Army Tattoo Policy

[SuperPog0151]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hate asking this question here but I've exhausted my search on the internet but yielded no good results. I know that on the enlisted side you can have tattoos on the hands and neck as long as they're not sexist, racist, gang-related. I know they can have sleeves also. But what about officers? To be more specific, can officers have sleeve tattoos? I have two half sleeves and would like to know if one could be commissioned with these tattoos; also, I have two tattoos on each of my wrists.

Thank you for your time.

SuperPog0151

[justin0495]

Anything and everything having to do with tattoos (Does not differentiate between officer and enlisted, both are the same)

AR 670-1: Para 1-8E:

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.

Also, Update over at the G1 Uniform Site
http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform/docs/ALARACT%20MessageTattoo%20Policy%20Dec%2005.pdf

1. THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHANGES TO THE TATTOO POLICY AS CONTAINED IN AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8, PARAGRAPH E.

2. RECRUITING REMAINS A FRONTRUNNER OBJECTIVE IN THE ARMY. TO ASSIST IN THE RECRUITMENT OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED SOLDIERS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE ELIMINATED BASED ON THE CURRENT TATTOO POLICY, THE DCS, G-1 APPROVED THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8E:

3. AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8E (1) IS CHANGED TO READ: ANY TATTOO OR BRAND ANYWHERE ON THE HEAD OR FACE IS PROHIBITED EXCEPT FOR PERMANENT MAKE-UP (PARAGRAPH 1-8B (1) (A)). TATTOOS THAT ARE NOT EXTREMIST, INDECENT, SEXIST OR RACIST ARE ALLOWED ON THE HANDS AND NECK. INITIAL ENTRY DETERMINATIONS WILL BE MADE ACCORDING TO CURRENT GUIDANCE.

4. AR 670-1, CHAPTER 1-8 (4) (C) IS CHANGED TO READ: 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 WILL RESULT IN DISCHARGE.

[INGUARD]

sleeve tattoos = unsat officer lol.

but hey with DADT proponents fighting to repeal it perhaps, this could be lifted as well and we all could have face tattoos. Hey Polynesian warriors have it for battle; why not us since everybody wants to compare ourselves to someone else lol.

[Texpat]

Good point. Why discriminate against facial tattoos?

Maybe I'll start a movement.

[kenny10]

sleeve tattoos = unsat officer lol.

but hey with DADT proponents fighting to repeal it perhaps, this could be lifted as well and we all could have face tattoos. Hey Polynesian warriors have it for battle; why not us since everybody wants to compare ourselves to someone else lol.

Why is it unsat? Is that your personal biased opinion?

[MSMUROTC]

there are some things that officers don't typically "do" ...moustaches, qualification badges, etc. tattoos are one of them.

not making a value judgement on the matter, just stating.

[MCGYVER]

MSMUROTC, they used to say that about Harleys too.

[MSMUROTC]

yea. times change. i knew a LT who had a kid out of wedlock. pretty unusual on the O side.

[MADAMESINCERE]

yea. times change. i knew a LT who had a kid out of wedlock. pretty unusual on the O side.

That's actually not unusual. I don't think it happens on the O side as it does the E side, but it's def not unusual.

[SuperPog0151]

Thanks for the answers everyone; really appreciate the help.

[INGUARD]

Why is it unsat? Is that your personal biased opinion?

Yes it is. But the regs have changed. You couldnt have tattos on your forearms before if you wanted to be an officer. Its all about image and professionalism (that was explained to my by my leadership). Obviously its the total person concept. But any organization and company can deem what its policy is in its attire and body art and what is acceptable. You should know the rules by now. That is how life is. You can either conform to current regulations or move on to different pastures. Its that simple.

[Rob2289]

What about tattoos on your forearm?

[Rob2289]

Ok sorry I will make sure I do that thanks.

[justin0495]

Rob,

Here's something you should know about forums and threads, especially short ones. Read through them, first. There are only a few posts in this thread.

