Army policy is not to have any tattoos on the face or hands, and not to have any racist or inappropriate tattoos. is there a different policy for officers? could a cadet be disqualified from becoming an officer for getting a tattoo as a cadet? I'm talking specifically about army rotc here, if it makes any difference.
Some good information starts here:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/tattoopolicy.htm
There's a MUCH more detailed description which I'll post below. Apologies, its sorta long.
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TATTOO POLICY
1. Must not have any lewd or offensive indelible marks or figures (tattoos) visible on any exposed part of the body while wearing the prescribed duty uniform, to include the physical training uniform. Photos will be submitted of all tattoos unless they are in a private area (Males- brief area, females – brief area and frontal bra area)
2. Army policy prohibits any tattoos or brands on the face, head or neck above the class-A shirt collar. Current policy for the hands only authorizes small innocuous tattoos or brands that are not prejudicial to the good order or discipline within Army units and do not detract from a professional military appearance.
3. Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within the Army. (a) Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities; those which advocate racial, gender or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution or federal and state law (see para 4-12, AR 600-20). (b) Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency or propriety; shock the moral sense because of their vulgar, filthy or disgusting nature, or tendency to insight lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts. (c) Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent”. (d) Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity or national origin.
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You can find this at:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/recruiter/downloads/TATTOO POLICY.doc
Notice: IT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN OFFICER AND NCO...applies to all members.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83