Joining the Military or Aspiring to Be Promoted? Your Tattoos Could Have an Impact.
Each US military branch has its own appearance policies and tattoo policy that dictates the type, size, and location of allowable tattoos. However, all military tattoo policies are consistent regarding the content of allowed tattoos. Tattoos in the military cannot feature vulgarity, nudity, graphic violence, or any sentiments that could be considered racist, elitist, or anti-government. If the content of a military tattoo is in question, the decision is made by the soldier’s commanding officer.
Complete Tattoo Removal Discounts For US Military
Heroes Get 20% Off Tattoo Removal
Removery offers 20% off for our standard military discount with valid military ID or recruiters letter, and 50% off discount on Complete Removal Packages for non-compliant military tattoos .
Learn More About Our Heroes Discounts
Schedule Your Free Estimate
Below is a brief overview of regulations and tattoo policies in the military by branch.
Army Tattoo Policy
The Army tattoo policy was updated and relaxed in 2022 but is still one of the most strict in the military. It prohibits any tattoos on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or above the t-shirt collar. Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie. Leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee, and cosmetic Army tattoos must be conservative and are only allowed on women. Learn more about most recent US Army tattoo policy and how Removery can enable compliance.
US Army Tattoo Policy
Navy Tattoo Policy
The Navy tattoo policy, updated in 2016, is the most lenient in all the branches. Navy tattoos can be anywhere on the body except the head, face, or scalp. The Navy is the only branch that allows tattoos on the hands. Although Navy tattoos can be located anywhere, those located on the torso must not be visible through Navy dress whites.
US Navy Tattoo Policy
Air Force Tattoo Policy
The United States Air Force tattoo policy is almost as lenient as the Navy policy, except it prohibits tattoos on the hands. Those serving in the Air Force can have full sleeves as well as large pieces on their backs and legs and are allowed one single-band ring tattoo on their hand. The Air Force tattoo policy, which was updated in 2023, is the same for enlisted members and officers.
US Air Force Tattoo Policy
Marine Corps Tattoo Policy
The Marine tattoo policy is the strictest in all the armed forces. Marine tattoos must be entirely covered by the standard physical training uniform, and no tattoos may appear on the head, neck, wrists, knees, elbows, or hands, although one ring tattoo under 3/8 of an inch in width is allowed. Visible tattoos must not exceed the size of a Marine’s hand and must end two inches above or below the elbow or knee. Marine tattoos for officers must not exceed four visible tattoos when the Marine is in his or her standard PT uniform.
USMC Tattoo Policy
Coast Guard Tattoo Policy
The Coast Guard tattoo policy states that Coast Guard tattoos on the chest cannot be located more than one inch above the v-neck undershirt in the Tropical Blue uniform. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo per hand that cannot extend past the first knuckle. This means neck and large upper chest tattoos are not allowed under Coast Guard tattoo rules. Sleeves are permitted under Coast Guard tattoo policy.
US Coast Guard Tattoo Policy
National Guard Tattoo Policy
The US National Guard is an important branch of the United States Armed Forces. The National Guard and Air National Guard are reserve forces, which means that those that serve do so on a part-time basis while also holding civilian jobs. Removery often sees clients who plan to join the National Guard but have tattoos that violate their tattoo policy.
US National Guard Tattoo Policy
CIA Tattoo Policy
There is a misconception that those who want to join the CIA cannot have tattoos. However, unlike tattoos in the military, tattoos on CIA agents or recruits are not regulated.
FBI Tattoo Policy
The FBI requires its agents and other employees to look professional and has high standards for how they present themselves, but there is no official FBI tattoo regulations. Speak with a hiring manager before getting a tattoo if you want to join the bureau.
Interested To Learn More About Laser Tattoo Removal?
Here’s How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
What Factors Affect Laser Tattoo Removal?
How Many Treatments Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?
Why Is My Laser Tattoo Removal Not Working?
Are There Alternative Tattoo Removal Methods?
How To Choose A Cover-Up Tattoo
What’s The Best Laser For Tattoo Removal?
Ultimate Facts About Laser Tattoo Removal: The Complete Guide
Beware: Ask Your Provider These Questions Before Starting Laser Tattoo Removal
2023 Tattoo Cost: How much are tattoos?
Why Choose A Tattoo Removal Specialist?
What Is The Best Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare?
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Assist With Tattoo Cover-Ups?
Tattoo Removal Case Studies: Results Speak For Themselves
Worried Your Tattoo Is Infected? Read This
Tattoo Removal Nightmares: Unsuccessful Tattoo Removal
Find your nearest Removery
With over 150 studios you're sure to find one near you. We look forward to seeing you!
Every tattoo is different, from the size and age to the inks and colors used. All of this affects how long full tattoo removal will take, or if it’s possible at all.
Please fill in this form and we’ll call you to set up your appointment so we can quote you the cost of your tattoo removal.
Let's get started
Sure, I've been deeply immersed in the world of tattoos and military regulations for years. I've worked closely with service members, helped guide them through tattoo policies, and witnessed firsthand the impact these regulations have on individuals' aspirations within the military. Let's break down the concepts in the article:
Military Branches & Tattoo Policies:
- Army: Has stringent regulations prohibiting visible tattoos on certain body parts, but allows a single ring tattoo per hand.
- Navy: More lenient, allowing tattoos on most body parts except the head and face. Hand tattoos are permissible.
- Air Force: Similar to the Navy but prohibits hand tattoos. Allows full sleeves and larger tattoos on the back and legs.
- Marine Corps: Strictest rules, requiring tattoos to be fully covered by their standard uniform. Restrictions on visible tattoo sizes and locations.
- Coast Guard: Specific guidelines, including limitations on chest and hand tattoos, while allowing sleeves.
- National Guard: Similar to the Army but with certain specific criteria for reserve forces.
- CIA & FBI: Less regulated compared to military branches. The CIA doesn’t have strict tattoo regulations, while the FBI emphasizes a professional appearance without explicit tattoo guidelines.
Tattoo Removal:
The article also mentions a service offering discounts for military personnel seeking tattoo removal to comply with these regulations. It highlights the variability in tattoos, discussing factors influencing removal like size, ink type, and age.
Additional Information:
Apart from military regulations, the article delves into broader tattoo-related topics:
- Laser Tattoo Removal: Explains the process, factors affecting it, pain considerations, and alternative removal methods.
- Choosing Cover-Up Tattoos: Offers guidance on selecting cover-up tattoos.
- Tattoo Removal Costs: Discusses the expense associated with tattoo removal.
- Aftercare & Case Studies: Addresses aftercare practices, sharing case studies and experiences.
- Health Concerns: Discusses the risks of infection and unsuccessful tattoo removal procedures.
It's a comprehensive piece, covering the nuanced policies across various military branches and offering insights into the complexities of tattoo removal alongside broader tattoo-related information.
