be cautious in your approach as your not understanding why does not constitute grounds in your favor at any time. I mean that to say this, IF the new AR 670-1 is approved and you will need to remove the tattoo behind your ear at your expense, then that is what you will have to do. You put it there at your expense and that is how you will be required to remove it. You represent something much bigger than you and if you have difficulty with that, a new career may be in order. I say that having been through that same dilemma myself at several points in my career. At least 5 times while I was an NCO did I have to go back and check myself to see if I needed to move on or not. This does not diminish your service so far. You have to keep in mind, if the Army changes and we won't, it is time to go. Not the most welcome new for you but it is the truth and not candy coated or feelings oriented. Just fact! The NCO's posts are absolutely spot on and you would do well to follow their sound advice and remember what I posted above as well. Good luck! Make sure you post the results of this when it is over......</p>
(5)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
Chief,
Understandable as well. I am more than happy to remove the tattoo thats not the problem and I am willing to pay for it. All of the advice I am taking in and am going to use every bit of it. One reason why I love this site! Feedback is always truthful and I will definitely keep Rallypoint updated on my current situation.
(3)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
I love the Military and I love my job and I definitely don't want anything like the small tattoo behind my ear to hinder that. I need to finish my deployment for many reasons though and if I have to I really want to make sure once I return home I have enough time to have it removed when I get home before my 90 days prior to ets.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
SGT Savage,
Who's telling you this?
See your servicing Career Counselor for clarification...tattoos have yet to be include into retention restrictions.
Who's telling you this?
See your servicing Career Counselor for clarification...tattoos have yet to be include into retention restrictions.
(4)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
It was my retention NCO and my commander. They kept referring to the 670-1 regulation. I do understand that retention is the commanders program. But if the issue brought up of me not being able to reenlist due to the regulation I just want to make sure that is really and truely the issue. We actually have a female that has a tattoo on her face and they are sending her home. As far as I know tattoo's on the face were NEVER authorized in the army. Once she spoke about not wanting to be "left out" that is when the issue came up about me reenlisting because of mine behind the ear.
(3)
(0)
SGT Savage, thanks for posting. I don't know the answer to this personally, but if I was in your boots, I would get with a Senior NCO that I closely trusted and see if they can help guide you through this issue. Senior NCOs -- at least the best among them -- always seem to know these regs like the back of their hand. One member on RallyPoint that I would suggest you ask for advice would be MSG(P) Matt Quick. I included a link to his profile below. I would connect with him and then send him a msg. Best of luck to you, and I hope everything turns out well.
View the full military profile of MSG(P) Matthew Quick, Student at A Co, USASMA | Fort Bliss, TX | RallyPoint professional military profile.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
SGT Savage
So your Commander will not allow you to reenlist? That is his/her program (reenlistment), have you talked to the Career Counselor for your BDE?
(3)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
Negative, I am currently in Afghanistan, they were going to send me home but I am the supply SGT and hold a lot of ground. I really didn't want to leave and leave my PFC in charge of more than 1 million in equipment without assistance. My question was because if I already had the tattoo before the regulation was changed in 2012 how can I really be out of regulation, I guess Im just not really understanding how that works.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Only Bde-level Cdr's have the authority to deny re-enlistment for those that meet qualifications.
If you are/were in violation, you would be flagged and/or not have an ERUP/IMREPR code of 10.
Bottom-line, if you are currently qualified (ERUP code of 10), it takes a Bde Cdr to deny your reenlistment.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
SGT Savage, you got a lot of great advice on your thread here. My friend, MSG Cunningham, brings up a great avenue with the IG NCO. The IG is there to assist with the clarification of regulations. When I was a 1SG, I leaned on our Installation IG all the time to make sure that I and/or my CDR were not "shooting outside of the range fans." They are a great resource.
(2)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
MSG, Thankyou very much, I may just look into this since it has been said more than once. I really appreciate all of the advice.
(1)
(0)
SFC Rocky Gannon
Great advice check with them and make sure that is what the problem is. Once you know the problem then you and the COC can work to fix that problem so you can reenlist. Remember your commander has to give his/her approval for any soldier to reenlist.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
So you joined the Army with the Tattoo when the policy was changed via the ALARCT message correct? And now they are saying you can't stay in unless you have it removed?
(2)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
I was reserve when I first got the tattoo, with approval due to the alaract message. I got it in late 2006 so it was before I came active. Once I came active I did the tattoo information sheet logging all of my tattoos.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
last i checked the new ar 670-1 was not approved yet. what i read what anything on the hand neck (above the ASU collar), you will have to get removed via your own expense. any tattoo below the elbow or knees you will be grandfather in. on the arms they can not go past wrist bone. again as far as i know the AR 670-1 has not been approved
(2)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
LT so are you saying Im wrong for having the tattoo in the first place? want to make sure I'm gettiing your comment correctly.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Under the new regulation any new tattoo visible while wear short sleeves is not allowed.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google