I direct you to the first page, post number 2. Nothing's changed since Feb 9.

Buh-bye.

[evilwrench1975]

Although tattoos (within the guidelines of AR 670-1) are completely authorized, they can be "unofficially" frowned upon by the great "they" who select our Officer, Warrant Officer and Senior NCO's. Remember the selections are made at high level boards taking into consideration service record, performance potential, professional recommendations (in some cases) and even the DA Photo. Old school leaders sit on most of these boards and may oppose such things as excessive tattoo's visible on a DA Photo, viewing them as "unprofessional", "not appearing favorable to the uniformed services" or various other catch-phrase decisions used to eliminate some potential candidates. I for one believe in tattoo's, I have several, but I am not the one making the decisions. If you wish to become an Officer, make sure your records are straight, recommendations are solid and do everything you can do to be the best possible candidate. I wish you luck, and if selected request that you make a silent oath to reverse the effects of poor leaders that you have encountered throughout your experiences. Choose to be the one who makes a difference. Soldier's first, family always!... The mission will be accomplished if these two keys are always at the forefront of our leaders' minds.

[Fuster Cluck]

I met with a recruiter a couple days ago, inquiring about the compatibility between my highly conspicuous tats, and OCS. Taking my personal details into account here (tats on forearms, upper arms, neck and calf), the summary of what I was told is that unoffensive tats in conspicuous areas such as the forearm can be waived for occifers, but neck tats are out and are not waiverable.

Have you priced out some laser surgery clinics lately? :D Prices have come down a lot.

[wicked6607]

It is all on the way a person presents themselves. I am trying to get in the army right now and I have neck tattoos and sleeves and over 26 tattoos. I am a collage student and I am going to be a police officer. I don't know who you think you are but, your not god and only he can judge people in the end. I do have a couple of tattoos that I regret but, they are reminders of certain points in my life. I think these people trying to join the military with tattoos shouldn't be a problem, as long as it is not hateful. These people would be great soldiers and I think it would be great working next to someone who knows pain. I think I could last a lot longer then you when being interrogated if captured by anyone. Physical pain is not a factor for me and, these are the kind of people you want being a soldier. In the end of this world looks won't matter, now will they?

[wicked6607]

The Military doesn't take anyone with hateful tattoos or tattoos that discriminate people but, they hate and discriminate you if you have any. WOW maybe the Military should take their own words and chew on them and see how they taste. This really upsets me! I have tattoos and want to serve my country and passed the ASVAB and background and should have a chance but, it seems like I hit a door with my tattoos.

[Fuster Cluck]

Wicked, what kind of tattoos do you have?

[evilwrench1975]

It is all on the way a person presents themselves. I am trying to get in the army right now and I have neck tattoos and sleeves and over 26 tattoos. I am a collage student and I am going to be a police officer. I don't know who you think you are but, your not god and only he can judge people in the end. I do have a couple of tattoos that I regret but, they are reminders of certain points in my life. I think these people trying to join the military with tattoos shouldn't be a problem, as long as it is not hateful. These people would be great soldiers and I think it would be great working next to someone who knows pain. I think I could last a lot longer then you when being interrogated if captured by anyone. Physical pain is not a factor for me and, these are the kind of people you want being a soldier. In the end of this world looks won't matter, now will they?

I don't know who is telling you that hateful etc tattoos are not accepted. What the policy states is that tattoos depicting gang involvment or bigoted (anti-social-group) tattoos are not acceptable. This means that if you have a gang marking or a hate oriented (i.e. racially offensive, etc...) you would have to recieve a waiver to enter, and be required to have it removed to stay in. I too have many tattoos, and most of my Soldiers do as well. I have made it 13 years without any issues about my tattoos. The fact is, you need to get the facts before you spout an opinion about them. We (the military) are a social group that directly reflects the American public and American government. Everything we say and do is noticed and reflected (in the public's eyes) directly upon those two groups. We cannot accept the things that are not "socially acceptable" to the general public, which is why we cannot have gang-affiliated or bigoted tattoos in the military. If that's a problem, you probably arent Soldier material.

