Can Marines have tattoos?

Asked by: Arlo Macejkovic  |  Last update: October 19, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

In terms of size of placement Marines are only prohibited from tattoos on their face, head, neck and hands, with the exception of one ring-like tattoo. Removing the ban on knee or elbow tattoos heralds the return of sleeves for Marines.

Why can't Marines have hand tattoos?

Marine Corps tattoo policy basics

Tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service, are prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, tattoos that are drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist.”

Are military allowed to have tattoos?

The Army will now allow Soldiers to have one tattoo on each hand that does not exceed one inch in length. Soldiers also have the option to place one tattoo no larger than two inches on the back of their neck and one, inch-long tattoo behind each ear.

Can Marines have full sleeve of tattoos?

Marines are now even allowed to have sleeve tattoos as long as the sleeve doesn't extend past the wrist. What is this? Marines have the opportunity to receive waivers for cosmetic tattoos that cover up scars and other body disfigurements.

When did Marines allow tattoos?

Under the old policy, issued in 2016, enlisted Marines were allowed an unlimited number of tattoos, as long as they did not have a sleeve. Officers and officer candidates, however, were limited to four tattoos that were visible in the Marine Corps physical training uniform.

New Marine Corps Tattoo Policy (DO's and DONT's)

30 related questions found

Why don t Marines walk on grass?

Since military sidewalks are usually straight lines that intersect each other at 90-degree angles, a young private may save a half of a second by cutting through the grass. If enough troops cut that same corner, then the grass will die and become a path, thus destroying the need for the sidewalk to begin with.

Why can't Marines tattoo their elbow?

The Marines call this “espirit de corps.” Though tattoos are still allowed over broad swathes of a Marine's body, certain areas, specifically around the knees and elbows are off limits, thus disrupting the ability to blanket ink from armpit to wrist or groin to ankle.

What tattoos will disqualify you from the Marines?

In terms of size of placement Marines are only prohibited from tattoos on their face, head, neck and hands, with the exception of one ring-like tattoo. Removing the ban on knee or elbow tattoos heralds the return of sleeves for Marines.

What military branch allows tattoos?

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.

Can I get a tattoo after boot camp?

In addition to likely paying a premium for location, there's always the possibility of infection. That said, if you're newly graduated from boot camp, hold off on the tattoo until technical training.

Will the Army pay for tattoo removal?

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.

Can ADHD join military?

Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist if they meet these points, with the branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force — typically requiring that applicants be off medication for several months and prove that they can function without it to be considered for a waiver.

Why are tattoos not allowed in military?

The Army says permanent tattoos are health hazard, as they can act as carriers for certain diseases. It is enforcing the recent ban with firmness and young men with tattoos were turned away at several Army recruitment camps held recently at Akhnoor, 40 kilometers from Jammu.

Can Marines have piercings?

As for body piercings, they are not authorized in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marines. Women are only allowed to have earrings, and men are not allowed body piercings of any kind. The rule extends to not only being in uniform, but also in civilian attire when in duty status or while in/aboard U.S. Military jurisdictions.

Are Marines allowed to have phones?

PER CMC DECISION, THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO REFERENCE A ARE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. A. CELLULAR PHONES (PERSONALLY OWNED AND ORGANIZATIONALLY ISSUED) AND OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WILL NOT BE WORN EXPOSED ON MARINE CORPS UNIFORMS.

How long is Marine boot camp?

Marine Corps recruit training is approximately 13 weeks long. Receiving is the first week and actual training takes place for 12 weeks after that.

Can you have a full sleeve in the military?

Additionally, tattoos below the knee and elbow, no matter the size and quantity, are perfectly fine. This means full sleeves are allowed. Hand and ring tattoos are permitted as well. What is this?

Is 26 too late to join the military?

You can join the Army from ages 17 up to and including 34, making the Army take up the middle of the age range compared to other branches. An opposite option compared to the Navy is the Army. Army bases are traditionally inland rather than along the coast.

What percent of military has tattoos?

9 This study reported that 36% of Army soldiers, surveyed during basic training and advanced individual training, possessed tattoos, most of whom obtained the tattoos before joining the service.

Can I join the Army with a full sleeve tattoo?

Under the Army's new tattoo policy, soldiers will be able to have ink on their arms and legs as long as it isn't visible in the Army Service Uniform. This means sleeves are once again authorized as long as they don't extend past the wrist, Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey told Army Times.

What are the rules for tattoos in the Marines?

US Marine Corps Rules & Guidelines for Tattoos

Any band tattoos that can be seen in a physical training uniform can't exceed 3 inches or the width of the wearer's four fingers, while joined and extended. Tattoos on the upper arms can't fall within 2 inches of the elbow so full sleeve tattoos are prohibited.

Can I get a waiver for a hand tattoo?

You can get a waiver, or you may not need one -- provided that the tattoo is not offensive in any way. Tattoos on the neck above your collar when you wear a regulation shirt, if it can be seen, is disqualifying. Tattoos anywhere that are racist, sexist or offensive in any way are disqualifying.

Can you join Marines with a felony?

Individuals with ten or more minor traffic offenses, six or more serious traffic offenses, ten or more Class 2 minor non-traffic offenses, six or more serious non-traffic offenses, or more than one felony are not eligible for a waiver.

Do Marines have to have short hair?

There is no Marine Corps rule that dictates how often you have to get your hair cut. You cut your hair as often as you need to in order to stay within the regulations. Like female Marines, if you decide to get eccentric with your hairstyle you might have to cut your hair to get back within regulations.

What does 96 mean in the Marines?

In the Marine Corps a three-day weekend is called a “72” and a four-day weekend is called a “96”