I want to get a small tattoo (about half the size of a business card) on my arm where a watch would normally go. The tattoo is nothing offensive or vulgar is that allowed. It would only be showing when wearing my pt uniform can somebody speak from experience if that is allowed.
Hey Highspeed I was typing fast and made a mistake. You obviously knew what It meant so no need to make a comment about it.
I know you can have tattoos when you come in I’m wondering what you need to do to get them after your already in.
The rules for the USMC is no visible tattoo’s from the sleeve of any short sleeve shirt down. Anywhere else they have to photographed and submitted for approval. They are getting stricter with the rules…If you see Marines with tattoo’s everywhere they have probably been in for a long while before the rules changed…don’t know about the other branches; they all have different entry requirements. If others respond please state which branch you are speaking for. The USMC is very strict thats why they are the few and the proud. My husband always hands off non-qualifying applicants to the Army recruiter next door to his office. One more thing its only common sense that if you have and or want tatto’s on your neck, ear, face, lip whatever dont even bother coming in.
I do not understand why branding is so F ING popular.
e. Tattoo policy
(1) Tattoos or brands anywhere on the head, face, and neck above the class A uniform collar are prohibited.
(2) Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body,
as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within units.
(a) Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations,
or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender or
ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity,
religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S.
Constitution, Federal, or State law (see para 4–12, AR 600–20).
(b) Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral
sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or tendency to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to
corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts.
(c) Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender,
but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent.”
(d) Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race,
ethnicity, or national origin.
(3) Counseling requirements.
AR 670–1 • 3 February 2005 5
(a) Commanders will ensure soldiers understand the tattoo policy.
(b) For soldiers who are not in compliance, commanders may not order the removal of a tattoo or brand. However,
the commander must counsel soldiers, and afford them the opportunity to seek medical advice about removal or
alteration of the tattoo or brand.
(4) If soldiers are not in compliance with the policy, and refuse to remove or alter the tattoos or brands, commanders
will:
(a) Ensure the soldier understands the policy.
(b) Ensure the soldier has been afforded the opportunity to seek medical advice about removal or alteration.
(c) Counsel the soldier in writing. The counseling form will state that the soldier’s refusal to remove extremist,
indecent, sexist, or racist tattoos or brands anywhere on the body, or refusal to remove any type of tattoo or brand
visible in the class A uniform (worn with slacks/trousers), will result in discharge.
(5) Existing tattoos or brands on the hands that are not extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist, but are visible in the
class A uniform (worn with slacks/trousers), are authorized.
(6) Finality of determination.
(a) Recruiting battalion commanders or recruiting battalion executive officers (0–5 or above) will make initial entry
determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy for Active Army and Army Reserve soldiers. This
authority will not be delegated further.
(b) Unit commanders or unit executive officers will make determinations for soldiers currently on active duty. This
authority will not be delegated further.
(c) Recruiting and retention managers (O–5 or above) will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands
comply with this policy for National Guard soldiers. This authority will not be delegated further.
(d) Professors of military science (O-5 or above) will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply
with this policy for ROTC cadets. This authority will not be delegated further.
(e) The Director of Admissions will make initial entry determinations that tattoos or brands comply with this policy
for the U.S. Military Academy cadets. This authority will not be delegated further.
(f) Determinations will be fully documented in writing and will include a description of existing tattoos or brands
and their location on the body. A copy of the determination will be provided to the soldier. Unless otherwise directed
by the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, these determinations are final. If a tattoo or brand is discovered to violate this
policy after an initial determination has been documented, commanders must submit requests for an exception to policy
or for discharge through the soldier’s chain of command to the MACOM for approval. Appeals to the MACOM
decision will be forwarded to the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 for decision.
(7) Soldiers may not cover tattoos or brands in order to comply with the tattoo policy.
If you have none then there are no problems at all.
I AM CURIOUS WHY IN THE HELL YOU NEED ONE!!!!
SSG US Army 73-82
Back in the days that only drunk Sailors, Marines and Soldiers got a tat…..and risked the Art. 15 if if got infected
You are good as long as the tattoo isn’t vulgar or represents any racist organization. I have always felt that the best way to decide what tattoo to get is to think if it would offend someone. If there is any doubt about it then you shouldn’t get it. As far as it showing while wearing a uniform the policy changed as of 19 DEC 05. It states in the current ALARACT….Tattoos that are not extremist,indecent, sexist, or racist are allowed on the hands and neck. So what this all boils down to is take a picture of the tattoo you want to your NCO and he can tell you if you can get it or not. They will be the final approving authority on it.
There seems to be alot of hatred towards tattoos in the military and I can’t seem to understand why. I’m a NCO and having a tattoo doesn’t make me any less of a leader or soldier than the guy that doesn’t have one. How you decide to express your individuality is your business and that is why we fight for our country to express ourselves freely. On the other side of that coin, you did sign a contract and you must obey the rules and regulations set forward by those appointed over you so make the right decision.