Military Tattoo Policies (2024)

FAQs

What tattoos will disqualify you from 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.

Where's It Not Allowed. Army tattoo policy prohibits tattoos on the head, face, neck above the t-shirt collar, wrists or hands other than one ring tattoo per hand that must rest where a normal ring would.

New regulations allow unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, hands and behind the ears. The only places on the body that are off limits are the head, face and scalp. Tattoos on the torso are also allowed, but they must not be visible underneath whites.

Previously, Air Force policies permitted ring tattoos, although they were limited to a single band on one hand. Now, in addition to the ring tattoo, a single tattoo is authorized on each hand not exceeding one inch in size. Additionally, one tattoo on the neck is authorized not exceeding one inch in measurement.

Laser tattoo removal is your best option for getting rid of unwanted ink that violates the military standard. While the military will not pay for your removal, many laser clinics offer military discounts.

Indecent Tattoos or Body Art- Any tattoo or body art that can be interpreted as grossly indecent, lewd, or sexual that shocks the moral sense because of their crude, vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or would be inappropriate to be viewed by any minor child.

Most armed forces allow waivers (i.e., exceptions) for certain unauthorized tattoos, usually related to their size or location, for recruits and service members.

Despite some of these changes, when it comes to tattoos, the National Guard still sets clear policies. The US National Guard does not limit the number of tattoos you can have. Recruits cannot have tattoos on their wrists, hands, neck or face. The singular exception to the hand rule is allowing one ring tattoo per hand.

Technically yes, but you shouldn't as it could cost you. If you receive a new tattoo after your MEPS screening, you will have to go back to MEPS and have your tattoo examined.

Current and former military members have one of the highest percentages of people with tattoos of any demographic. A 2014 poll showed 36% of veterans and active service members have at least one, which is double the percentage in those who haven't served in the military (18%).

Can I join the Navy if I have tattoos? ›

The Navy has the most accepting tattoo policy of any military branch. In fact, Sailors have a long history of getting tattoos to symbolize milestones within their Navy careers. Sailors can have full-sleeve tattoos on arms and legs. Sailors are permitted to have a single tattoo on their neck no larger than 1 inch.

The current policy limits enlisted Marines to the size and placement of tattoos that are visible while wearing standard PT clothing. If it's covered, it is not covered by policy and is allowed. However, tattoos on the elbow that are not part of sleeves are still not allowed.

Air Force Tattoo Regulations

No tattoos or brands that are racist, vulgar, anti-government, graphically violent or affiliated with any gangs or outlaw organizations are allowed. If there is a question of whether a tattoo violates Air Force policy, the final decision is made by the soldier's commanding officer.

The Coast Guard is the only service branch that permits one other hand tattoo. This second kind is allowed between the wrist and first knuckle, as long as it's not bigger than 1 inch in diameter. These few restrictions mean that almost anything goes in the military in 2021-2022 with regards to tattoos.

Extremist – Extremist tattoos are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities.

Most armed forces allow waivers (i.e., exceptions) for certain unauthorized tattoos, usually related to their size or location, for recruits and service members.