Marine Tatoo's

[orphin001_guest]

I'm not even sure how I got to this web site! The article about the marine corps ban on tatoo's made me smile. My dad was a Marine during WWII (Pacific Theatre). He had a tatoo of the Marine Corps insignia on his upper arm-never really specified where he got it done! When I was a little girl I thought all Marines got a tatoo! Is he "in trouble" for getting it? Also read the piece about the dress blues. I have my dad's uniform. You can't have it back for re-issue (sorry).

[Been There]

Above the elbow. Below the elbow and I always thought it was white trash and gangs.

[FINCANNON]

I find it a bit bizarre that restrictions are being placed on Marines' getting tattoos. Aren't they fighting for our right and for our freedom, yet theirs is somehow limited. I understand that a Marine represents America, but if the government-politicians and other representatives-are worried about there image, they should worry about deeper matters than a Marines tattoo and start recognizing bigger issues that have placed a bad image on America!

[leftbehind_guest]

I always thought tattoos on servicemen were a right of passage of sorts. What difference does it make that they have tattoos?

[Sexican]

Tattoos do not affect the way a Marine fights battle's or die's in combat. Tattoos do not affect the way a Marine performs his duties. Tattoos do not make a Marine a better MSG, Recruiter or Drill Instructor. Tattoos do not make Marines less of an MSG, Recruiter or Drill Instructor. This is just another reason that so many Marines want to get out of our Corps. Our senior leadership is so preoccupied with these matters that they forget that the real attention needs to be focused on the Marines in combat. In this day and age, who really cares about what is on anyone’s arms?

[MICHAELWOOTEN]

Great point. I have a great idea. How about you take your best Marines that get the job done better than anyone else and throw them to the curb. The Army will give them a nice big bonus anyways.

Then we can only enlist naked skin kids with no expierence and hope for the best. Ooh-rah...another great idea.

[alex8829]

I'm a Sgt waiting to go to recruiters school next month. This rule directly affects me because I have three large tattoos on my forearms. Although it wont affect the way I recruit someone or how well I perform as a Marine, I don't disagree with the order. Maybe Marines were getting a little out of hand with visible tattoos. If the Commandant doesn't want us to have sleeves, then so be it.

[inkedupmarine]

Well let me start by saying I have been a Marine for 6 years. I have been to Iraq and did my job. Getting tattoos is my passion. I think this new order is crap, this is going to force me to get out. The Marine Corps is going to loose a lot of highly qualified Marines. I love everything about the Corps and planned on doing 20 or more years but I choose tattoos over the Corps. I have given a lot to the Corps Blood, sweat, tears, deployments, and the strain on my family. This was the straw the broke the camels back. Now I will have to get out and join the Army.

[MICHAELWOOTEN]

I heard they was going to grandfather the ones that are in now. but realisticly, if tattoos are going to hinder our promotions or job placement...no matter how much love for the corps...we'll have to move on.

If this ends up being the case...well...i guess the Army will be some bad@ss mofo's...half the corps will be there.

on the other side, we know common sense isn't contagious...but, how can we afford to seperate all these Marines, but yet offer $10,000 reenlistments to keep guys around, at the same time increasing our total end strength?

you tell me. In the meantime, sign me up for another 4 and give me my $10,000.

[Maybeejm]

This is all a bunch of crap. Of course the same people pushing these things are the ones who dont have tattoos and it wont bother them. I dont see how in any way possible a tattoo I have on my arm is going to affect my work perfomance. And now it will hurt my promotions? are you kidding me? so the numbskull next to me who doesnt know his job, but doesnt have tattoos will have an advantage oover me... why? because of a tattoo?

You know... all my drill instructors had tattoos... my recruiter had a tattoo that you could see... never once did I think it unprofessional, in fact it seems everyone just knows, thats a Marine thing... and now? This is ridiculous. NOT COOL. not cool at all...

what is the number to the army again? psh... forget this crap...