Tattoo & Piercing

[Helfire234]

I just received a letter offering me a principal appointment, which I graciously accepted. However, I do know that personal actions/injuries/etc, can be grounds for a withdrawal of the offer. So I wanted to get the thoughts of current students, and parents who are well versed in the ways of admission.


The policy states (in short) that tattoo's must be above the elbow (hidden by summer whites), and must be in good taste. My girlfriend and I are planning a matching tattoo for the both of us (a small, tribal dragon forming half a heart), and it's going on the back of the shoulder, well above the sleeve line. All warnings and health risks against tattoo's aside, is this something that could be considered inappropriate for the Merchant Marine Academy? The tattoo also has other, strong, personal meanings.


Additionally, I was curious about piercings. The policy specifically states that one has six months to remove a tattoo. Are there similar "warnings" for piercings? Does anyone know if one is allowed to get a piercing, so long as they are removed, and have begun to heal before indoc in the beginning of July? Again, all personal opinions on piercings and health risks aside, if I were to get my tongue pierced (just something I wanted to try, not something I would be upset about not being able to), only to remove it no later than 2 weeks before July, could that possibly be grounds for dismissal?


Thank you very much for your help!

[Sea Faring Moose Mom]

I would WAIT on the tattoo....OR call the USMMA to see if it will clear....I believe that they ask you to send a picture to clear it in your final papers.
No use taking a chance and then having to pay BIG $$$ to have it removed.
My DD waited until after 3/c year and got her's on her back shoulder.

As for piercing's: only know about earrings. She has 2 bottom holes and a top one. She can only wear 1 set so she chooses in which holes to wear them while in uniform. Her top and 1 set of bottom were done BEFORE USMMA and her 2nd set bottom was done in port while at Sea last year. She just chose to wear the second percing until it had healed completely. She then just puts in the others after showers to keep them opened and healed. I am sure that there are different Regs on the men....

[duf]

Are you kidding me? You seem quite immature to ask such a question: Will the academy frown on your newly acquired tattoos and piercings? The USMMA has rules and regulations and from the get go you wish to challenge the academy and have yet to set your foot onto campus. Respectfully I believe the USMMA should reconsider your appointment. Make room for someone else who is qualified and going to abide by the USMMA rules and regulations. Go get the tattoo and tongue piercing and let the academy decide.

[Helfire234]

Well Duf, I am sorry that you feel people are immature for asking questions. And if you had actually read my post, you would know that I am challenging nothing. They do indeed have rules, which I have carefully read, understood, and willing to comply fully with. Those rules are against tattoos above the neck, below the elbow, and ones of an innapropriate nature, NOT tattoos in general.

As for the piercings, I fully understand and agree with the reasoning behind their prohibition, while at the academy. Hence why my intention would be to have it removed after a short time, before I enter the academy.

Respectfully, I believe immaturity is exemplified in posts that attack others, without its writer having read the post objectively.




As for Sea Faring Moose Mom (very clever username, I like it! ), I appreciate your help! I think I will contact the Academy. Thank you.

[Madrid19]

Duf I am surprised that you are so quick to attack these harmless questions. Hellfire was not "challenging" whether it be USMMA regulations or traditions. In fact he seems to have thoroughly read through the rules on it and has asked if there is any further advice that current students have. Think a little more before you reply ok?

Aside from that, on the your questions. I would recommend what Sea Faring Moose Mom said in that you call the academy and see if they can give you any advice before you get the tattoo done. If they are unclear with your description, maybe you can send them a copy of the sketch of what you plan to get. I myself was surprised because the population of midshipmen at the academy with tattoos is much larger than I would have thought. But everyone keeps them within regulations and yours seems to be fine so I think you will be able to get it without any problems. Hope this helps. Cheers.

[jasperdog]

Hellfire234:

I believe re: piercings that the regulations (re: the US Navy Regulations) regarding jewelry for males is what is applied; though one of the current midshipmen would be better able to give details. Of course relative to your plan assuming no complications occur (e.g infection) between now and mid June (~10 weeks from now) when you remove the jewelry then as you surmise I think there would be no issue - though you could be cutting it a little close if things do get infected, no?

As for your tattoo plans, from the sound of it, I suspect that it will "pass muster" though the prior advice re: contacting the Academy probably couldn't hurt. One other thing you might want to consider is the track record re: girlfriends and relationships lasting the full four years while at KP. I know that's not on your mind, or maybe it is and that's why you are getting the tattoo with your GF, but I figured I'd mention it.

Good Luck and "enjoy the journey."

[Helfire234]

Thank you to both Madrid and Jasper. To be honest, the piercing was more of a passing fancy than anything; just something i wanted to try. I don't really care about that one.

My main question was the tattoo. And the advice that I have received from most of the posters has definitely given me the insight I was looking for. I do think it best to contact the academy.

Jasper, I do appreciate the note. It has crossed my mind, though I hope to be one of the few whose relationship lasts (don't we all, eh?). Aside from the meaning with a significant other, the dragon tatto would also symbolize strength and courage. The half heart symbolizes that an individual is but half the equation. And the other half of that heart lies within those he or she trusts with his or her life; promoting teamwork and the bond that the military academy provides to it's graduates.

Again thank you to everyone who's helped!

[beachbumtokp15]

From observation and personal experience, it appears that many high school relationships don't last that long :/ Like you said, let's hope it's not your case!! See ya at INDOC!

[KP2013dramamama]

If the piercing is a passing fancy, you can try it later when you have a job. Seriously, I wouldn't put a $205,000 appointment in jeopardy. You can get serious infections with piercings and if the timing is wrong and you get ill, I think it's bye......Weighing what is more important to you and not in the long run is really the measure, and the potential consequences helps make you make the best decisions.

[kpmom2011]

It would behoove you to wait for the tat and the piercing. I've seen plenty of kids not meet Navy regulations because of a tat. Also, if you plan to commission into another service, they may even have stricter regulations. At the moment it seems to me that the military (all branches) are looking for reasons NOT to accept people, so why give them an additional reason??

You have the rest of your life to ink your body....it won't kill you to wait four years until you have a better lay of the land.