[wicked6607]

Wicked, what kind of tattoos do you have?

The ones on my neck are standing in my way. I have a star on one side and some writing on the other. I have went as far as contacting the white house and, the pentagon and, I am waiting on a call tomorrow from the Commander General totalk about the issue. I have read the tattoo regulations and it states nothing on the face and I dont have any there. I don't have anything gang related or hateful.

[CORNELIUSSEON]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hate asking this question here but I've exhausted my search on the internet but yielded no good results. I know that on the enlisted side you can have tattoos on the hands and neck as long as they're not sexist, racist, gang-related. I know they can have sleeves also. But what about officers? To be more specific, can officers have sleeve tattoos? I have two half sleeves and would like to know if one could be commissioned with these tattoos; also, I have two tattoos on each of my wrists.

Thank you for your time.

SuperPog0151

In the Army, tattoos have a long and varied history. In most cases the Army has had a negative view of tattoos that originated from the long-standing rivalry between the Army and the Navy. That aside, the Army has had regulations about tattoos as a health issue since historically tattoos have shown up on Army people who have returned from Overseas Deployment, especially from locations where Navy people are also to be found, because lots of the tattoo parlors in such locations don't haven't had proper sanitary standards, and thus Army personnel have ended up in hospitals because of infection from the tattoos, or poisoning from the ingredients in the inks used to make the tattoos. It is only in recent years that outright bans on tattoos have been implemented.

[Bruce]

Just as my generation (and every generation for that matter) regrets the dorky clothes and hairstyles they wore as teens, I suspect that in 20 to 30 years, when bodies are no longer firm and tatoos have expanded to twice their original size (or more), today's kids will wonder what they were thinking when they paid good money for that godawful tatoo.

[evilwrench1975]

Just as my generation (and every generation for that matter) regrets the dorky clothes and hairstyles they wore as teens, I suspect that in 20 to 30 years, when bodies are no longer firm and tatoos have expanded to twice their original size (or more), today's kids will wonder what they were thinking when they paid good money for that godawful tatoo.

Bruce,
Just as generations before and generations to come, many will regret the things they do to their bodies in their youth... it's human nature. I regret the abuse that I have put my body through over the years (partially because of my military service, partially of my own accord)... because at 35 years old, I wake up feeling 55 or older some days... It is important that we chose something meaningful when we make a permanent alteration to our bodies (tattoos specifically) and a tattoo should not be an impulse purchase.

As far as Army policy on tattoos, remember they written by men, high ranking men who will (regardless of what other policies tell them to do) use their personal opinions to form those regulations. i.e. if the Chief of Staff is 60 years old, and most Soldiers are 20-30 years old, the Soldiers are held to values of two generations before them. We may not hold the same values in our generation, but for good order and military discipline, we abide by them.

[CORNELIUSSEON]

Bruce,
Just as generations before and generations to come, many will regret the things they do to their bodies in their youth... it's human nature. I regret the abuse that I have put my body through over the years (partially because of my military service, partially of my own accord)... because at 35 years old, I wake up feeling 55 or older some days... It is important that we chose something meaningful when we make a permanent alteration to our bodies (tattoos specifically) and a tattoo should not be an impulse purchase.

As far as Army policy on tattoos, remember they written by men, high ranking men who will (regardless of what other policies tell them to do) use their personal opinions to form those regulations. i.e. if the Chief of Staff is 60 years old, and most Soldiers are 20-30 years old, the Soldiers are held to values of two generations before them. We may not hold the same values in our generation, but for good order and military discipline, we abide by them.

Here is something else to consider: Institutional Memory is based on learning the lessons passed on from one generation to the next. You may resent being told to do this and that by someone older than you because you can’t imagine that they ever experienced what you are going through – that is the ever-present lament of American youth – but the fact remains that experience is always the best teacher, even if that experience is second- or third-hand, and may need to be modified to allow for advancing technology.

