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What do you think of the more lenient restrictions for tattoos for the Army, Navy and Marines?

 

 

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Why are there restrictions?
People have been tattooing anchors on their arms for decades.

Submitted by Dj kyne (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 3:26pm

The restrictions are for subject matter and location. For example, an anchor on your neck or forehead would be disqualifying. So would a naked lady on your arm because it is sexist and offensive.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:04pm

When you are in uniform the tattoos should not be seen. I other words any military uniform should be able to cover up all tatoos.

Submitted by EH (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 3:49pm

I have no objection to small indiscriminate tattoos, but when the whole arm, neck and who knows what else is covered that is redeculous and not appropriate for those in the military.

Submitted by Ed Orr (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 3:53pm

The persons uniform should cover any tattoos. I had tattoos when I was in the Navy, as long as your uniform cover it no one ever said any thing.

Submitted by Anthony LaManna sr (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:01pm

That is what the Army policy reverted back to, can't be seen in the dress uniform (not on hands, neck, face, or head). Also, none can be offensive or gang related.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:01pm

Why not allow tattoos as long as the are not hate based. Making special arrangements for religious reasons

Submitted by BH (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:03pm

Why not allow tattoos as long as the are not hate based. Making special arrangements for religious reasons

Submitted by BH (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:03pm

Only if uniform covers them

Submitted by Delman A Campbell (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:05pm

Tattoo's are a military tradition!! As long as it's not offensive to race/religion/politics it should be no problem.

Submitted by Packerbart (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:09pm

Tattoos within reason are ok. Military personal should not look like x cons. I agree with Ed Orr.

Submitted by Dave n (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:26pm

I got a tattoo when I was in the Army some 48 years ago and have never regretted doing so. When I look at it, it brings back memories of friends that I made while in the service and things that we went through in Nam and other places that we were stationed. I don't think there should be any restrictions other than the tattoo's not being offensive.

Submitted by Charles Tirpik (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:29pm

Charles, besides offensive tattoos, it is the location of tattoos that have restrictions. 48 years ago, nobody outside the state pen would even think about getting a tattoo on their neck or face. But today, it seems to be the thing to do. The policy only keeps a professional appearance in military uniform, hence the prohibition on hands, neck, and face.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:10pm

No face,hand,neck or head tats. Body (chest, below t shirt line, & back), legs & arms are ok.

Submitted by Old fart vet (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:33pm

Only speaking of Army policy, the "lenient" restrictions merely go back to original policy prior to 2011. No offensive or gang related tattoos, and no tattoos on the hands, neck, head, or face. The Army had changed the policy for a few a years because the then Sergeant Major of the Army hated tattoos and got a stricter policy approved that prohibited sleeves and limited the number on arms and legs that could be seen in the PT uniform. Well that backfired and the new SMA got it reversed. For those who voted on the 3rd choice, remember it is an all volunteer military, and many of the folks who volunteer to serve already have the tattoos before they even join so not sure how that response even makes sense.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 4:56pm

First, Why is the Air Force & Coast Guard left out? Don't they fall under the DOD regulations too???

Submitted by SSG Marek (Med.... (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:08pm

There are only general DoD guidelines concerning tattoos. It is up to each service to enact its own policy on tattoos. This topic is much to do about nothing. The Army only reverted back to its pre-2011 policy after a few years of a stricter policy on the size and number of tattoos.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:13pm

Sorry Sarg, but no on one count the Coast Guard is a part of Home Land Security not the DoD.
Thanks for Your Service

Submitted by David M (not verified) : Sep 6, 2016 9:54am

No Way !
Would I allow Body Art !

Former Marine
( 85 Years old )

Submitted by Lew Drake. ... (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:40pm

YOUR right/

Submitted by Arthur Duke (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 5:55pm

We guess if they do NOT show in any uniform, but we'd rather not see them on anyone. Dislike seeing it on grandkids but keep quiet unless asked. (Or Grandma trys!!)

Submitted by Tom and Muriel,... (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 10:39pm

Limit Face, Neck, and Hands. This one was a standout from one continually i harms way. From armpit to armpit in large capital letters... INFADEL. RIP

Submitted by Tommie Taylor (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 6:53pm

So tired of all the P.C. B.S. No ink on Hands Face and Neck that's it.

Submitted by Don A. (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 7:16pm

Just ask Popeye what he thinks !!!!!

Submitted by Don A. (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 7:21pm

We ask these young men to go out and defend their country, let them do as they wish with their own bodies while they still have them. Limit No face, neck. I did 5 years in the Navy and got several and don't regret one.

Submitted by Bobby Z. (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 8:29pm

Last week it was reported that the federal government was spending near $ 100 K to find out how to cover up tattoos. If a person thought that this body art was good let them pay for the removal or cover it up, not the tax payers!

Submitted by J Ruf (not verified) : Jun 2, 2016 10:01pm

I agree with those that said certain restrictions should be made in visible areas, such as the face, neck, lower arms. History tells us and shows us that ancient warriors had tattoos through out the world and were worn as a badge of honor, I have a couple of Veteran tattoos, but not in visible areas. Age 77

Submitted by Jess Quintero (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 6:53am

Limits would be good, in my opinion, satisfies all. Limits to be NO hands, neck, face OR sleeves !

Submitted by Dan B (former M... (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 7:11am

The Bible says you must not put tattoo markings upon yourself. Leviticus 19:28

Submitted by Don Haefner (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 7:58am

I guess that rule would only apply to those who read and adhere to the Bible. For everyone else, it is the military regulations.

Submitted by Flatulent Fred (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 4:09pm

OK Fred - How 'bout any personal body art be OK anywhere a Dress Uniform would cover it?

Submitted by Gunnar (not verified) : Jun 4, 2016 11:15am

limitations should be no body art that can be seen while in uniform.

Submitted by Sandy D (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 8:08am

I think if they keep them to a professional and not be seen while wearing the uniform.Some of us that are veterans that has seen a brother or sister that did not come home with us some get tattoos to show they are not forgotten.

Submitted by Albert Maddox (not verified) : Jun 3, 2016 10:34am

WHY? Why Mutilate you body? If a believer you are a part of the Body of Christ, the True Church, the One Christ said he would build & gates of Hell will not prevail against it. Do we take Christ Body & make Him a part of our depravity. Now I am just talking to Believers, because they alone understand what I mean.

Submitted by Believer in Christ (not verified) : Jun 4, 2016 10:28am

Sorry believer, butit seems to me you are over the top on your views with this issue. You sound as if you are a person who who enjoys judging others actions. Isn't there just one who is to judge others and that one is not you !!

Submitted by Mike Jarrett (not verified) : Jul 16, 2016 1:55am

It makes no sense to deny a soldier the very liberties and freedom for which he fights. Tattoos are merely freedom of speech on skin.

Submitted by Freedom Fred (not verified) : Jun 5, 2016 12:57pm