Tattoo

guayb15

Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
97
Hello all,


I am a 4 year scholarship winner for Army ROTC. I am getting my first tattoo just before I go to school. When I took my DODMERB exam I did not have any tattoos at the time. What documentation do I need for my first tattoo if I even need to document it? It is in Army REGS, it's going to be on my left pec.

Talked to my PMS of my school and said I just need to sign something once I get to school that it's in regulation; but that seems a little too simplistic for the military LOL
 
I don't think anyone on an anonymous forum would have better info. than the PMS at your battalion.
 
Well, you have opened a can of worms on this site. You will undoubtedly get a bunch of responses telling you not to get the Tattoo yet.

One comment you will get, which I tend to agree with, is not to get the tattoo just before going to school. While most tattoos have no side effects there is always the chance. Having something go wrong just before you start ROTC is not a good thing.

Part of the paperwork will be updating Dodmerb, remember that you do not get your tuition money, book money, or stipend until you contract. If there is any hold up with Dodmerb due to getting the tattoo right before school starts your funds could be held up until you are able to contract.

For God's sake, don't get some Army Hooah Tattoo before you even start ROTC.
 
If you use the "Search" function you can find lengthy past threads on the subject of tattoos. You might also check Army Reg. 670-1 which deals with tattoos. Please note the reg. has been changed over time and will change again in the future.

In addition to Jcleppe's stricture, I would strongly advise against getting a tattoo of an anchor or anything in a foreign language. On the other hand, a tattoo of a heart with an arrow piercing it and the word "Mom" in the middle is always tasteful.

Congratulations on your scholarship and good luck in AROTC.
 
All that is going through my mind is you are going to get this done 2-3 weeks out from school starting and you are now thinking about getting a tat?

Why not wait until you get there and do it over winter break?
 
Please visit a VA home. Ask the retirees if they regret the tattoos they have. I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't know the answer.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Oldsalt
 
As someone who has their fair share of ink, I highly recommend you do not get one prior to reporting to school. You haven't started your scholarship yet. Do not do anything to put that contract at risk. Wait until you get to the battalion, get settled, re-evaluate your desire for a tattoo, then wait another year.
 
For God's sake, don't get some Army Hooah Tattoo before you even start ROTC.
^^^
This
and...why?
And another reason is because you could end up dead on the tarmac somewhere as did some Navy personnel on a highjacked plane in the late 70s early 80s. It could also invite unwanted attention in other circumstances.
 
Great. Then it can wait. You posted on this site looking for guidance. Not one person has said to run out and get one, including me, who has alot of ink. Wait until you are on contract, know and understand the Army regs, and get adjusted to adult student life. Why jeopardize the 4 year ride you were just handed for something that does not need to be rushed.
 
I paid $400 for my DS to get a tattoo for his 14 birthday. Throughout human history people have adorned their bodies in one fashion or another. I also agree that you should wait. Taking a step like that while you at the crossroads is not something that you "have to do" I am assuming. I would not suggest never to get one because most people I know who have them have not regretted getting them. None are wild, mostly nice "artistic" ones. His tattoo has never been an issue for the 3 years he has been in the ROTC. Over one Christmas break he added another one against my wishes mainly because I did not like it. That did not cause an issue either. He had to fill out a form and have pictures taken in his skivvies to make sure they were not visible. There are also guidelines as far as the theme of the tattoo and that it can't be offensive. Getting a tattoo for your grandfather sounds like one of the better reasons I've heard for getting one. I would suggest wait if you can, keep it as simple as you can, and in a place that would not be visible. Yes, I like tattoos. Too chicken to get one of my own.
 
Back
Top