This issue has become a popular one on almost every thread. I know that tats are very common among this generation.
Obviously with the OP what is done is done. However, for the class of 16 who are thinking of doing this option for their 18th birthday, I would highly suggest you re-think it.
Leave alone the medical issues, or AFA approval, and concentrate on the AF's perspective regarding tats. It was only about a decade ago that the hammer came down on tats, basically the time tats popularity started to increase.
It has a negative connotation in the AD world, basically because those becoming leaders know tats and body piercing are frowned upon by the AF. It is a mind set.
Do members have tats? Yes, but on a whole they now shy away from them.
Also, as cool as it looks now, think about what it will look like 50 yrs from now. That nice, soft, silky, taut skin will not look the same when you are 40, 50, 60 or 70. However, that tat will be there. Before you do it, visit the grandparents, and wherever you want to place it, ask them to show that part of the body. If the grandparents don't live by you, ask your folks...be honest with yourself and envision that is going to be your skin. I bet you will feel differently.
Many people see getting a tat as being impetuous and young, because they don't think it out for decades in front of them.
I remember when Bullet jumped with the 82nd as an AF ALO. Everybody had a tat, most had a dreamcatcher on their calf. Bullet wanted one, and seriously thought about it. I told him that if he still wanted one 6 months after getting back in the jet (tats are rare in the flying world), I would support his decision.
Bullet does not have a tat.
I think that is the same for kids this age. Many of their friends have one, and it is common place. They don't realize that when they go into the AFA and that world, it is a rarity. It is not something people will openly say "Cool, where did you get it done, I want one too". It is more common to hear "Hmm, okay and what made you do that?" or "Man, good on you, I would have never risked my DodMERB". Both in essence are questioning your common sense.
OBTW, our DD against our advice got a tat on her instep of her foot (walks in his feet --- religious connotation). I have to say in our home there was H*ll to pay for when she did it. She did it at college. I will also say everyone of the family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc) an close family friends of my generation, asked her one question. What the H*ll were you thinking. In their mind it was impetuous and in yrs to come it would be a big regret.
Not saying it is wrong to get one, just saying for some in society it will always be viewed in a negative light. That is life. You have the right to express yourself, but you need to realize tats will be a polar issue. Right or wrong people are judged from the outside first. That is probably why the cliche "1st impression is the most important impression" exists.
