Getting a Tattoo

ClimberGirl

Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2015
Messages
198
I accepted my USMA appointment on Sunday and see on my portal the "Tattoo Form". Currently, I do not have any tattoos, so that is not a problem. I was considering getting a tattoo this spring after my birthday. Is this frowned upon? Should I go ahead and fill out the form as no tattoos and tell them if I do? Should I wait? Should I not get a tattoo? Thank you for your insights in advance!
 
I think it would depend where you go the tattoo. I believe each service has certain standards for them(i.e. they should be showing while in uniform), so I would look up Army regulations.
 
I did a quick check with USMA...here's what came from their website:

Question: What is the Tattoo Policy at West Point?
Order:
Answer: West Point's Tattoo Policy is dictated by Army Regulation 670-1. Below is a synopsis of the Army policy, to include tattoo placement and a description of tattoos that are not authorized.

Unauthorized Tattoo Locations:
- On the head, neck, and face (anything above the T-shirt line to include on/inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears).
- On the hands, fingers, and wrists (below the wrist bone).

Categories of Unauthorized Tattoos:
- Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities.
- Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism.
- Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, but may not meet the same definition of "indecent".
- Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
Subject: Admission

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Don't get a tattoo.

It's a personal choice. You have to ask yourself what benefits would you get out of getting a tatto0? You could get it removed later if you want to later, but that will cost you some money.

Had a friend that got a tattoo. He thought he might have contracted Hepatitis C virus. He was sweating for it bit until the test result turned out to be negative.

I remember seeing a meme about a tattoo. It was making fun of people taking Chinese character tattoos, asking would you get tattoo that says "Water" or "Sky" on your body.

Perhaps you should consider donating the money you plan to spend on the tattoo a charity.
 
I accepted my USMA appointment on Sunday and see on my portal the "Tattoo Form". Currently, I do not have any tattoos, so that is not a problem. I was considering getting a tattoo this spring after my birthday. Is this frowned upon? Should I go ahead and fill out the form as no tattoos and tell them if I do? Should I wait? Should I not get a tattoo? Thank you for your insights in advance!

Really? after all you have done to get to this point you want to add a complication? Does it mean that much to you?

Sorry ClimberGirl, its the Mom in me.
 
Don't get a tattoo.

It's a personal choice. You have to ask yourself what benefits would you get out of getting a tatto0? You could get it removed later if you want to later, but that will cost you some money.

Had a friend that got a tattoo. He thought he might have contracted Hepatitis C virus. He was sweating for it bit until the test result turned out to be negative.

I remember seeing a meme about a tattoo. It was making fun of people taking Chinese character tattoos, asking would you get tattoo that says "Water" or "Sky" on your body.

Perhaps you should consider donating the money you plan to spend on the tattoo a charity.

Glad you mentioned that, It is the argument against tattoos that I always use with my kids. Risk of contracting a communicable disease.
 
I was also in the same boat as you; considering getting a tattoo before service (I was in the midst of an NROTC application).

Captain laid it out for me; don't get a tattoo yet, especially since you just got accepted; how devastating would that be to have this opportunity wash away because of a little ink interpreted the wrong way? Even during service, tattoo's are skeptical and I would advise to just refrain.

Just my $.02
 
If you want a tattoo and you think you must, I would wait until after you finish your basic training at USMA. There is no rush, and there IS a potential for not only getting a disease like hepatitis but other problems that could occur. Let's just say you get your "pretty little tattoo" and things are going fine and it gets infected and now you have to be treated and send a message to DoDMERB. Next comes another medical exam or perhaps a remedial and you are delayed because of it. You might chance all the above, but I agree 100% with nofodad, Member LG, LDH and RT10; don't do it. If you wait long enough, you may change your mind about the whole thing. :D
 
If you had to as this, you already know the answer. Tattoos are forever.
 
Not to mention how your upperclassmen will enjoy offering "soft and gentle" compliments about your tattoo.
 
By no means was I trying to upset anyone by this post, and it seems by some of the responses that I have. I am very sorry! It was a purely hypothetical question, by no means am I planning on making a disrespectful statement or anything of that nature. The tattoo I was considering was in remembrance of a family that passed away recently. I appreciate all of the advice on this matter and will not pursue this as of right now. Thank you.
 
By no means was I trying to upset anyone by this post, and it seems by some of the responses that I have. I am very sorry! It was a purely hypothetical question, by no means am I planning on making a disrespectful statement or anything of that nature. The tattoo I was considering was in remembrance of a family that passed away recently. I appreciate all of the advice on this matter and will not pursue this as of right now. Thank you.
No worries...I'm retired Navy...Love my Tats...It is just there are some grey area rules entering a SA with Tats...Just wait till you are in and make the decision with a clear understanding of the regs. Yes, there is always risks, and it has to heal. All is good.
 
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