Are you thinking of getting a tattoo and joining the military? Well, you might be concerned about whether it’s allowed.
The question of whether you can have tattoos in the military is a common one. And the answer is not a simple yes or no.
Different branches of the military have different policies regarding tattoos. These policies can also evolve.
Here, we’ll discuss the current regulations surrounding tattoos in the military. Additionally, We’ll provide you with the most up-to-date information so that you can make an informed decision.
So, if you have ever wondered about getting inked and serving your country, keep reading to find out if it’s allowed.
Can You Have Tattoos in The Military?
Yes, you can have tattoos in the Military. However, there are some rules and policies in place to check out. In the U.S. military, tattoo policies vary among different branches.
While some branches have strict regulations on visible tattoos, others are more lenient. These policies aim to maintain a professional appearance and uphold military values.
However, the rules have evolved over time, and many branches have relaxed their restrictions to accommodate the changing social norms.
An Overview Of Tattoo Policies And Regulations in Each Military Branch
Tattoos have long been a part of military culture, serving as a form of self-expression and camaraderie among service members.
However, each branch has its own set of policies regarding tattoos per their unique values and traditions.
Understanding these policies is important for individuals considering a career in the military. It ensures compliance with the rules while maintaining personal expression within military professionalism.
1. Navy Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | Navy Tattoo Policies and Regulations |
| Policy Update | The Navy updated its tattoo regulations in 2021, now among the most lenient in all military branches. |
| Overview | Previous rules limited forearm and leg tattoos, with no neck tattoos allowed. New regulations permit limitless tattoos behind the ears, legs, neck, arms, and hands. Off-limits areas include the head, face, and scalp. Torso tattoos must not be visible underneath whites. |
| Tattoo Content | Prohibits supremacist, discriminatory, racist, and sexually explicit tattoos.Also, violence-promoting tattoos, such as Confederate flags, gang affiliation, nudity, graphic violence, anti-government statements, and drug culture. |
2. Marine Corps Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | US Marine Corps Tattoo Policy (Official Statement) |
| Permissible Areas | In most cases, tattoos are allowed on any area except the head, neck, and hands. |
| Banned Tattoos | Prohibits tattoos that are drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene, indecent, sexist, or racist. |
| Placement Guidelines | Check or back tattoos must be below the collarbone and seventh cervical vertebrae. Tattoos on the chest or back must be covered by a crewneck T-shirt. Lower arm tattoos are limited to wrist circumference. |
| Hand and Finger Tattoos | Banned, except for a single band tattoo of less than 3/8 inch in width on one finger of each hand. |
| Exemptions | Marines or recruits with tattoos outside allowed areas can request exemptions, but exceptions are unlikely to be approved. |
3. Army Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | U.S. Army Tattoo Policy |
| Policy Update | The U.S. Army updated its policy in 2022. |
| Overview | The Army has one of the most strict tattoo policies among military branches. Limits visible tattoos to four, none bigger than the hand. |
| Tattoo Content | Prohibits indecent, racist, violent, vulgar, or sexist tattoos.The final decision to tattoo allowed lies with the commanding officer. |
| Tattoo Location | Prohibits tattoos on the face, head, and neck above the t-shirt collar, hands (except for one ring tattoo on each hand), or wrists. Leg tattoos must be two inches above or below the knee. Small tattoos must comply with regulations. |
| Permanent Makeup | Only permitted for women and must be conservative according to Army regulations. |
4. Space Force Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | U.S. Space Force Tattoo Policy |
| Overview | Permits tattoos on the chest, back, arms, legs, and feet. |
| Placement Guidelines | Back and chest tattoos are not visible through the uniform. Neck and behind-the-ear tattoos are limited to 1 inch, not on the front of the neck. Ring tattoos are restricted to a single band below the knuckle and above the finger joint, one per hand. Tattoos elsewhere on hand are prohibited. |
5. Air Force Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | Air Force Tattoo Regulations |
| Content Guidelines | No racist, anti-government, vulgar, violent, or gang-affiliated tattoos. A final decision by the commanding officer if questionable. |
| Unauthorized Areas | Prohibited on the head, neck, face, scalp, and inside of the mouth. No visible piercings in uniform, except for one small, conservative earring per earlobe for women. Piercings must be of gold, white pearl, or silver, tightly fitting and not extending below the earlobe. |
| Hand Tattoos | Permits one band ring tattoo on the hand. Existing hand tattoos authorized by a commanding officer are allowed under the new policy. |
6. Coast Guard Tattoo Policy
| Aspect | U.S. Coast Guard Tattoo Policy |
| Banned Tattoos | Prohibits tattoos representing racism, discrimination, indecency, extremism, lawlessness, violence, or explicit content. |
| Number of Tattoos | There is no limit on the number of tattoos allowed. |
| Placement Restrictions | Chest tattoos visible above crew neck T-shirt not allowed. One 1-inch tattoo is permitted on each hand, not past the first knuckle closest to the wrist. One finger tattoo per hand within the length of a finger from the first to the second knuckle. One ring tattoo per hand on the wearer’s finger, excluding the thumb. |
There’s a Rising Trend of Tattoos Among the Younger Demographic Joining the Military
In 2015, the U.S. Army acknowledged the growing popularity of tattoos among younger individuals by allowing soldiers to have them.
