Tattoos?

I've been planning on getting a tattoo for a while and when I signed the page containing the page about the tattoos I marked that I do have a tattoo because I'm not 18 yet but I was going to get one on my birthday before I report. It won't be visible, my back and shoulders. But should I wait until after plebe summer or what to get it?

Don't, tattoos are considered inappropriate especially when you're going to be an officer. Tattoos, even non-visible ones, can deter promotions and prevent you from doing officerly activities.

needhelp said:

I've been planning on getting a tattoo for a while and when I signed the page containing the page about the tattoos I marked that I do have a tattoo because I'm not 18 yet but I was going to get one on my birthday before I report. It won't be visible, my back and shoulders. But should I wait until after plebe summer or what to get it?

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Eighteenth birthday tattoos are an incredibly bad idea. Tattoos while at the Academy are also a very bad idea. WAIT.

Tattoos, even non-visible ones, can deter promotions and prevent you from doing officerly activities

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Not quite true.

If you don't have one yet and you are coming to the academy in june, you have missed your chance for the next 4 years. Don't get one now. You won't be able to get one after plebe summer or any time when you are a mid. And if you do, it is a major conduct offense. They do have tattoo checks and they will find it. It's not worth it. Just get one when you graduate.

Further, if and when you do get one I would recommend it not identify you as a member of the US Armed Forces. There is no reason to let the bad guys know who you are if your captured in civies. I keep thinking of the sailor who was killed by hijackers in the late 70s.

Tattoos

Wait until you are 19. If you still won't one get it. Don't be in a rush. My brother got one years ago when he went into the AF. He later had it removed. It's like buying new electronics. Can't wait to get it. Eventually the excitement goes away but after a while it gets old. You have plently time to get one. Plus Navy policy has been known to change. Less than perfect eyesight may get you in flight school one year and get you excluded the next. Tattoos may be allowed this year, next year they may not accept new students with them. Why risk it.

As someone noted last year, tattoos have been a problem topic for many years. For a long time they were considered as something ok for enlisted personnel, but something that officers just didn't do. I think it is safe to say that USNA will not be impressed by a large display of ink on your body, and I do know of instances that appointees were rejected for not being willing to have their tats removed. In some instances tats are considered rather juvenile. Save your money and report without new ink. Just my recommendation, of course...