USAFA and tattoos

Phildog

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2012
Messages
57
It was my 18th birthday a few days ago, and I would like to get a tattoo on my back shoulder. It will be about 4 inches by 4 inches. Will this effect my chances?
 
It depends on the location and content of the tatoo. Any tatoo will have to be approved. The best way to handle tatoos is to avoid them until later. Why risk an appointment for a tatoo? Do search every year this comes up.
 
While I completely agree with the notion that it is not worth it I will say this....

I know of MANY people who got tattoos before, during, and after USAFA who did not get permission. Pretty much as long as they weren't obscene or in a place that is seen while in uniform, no one said much.

Again, why risk it before though?
 
I agree with above posts. Why risk it? I would also add, if you're going to risk it, don't get anything that might identify you as US Military in the future. I keep telling my son, no Eagle, Globe and Anchor on your shoulder blade. And so far he hasn't gotten any tattoo although for a while he was determined to get one. Don't make it easy for the bad guys.
 
I say no.

My two cents. Tattoos are cool now. Will they be cool in five years? Ten years. 20 years? What's cool today won't be cool tomorrow. If you disagree, ask anyone over 40 how cool smoking, short basketball shorts, mutton chops, black light posters, leisure suits, polyester shirts, etc etc are today. If you need to express yourself with a tattoo, wait and revisit the idea when you're over 25.
 
ok... are you serious... you are going to be a leader and quite frankly a tattoo reduces your leadership aura. Do NOT jeopardize your appointment that is worth somewhere around $400K with something as silly as a tattoo... wait and do it later if you think that is something that might further your leadership capabilities.
 
You will have to identify all tattoos via a form that is enclosed in the appointment package and be verified by your ALO. Do you want to take that chance? I guess if it is not visible to anyone and covered completely by what ever uniform you are in, then the choice would be yours, and a risk you could take, if you are willing. IMHO, I would wait.
 
ok... are you serious... you are going to be a leader and quite frankly a tattoo reduces your leadership aura. Do NOT jeopardize your appointment that is worth somewhere around $400K with something as silly as a tattoo... wait and do it later if you think that is something that might further your leadership capabilities.

Maybe be less quick to judge there. I know more military, to include officers, with tattoos than not. A tattoo does not reflect on your leadership unless you're choosing to get a neck tattoo or sleeves. It is a personal decision, not something related to leadership so long as it is tasteful and can be appropriately covered up in uniform.

Again, I advocate waiting until after entering to make such a decision and would certainly say that you impose your own waiting period. If you still want exactly the same thing for over a year and it is reasonable, why not? Does a tasteful tattoo placed in an area that is not exposed during your professional activities reflect on your leadership ability? No.
 
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