[tygerarmy]

The issue is the Army's tattoo policy; not whether tattoos are stupid because that doesn't matter, people have the right to be stupid and according to Army policy you can have tattoo's on your hand and neck.
Now I know a soldier who couldn't pass the E8 board. It was because of their mustache. They shaved it and passed.
That shouldn't happen. Just as a future soldier shouldn't be denied because of someones personal bias. But it does.
If that happens try a different recruiting or MEPS station.

[CORNELIUSSEON]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hate asking this question here but I've exhausted my search on the internet but yielded no good results. I know that on the enlisted side you can have tattoos on the hands and neck as long as they're not sexist, racist, gang-related. I know they can have sleeves also. But what about officers? To be more specific, can officers have sleeve tattoos? I have two half sleeves and would like to know if one could be commissioned with these tattoos; also, I have two tattoos on each of my wrists.

Thank you for your time.

SuperPog0151

Here is the Army Regulation on the subject. It covers all ranks, Officers and Enlisted, Males and Female.

AR 670-1, Chapter 1, Paragraph 8

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, 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.
(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.

[MikeyB]

I was in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 2008. I am working on my bachelor's now and I'm looking to return to the military as an Army officer. However, I have 4 tats (one on each forearm and each bicep, no sleeves) and I was wondering what the Army policy would be on my tattoos. They are mostly Sailor Jerry and 2 are pinup girls, with one of them on my forearm. I know the policy defines sexist tattoos as something that degrades a specific sex or maybe implies nudity, but I was just wondering if the policy is that acute where a 1940s style pinup can be considered sexist. All these tattoos to me represent my military heritage and I wouldn't think it'd be too big of a deal, besides some waiver paperwork. But with the Marines going really strict on their policy, I was wondering how the Army was. I will post up pics of my tats and let you all be the judge.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/051.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/23516_409762162151_526882151_5037746_995228_n.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/055.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/054.jpg

[CORNELIUSSEON]

I was in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 2008. I am working on my bachelor's now and I'm looking to return to the military as an Army officer. However, I have 4 tats (one on each forearm and each bicep, no sleeves) and I was wondering what the Army policy would be on my tattoos. They are mostly Sailor Jerry and 2 are pinup girls, with one of them on my forearm. I know the policy defines sexist tattoos as something that degrades a specific sex or maybe implies nudity, but I was just wondering if the policy is that acute where a 1940s style pinup can be considered sexist. All these tattoos to me represent my military heritage and I wouldn't think it'd be too big of a deal, besides some waiver paperwork. But with the Marines going really strict on their policy, I was wondering how the Army was. I will post up pics of my tats and let you all be the judge.

http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/051.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/23516_409762162151_526882151_5037746_995228_n.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/055.jpg
http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af68/bacosmj/054.jpg

The answer to your question is outlined here in this link: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/tattoopolicy.htm

Beyond that, each case will be judged on its own merits. Good luck.

[Fuster Cluck]

Ok, for tattoos and NAVY officers, now that's a different animal altogether. You're good to go buddy, just be sure to get some spider webs on your elbows to found out the package. :heh

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8882/amoclass07020.th.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/amoclass07020.jpg/)http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4493/topperharley1.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/i/topperharley1.jpg/)

[Fuster Cluck]

You might have better luck going back to the Navy with those tats. Just be sure to get some spider webs on your elbows to round out the package!

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8882/amoclass07020.th.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/amoclass07020.jpg/)http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4493/topperharley1.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/i/topperharley1.jpg/)

I kid. I'm actually taking steps towards becoming an Army officer, but I have to get this dinky little tat off my neck first before I even have a chance.

