How likely is it that the Army will change its tattoo policy?

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:23:09 -0400

I was told by a recruiter that a tattoo on my hand was too large to be waived, it's about 4in x 4in, but that the army's policy may change in the near future, or I could get it removed. I just want to know how likely a policy change is, because getting it removed is expensive and would take several months, so I'd rather not go that route if I don't have to.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 24 at 2022 8:51 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:51:06 -0400

Changes in tattoo policies are always subject to change. They vary depending on the personal opinions of those in leadership roles at any given time. But changes aren't guaranteed. Tattoos below the wrist and above the neckline have always been on the hot seat. There is no guarantee that the policy will be changed and even if it is, there is no guarantee hand tattoos will be moved to the accepted category. And no guarantee a tattoo of that size will be accepted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2022 10:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:50:46 -0400

Couple of things here.
1. The policy just got updated to allow small 1in in size hand tats... it took about 10000 years for that to happen
2. I would gather it will never allow for that size to be acceptable unless all out world war starts, and even then... don't see this happening
3. If you are not currently serving please change your name and rank to civilian. I am not trying to be an ass here, but you are not a PVT yet.
4. I would not send up a waiver for that size either.

If you are serious about service, have it removed and sign up. If the ink means more that is okay as well. I have sleeve tats and would love hand tats, but service to country is more important to me. It all comes done to personal choice. Best of luck!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 24 at 2022 11:44 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 11:44:04 -0400

I'm sure the recruiter has lots of experience, but you could ask the recruiter if you could apply for the waiver anyway. Recruiting numbers are down, so you might get a waiver. At worst, you won't.

BTW, check with other Services to see if their policy will allow your to enlist.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2022 1:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:41:31 -0400

Couple of things...if you're not in the Army right now..as in you didn't sign a contract tract and perform the oath, then you're not in and not a Private. Also, if you want in, your fastest way if getting in is to get that tat removed. It'll take less time than it would for the Army to change policy to allow that tat

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 1 at 2022 1:38 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:38:38 -0400

How committed are you to joining the Army? If you don't want to wait for the policy to change (I wouldn't hold my breath), but you really want to get into the Army as soon as possible, removal is probably your best option. However have you thought about the Navy? They have a much looser tattoo policy and if you want to join the military without messing with your tattoo, try talking to them too.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2022 3:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:01:37 -0400

SN Private RallyPoint Member what's more important?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 1 at 2022 3:54 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:54:16 -0400

Thanks for sharing

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2022 7:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:06:45 -0400

When tattoos become non popular again.

Response by CPL T.A. Nelson made Oct 8 at 2022 1:19 PM

CPL T.A. Nelson — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 13:19:53 -0400

Right now you may be able to get away with that tat as long as you are not going into a field that requires no identifiable markings...

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Oct 11 at 2022 12:46 PM

SGT Erick Holmes — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:46:48 -0400

At some point the ARMT and all branches will have to change its policy on tattoos. I personal think that tattoos are the best thing that a person who get (as long as it's appropriate when you get in). I understand that there is the appearance of looking like your in military but it's also 2022 and things do need to change and allowances need to be made.

Response by TSgt Don Dollinger made Nov 11 at 2022 5:07 PM

TSgt Don Dollinger — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:07:22 -0500

I'd remove it to avoid issues. When I joined in 1979 tats were not against policy but plagued me with minor problems throughout my 20 year career. I have a cartoon red devil holding a pitchfork on my forearm that I got before joining. Because of hot weather the uniform of the day for basic training graduation was short sleeve blues. Because I had a visible tattoo I had to miss graduation and perform dorm guard duty. I also have a lovely female wearing a Union Civil War uniform with one breast exposed on my upper arm. Because some snowflakes were offended anytime it was exposable it needed to be covered. Just before I retired they "outlawed" them and I had to go to Hosp and have them all documented so that I could prove I already had them prior to the policy change. I like my tats and even the one with the exposed breast is done tastefully, its not vulgar, even my mother liked it, but hindsight being 20/20 I wouldn't have gotten tats till after my service.