I am confused. I thought this already existed, or was it only for officers that this existed? I recall many posts here for SA/ROTC candidates discussing this issue, and that the rule was if the tat could not be seen wearing any type of issued items, including PT gear they were good to go.
~~~~ I thought they had to submit a pic of the tat even if it was not seen because that was both a DoDMERB and appropriate tattoo issue.
I know back in the late 90's/early 2000 (i.e.98-00) that the AF came down on the body piercing issues. A funny story that the squadron commander told us about regarding tongue piercing an Airmen had is why I recall it was in that time frame.
I also do recall that for the AF they did grandfather those in the service with tats against regs, but I would think they are all gone by now.
Two other questions regarding the removal issue.
1. Would Tri-Care pick up this bill, or at least some of it? I.E. the deductible is their only cost, not the total bill.
2. What if the E4 with 2 kids, and collecting WIC can't afford to get rid of it due to costs? How will they proceed?
~~~~ Discharge? Medical discharge?
Let's be honest, this is going to impact the enlisted a lot more than the officers from a financial impact. It may cost 200 bucks to get a tat, but to remove it will cost a lot more than a couple hundred bucks, especially if insurance will not cover it.
I read an article a few months back that discussed the number 1 medical field to get into for financial success.
Dermatology.
Dermatologists can do laser surgery, thus between skin cancer and tattoo removal the demand is very high compared to the supply.
~~~~ I also saw Mark Wahlberg in an interview discussing that he was in the process of removing his tats, and said it is incredibly painful, much more than getting a tat, and that it takes several visits to complete.
That leads me to the next question. How long do they get to remove it before it becomes an issue?
If there are problems with the removal than what? Does the military pick up the tab for the medical bill? Infections due to the laser surgery and not following the directions from the doc that removed the tat? Waivers? If they cut them loose, can the member claim disability? They forced them to remove it to stay in.
Anyone know if Obama's Affordable Care Act covers tattoo removal?
I know, I know, I am overthinking this, but these were the questions that popped into my mind as I read the article when it stated it would be at their own cost to remove the tats.