What are Marine tattoo regulations?

2018-11-20T09:55:42-05:00

I just want to know what kinda tattoos are allowed and where for the Marines. I plan on joining after high school, but I also wanna get a tattoo when I turn 18. I know full sleeves aren't allowed, but what is allowed?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 9:59 AM

2018-11-20T09:59:28-05:00

As long as it is two inches from the wrist going up the forearm, not on your face, not offensive or gang related, then its okay. If it's on the forearm it has to be able to be covered by your hand and if it's on the shoulder it has to be covered by a short sleeve shirt

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 20 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-11-20T10:05:19-05:00

Probably not in sight.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Nov 20 at 2018 10:12 AM

2018-11-20T10:12:21-05:00

Regs have changed a lot since I have gotten out. Best to ask your recruiter, they will/should be the most up to date on tattoo placement allowances. I would advise waiting a while. No rush, since tattoo artists are all over the world and not going anywhere.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-11-20T10:39:45-05:00

Ok so some sound advice Ive seen posted was to discuss with a recruiter. You cant lose with that because they are the ones who will screen you. So they know what they are and aren't looking for. Its probably best to get in the Marine Corps first and then get the tattoos later. The regulation has become pretty simple to understand and deter sleeve tattoos that are no long authorized.

This is a link with the description of what is not authorized regarding location. https://www.marines.mil/Tattoos/

Youll want to go further and to the source which is the order. It is explained in detail. MCO1020.34H Marine Corps Uniform Regulation. Look it up and check out all these pages that go over everything down to the types of tattoos not authorized.

Page 1-4 all through 1-8 discusses tattoo content.
Page 1-246 has the photo description from the link that goes over location.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any follow up questions.

Marine Corps Tattoos

WASHINGTON -- The Marine Corps has released a new tattoo policy that seeks to balance the personal desires of Marines with high standards of professional military appearance and heritage. The Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, released June 2, 2016, explains the new Marine Corps tattoo policy, which replaces all previous tattoo policy guidance. Read More

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 20 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-11-20T10:44:39-05:00

Ask your recruiter. If you get it someplace not authorized, you may not get in. Also a bit of advice.....DO NOT GET ANY TYPE OF MARINE TAT UNTIL YOU GRADUATE BOOT CAMP!!!!!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 11:35 AM

2018-11-20T11:35:45-05:00

Cade Gower Here is a policy to review. Once you have reviewed it, then compile a list of questions, including tattoo questions, and talk to a Marine Recruiter. Why do you want to become a Marine?

https://www.marines.mil/portals/59/Docs/TattooPolicy_Booklet.pdf

TattooPolicy_Booklet.pdf

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Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-11-20T14:31:12-05:00

Best to cite the actual order, but here's a fairly recent media update. https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-marines-ease-tattoo-rules-the-strictest-in-the-military

The Marines ease tattoo rules, the strictest in the military

The Marines, noted for having the strictest tattoo rules in the military, just eased up a bit in a nod to the ubiquity of the form of body art.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 20 at 2018 7:06 PM

2018-11-20T19:06:08-05:00

Stop and think. Whether it is fair or not, having a tattoo with affect how people think about you.
_Some will not care.
_Some will think it is cool.
_Some will close doors that you might want to go through.
_I don't know, maybe having a tattoo will open some doors, but are they doors you want to go through.

Yep! It's not fair... Neither is life.

I'm not telling you to get a tattoo, or not get a tattoo. I am telling you to make a risk vs reward assessment, not based on what you want today, but on what you want 5, 10, 15, 20+ years from now.

PS if you get a Marine Corps related tattoo before you go to boot camp, be prepared to be the platoon $#!+ screen unless one of the other recruits has done something really stupid, really recently, to attract the negative attention.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Nov 21 at 2018 11:52 PM

2018-11-21T23:52:51-05:00

According to Leatherneck Magazine you cannot have a tattoo on your body that shows when you wear a dress uniform with a short sleeve shirt. I know their was complaint that in the army you could have a tattoo on your forearm but not in the Marine Corp. The answer to that Letter to the Editor said "Join the Army." Semper Fi.