Should free tattoo removal be used as an incentive for enlistment or re-enlistment? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-free-tattoo-removal-be-used-as-an-incentive-for-enlistment-or-re-enlistment <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many Soldiers and Service Members are initially attracted to the military because of the life altering benefits it can provide. Bonuses, Toution Assistance, loan repayment, GI Bill and job training are all incentives that facilitate achieving positive life goals, and enable them to move forward in otherwise stagnant situations. <br /><br /> I have heard and told plenty of stories prefaced by "before I joined the Army" and many of them are about childish mistakes or teenage mischief, tales of who we used to be. Unfortunately some teenagers take rebellion too far and make the shortsighted decision to get a tattoo, and sometimes even get it in highly visible areas. This another situation we can all relate to, seeing the "what the heck were you thinking" tattoo. <br /><br />The soldiers who have these tattoos most likely ask themselves the same question on a daily basis. But having a program that will remove them as a part of your enlistment would improve their self-image, overall professional appearance and just like TA improve their lives.<br /><br />Now barring any racist, offensive or otherwise indecent tattoos that aren't allowed; should we have an incentive program that provides no cost tattoo removal? <br /><br />Would it be beneficial for R&amp;R?<br /><br />Would this attract potential soldiers from the wrong backgrounds? Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:07:58 -0400 Should free tattoo removal be used as an incentive for enlistment or re-enlistment? https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-free-tattoo-removal-be-used-as-an-incentive-for-enlistment-or-re-enlistment <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many Soldiers and Service Members are initially attracted to the military because of the life altering benefits it can provide. Bonuses, Toution Assistance, loan repayment, GI Bill and job training are all incentives that facilitate achieving positive life goals, and enable them to move forward in otherwise stagnant situations. <br /><br /> I have heard and told plenty of stories prefaced by "before I joined the Army" and many of them are about childish mistakes or teenage mischief, tales of who we used to be. Unfortunately some teenagers take rebellion too far and make the shortsighted decision to get a tattoo, and sometimes even get it in highly visible areas. This another situation we can all relate to, seeing the "what the heck were you thinking" tattoo. <br /><br />The soldiers who have these tattoos most likely ask themselves the same question on a daily basis. But having a program that will remove them as a part of your enlistment would improve their self-image, overall professional appearance and just like TA improve their lives.<br /><br />Now barring any racist, offensive or otherwise indecent tattoos that aren't allowed; should we have an incentive program that provides no cost tattoo removal? <br /><br />Would it be beneficial for R&amp;R?<br /><br />Would this attract potential soldiers from the wrong backgrounds? SGT Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:07:58 -0400 2015-04-16T01:07:58-04:00 Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 12:37 PM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-free-tattoo-removal-be-used-as-an-incentive-for-enlistment-or-re-enlistment?n=780699&urlhash=780699 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think there are plenty of qualified individuals out there who can and will join without having to resort to cleaning up their mistakes. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:37:05 -0400 2015-06-30T12:37:05-04:00 Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2016 8:35 AM https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-free-tattoo-removal-be-used-as-an-incentive-for-enlistment-or-re-enlistment?n=1358188&urlhash=1358188 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I say neither because you don't know if they will even make it through their initial training and the military already invests a lot of money into recruits. Maybe try letting them in then once they complete their initial training have free removal. They would just have to cover it while training to comply with regulations SPC Private RallyPoint Member Sun, 06 Mar 2016 08:35:39 -0500 2016-03-06T08:35:39-05:00 2015-04-16T01:07:58-04:00