[MikeyB]

Studying the history of tattoos in America, I kinda find it ironic that the military would have a really strict policy on tats. OK, I understand that someone with 85% of their body tatted up, especially face and neck tattoos and of course, tattoos that are explicitly racist or sexist would be considered highly unprofessional. In my opinion, it was the military that introduced the tattoo into the American public (well, with the hippies making it mainstream...damn hippies), with the likes of artists like Cap Coleman back in the 1920s when he tatted up sailors in Norfolk, VA, and most famously, Sailor Jerry. OK, so this maybe a case for the Navy...but soldiers also were tatted up by Sailor Jerry during WWII. So when I got these tattoos, I felt it was my homage to the old school military art.

As I said, of course I understand the flip side of the issue of image and professionalism and I don't plan on getting anymore tattoos. But when Marines have to get waivers or sign a Page 11 for getting an EGA tattoo, and almost every Marine I know has one, I just feel that it's being a little too acute. I'm sure the American public still look at us as professionals, even if someone of us have some ink work done. And I'm aware that corporate America usually looks down on tattoos, like Disney has the same tattoos must be non-visible policy, but I don't really think working at Disney compares to being a member of the US military.

My apologies if it sounds like I'm standing on a soapbox, but it's just my two cents. I'm sure someone is gonna call me out and tell me to stop being a bitch and that's the way it is....just stating my side of the argument.

[MikeyB]

You might have better luck going back to the Navy with those tats. Just be sure to get some spider webs on your elbows to round out the package!

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8882/amoclass07020.th.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/amoclass07020.jpg/)http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4493/topperharley1.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/i/topperharley1.jpg/)

I kid. I'm actually taking steps towards becoming an Army officer, but I have to get this dinky little tat off my neck first before I even have a chance.

Hah..I almost got offended and riled up, but I just figured you were being a smartass and it's all good. Best of luck in your process in becoming an Army officer. Dinky little tat? Did you get a butterfly your neck?

[Fuster Cluck]

Hah..I almost got offended and riled up, but I just figured you were being a smartass and it's all good. Best of luck in your process in becoming an Army officer. Dinky little tat? Did you get a butterfly your neck?Nope, instead I got this Japanese symbol. And as with 99.999% of ignorant folks who get Asian symbol tattoos, it turned out to mean something other than what I thought. Apparently the symbol for 'chaos' is actually the symbol for 'to gather many things'. Even if it meant what I thought it did, I'm still getting it removed regardless.

At least it doesn't mean, "I'm a total wuss"!

[MikeyB]

Well, that definitely is another good reason to get a tat removed. I'm sure you would've known if it meant something horrible by walking into a place with a lot of Chinese people and half of them rolling around on the floor, dying of laughter.

Oh..and see those Navy chics...that's why I'm switching branches. Although when I was getting ready to get out of the squadron and the Navy, we had this really hot maintenance officer chic check in our command. Too bad she was married...it wouldn't have been fraternization by the time when I hit my EAOS.

[kojack]

Pretty soon, under the new 360 degree evaluations, officers will have enlisted raters, so they can wear those tatoos!


Although tattoos (within the guidelines of AR 670-1) are completely authorized, they can be "unofficially" frowned upon by the great "they" who select our Officer, Warrant Officer and Senior NCO's. Remember the selections are made at high level boards taking into consideration service record, performance potential, professional recommendations (in some cases) and even the DA Photo. Old school leaders sit on most of these boards and may oppose such things as excessive tattoo's visible on a DA Photo, viewing them as "unprofessional", "not appearing favorable to the uniformed services" or various other catch-phrase decisions used to eliminate some potential candidates. I for one believe in tattoo's, I have several, but I am not the one making the decisions. If you wish to become an Officer, make sure your records are straight, recommendations are solid and do everything you can do to be the best possible candidate. I wish you luck, and if selected request that you make a silent oath to reverse the effects of poor leaders that you have encountered throughout your experiences. Choose to be the one who makes a difference. Soldier's first, family always!... The mission will be accomplished if these two keys are always at the forefront of our leaders' minds.