This decision was driven by the recommendations of Army recruiters who believed that less restrictive tattoo policies would help retain potential recruits.
Fast forward to 2022, and over 650 waivers have been filed to accommodate recruits with tattoos in restricted areas.
These changes prevent potential recruits from choosing other military branches with stricter tattoo restrictions.
By adapting their policies to align with the preferences of younger individuals, the U.S. Army remained an attractive option for those with tattoos.
Soldiers getting tattoos can have a variety of reasons behind their decisions. For some, it is a way to express their creativity and individuality.
Tattoos serve as a form of self-expression and allow soldiers to showcase their unique personalities. Additionally, tattoos can hold cultural significance, representing a person’s heritage or traditions.
While facial tattoos are banned in the military, exceptions can be made for religious purposes.
Previously, only ring tattoos on hands were allowed in the Army. However, societal attitudes towards tattoos have significantly changed over the years.
According to a 2019 poll by Ipsos, a notable increase of 30% of Americans with tattoos has occurred since 2012. This shift reflects the evolving acceptance and appreciation for tattoos within society.
According to a recent poll, it was found that individuals under the age of 55 were more inclined to have tattoos, with an average of four tattoos per person.
Recognizing this changing trend, military branches such as the Navy and Marines have adapted their policies to accommodate individuals with tattoos.
These branches now have more tolerant regulations regarding visible tattoos, allowing more individuals with body art to serve in the armed forces.
Military Tattoo Waiver
In the military, there are regulations regarding the size and location of tattoos that recruits can have. However, there may be instances where a recruit has tattoos that violate these rules.
In such cases, tattoo waivers may be available to allow these recruits to join the military. While size and location rules may be flexible, content rules are strictly enforced.
Tattoos that are explicit, extremist, racist, or sexist are generally not accepted in any military branch. These types of tattoos go against the values and principles of the military.
All military branches, except the Coast Guard, have provisions for tattoo waivers. This allows recruits with non-compliant tattoos to still be considered for enlistment.
The Air Force and Space Force have strict guidelines regarding tattoos, offering waivers only to recruits with exceptional qualifications.
Potential recruits must meet high standards regarding their skills, education, and physical abilities to be considered for a tattoo waiver.
However, the process becomes more challenging for existing service members looking to obtain a tattoo waiver.
The Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force do not provide tattoo waivers for those already serving. The Army, however, does have a limited and difficult-to-obtain tattoo waiver.
What Military Tattoos Are Not Allowed in the Military?
Military tattoos are a popular form of self-expression among servicemen and women worldwide.
These tattoos often hold significant meaning, dedication, loyalty, and pride in their military service.
However, certain tattoos are not allowed in the U.S. military. These restrictions are in place to maintain discipline and professionalism and uphold the values and standards of the military.
In general, service members cannot have tattoos that are:
- Gang affiliated
- Anti-American
- Extremist
- Promote illegal drug use
- Sexist
- Racist
- Vulgar
- Ethically discriminatory
- Promotes lawlessness & violence
Conclusion
Can you have a tattoo in the military? The policies regarding tattoos in the military vary among different branches.
While some branches have strict regulations on visible tattoos, others have become more lenient. These policies aim to maintain a professional appearance and uphold military values.
Each branch has its own set of rules and regulations, specifying permissible areas, banned tattoo content, and placement guidelines.
Individuals in the military must understand these policies to comply with the set rules, although now lenient.
