9 Sep, 08
US Army Tattoo Policy
As you would image, the United States Military has strict guidelines regarding tattoos. The US Army’s policy basically stipulates that any tattoo/body art/brand that is obscene, sexually explicit or advocates discrimination of any sort is prohibited.  The criteria in determining whether a tattoo should be permitted are content, location, and size.
Visible tattoos are prohibited on areas of the face, neck or head. Also prohibited, are tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline on all other areas of the body. There shall be no visible tattoos that detract from the proper appearance of a soldier while wearing a Class A uniform.
Examples of tattoos that may be in violation of the Army’s Tattoo Policy are brands that represent an alliance with “extremist” organizations; tattoos depicting inappropriate messages or images (i.e. grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; images considered vulgar, filthy, or disgusting in nature; and tattoos that corrupt morals and incite lustful thoughts.
Not only are visible tattoos prohibited, tattoos unreasonably large in size, as well as an excessive number of tattoos covering the majority of one or more limbs are not allowed.
Under most circumstances, small, inconspicuous, or non-offensive tattoos on areas of the body other than the face, neck or head are permitted.
When it comes to tattoo removal, the military may remove tattoos that are not in compliance under the appropriate circumstances.
Tattoos will be removed when the soldier asks for tattoo removal AND the soldier is command-referred. The Army may choose not to provide tattoo removal for any soldier who voluntarily has a tattoo applied which is in violation of the policy.
Should any Army soldier refuse to remove tattoos he/she will be counseled to ensure the soldier understands the terms outlined in the policy and will be given the opportunity to seek medical advice about tattoo removal. If the soldier still refuses the removal of tattoos he/she will be given written orders that the decision not to remove the tattoo could result in adverse administrative action, to include discharge from the Army.
For more information on US Military Regulations visit http://www.gordon.army.mil/osja/tattoo.htm
Tags: army soldier tattoos, army tattoo removal, army uniform rules, military tattoo rules, remove tattoos for army, tattoo guidelines, tattoo policies, tattoo policy, tattoo removal, tattoo removal guidelines, tattoo rules, tattoos prohibited, types of tattoos, us army tattoo policy, visible tattoo rules2 Responses to “Army Restrictions on Tattoos and Tattoo Removal”
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