Tattoos and appointment

Gbreezy

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2019
Messages
13
I really want to get a tattoo for my eighteenth birthday. It’s a compass rose forearm tattoo as a tribute to my military family always being together no matter where we are, it’d be a matching piece to my parents. My application is complete with a MOC nomination and a presidential nomination. My birthday is in December, my question is would the tattoo put me at risk of not being appointed? I really want the tattoo but USAFA has been my goal since I was 13 and I would never to anything to jeopardize my package. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I really want to get a tattoo for my eighteenth birthday. It’s a compass rose forearm tattoo as a tribute to my military family always being together no matter where we are, it’d be a matching piece to my parents. My application is complete with a MOC nomination and a presidential nomination. My birthday is in December, my question is would the tattoo put me at risk of not being appointed? I really want the tattoo but USAFA has been my goal since I was 13 and I would never to anything to jeopardize my package. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have a tattoo, a brand or a piercing. Can I be admitted?
While having a tattoo or brand does not automatically disqualify you from consideration, they must meet standards outlined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2903. Tattoos or brands anywhere on the body that are obscene, advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, or project an improper military or cadet image are prohibited. Tattoos or brands may not exceed ¼ (25%) coverage of the exposed body part in any/all uniform combinations (except the Physical Training Uniform (PTU)). In addition, any tattoos or brands above the collarbone are prohibited. You may review AFI 36-2903, Chapter 3, for more information.
If offered an appointment and you accept, you will have to complete AF Form 4428 with your Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) disclosing information on your tattoo(s)/brand(s)/body marking(s) such as location, size, and significance. The form will be maintained in your personnel file throughout your Air Force career.

Google is your friend:

 
Likely way more of a hassle to get now rather than waiting until you start school and are already in the system.

One of the craziest ALO stories I heard was a candidate in Southlake TX with "Jesus Saves" tattooed to his eye lids. At first glance, nothing was wrong, and then in the course of the candidate interview the student blinked and the ALO was thinking to himself - "wait... what? Do that again!" The student had to have that removed prior to indoc. FWIW, I was told this by the reporting ALO who conducted the interview.
 
I was a Navy Enlisted Man prior to Entering The Naval Academy a long time ago, :eek:

As a (drunken) Seventeen year old I got an Eagle and an Anchor tattoo on my right forearm. At that time it was simply noted as an identifying mark on my medical chart and presented no problems over my 24 year career in the Navy. I do believe that since then restrictions were added that may have made my tattoo "illegal" had they been in effect in my time.

I think AROTC-dad nailed it:
"Wait until you graduate and make it your commissioning gift to yourself. You will know the standards far better and be wiser to boot. "
 
I have a tattoo, a brand or a piercing. Can I be admitted?
While having a tattoo or brand does not automatically disqualify you from consideration, they must meet standards outlined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2903. Tattoos or brands anywhere on the body that are obscene, advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, or project an improper military or cadet image are prohibited. Tattoos or brands may not exceed ¼ (25%) coverage of the exposed body part in any/all uniform combinations (except the Physical Training Uniform (PTU)). In addition, any tattoos or brands above the collarbone are prohibited. You may review AFI 36-2903, Chapter 3, for more information.
If offered an appointment and you accept, you will have to complete AF Form 4428 with your Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) disclosing information on your tattoo(s)/brand(s)/body marking(s) such as location, size, and significance. The form will be maintained in your personnel file throughout your Air Force career.

Google is your friend:

I’ve read the regulation thoroughly, just wanted to make sure that even if allowed by standards it wouldn’t effect the admission process negatively.
 
Wait!!
You have the rest of your life to get a tattoo(s).
If you’re fortunate enough to gain admission to an SA, you will learn all about the regulations regarding what is acceptable regarding tattoos once you are there, (prior to committing to the tattoo). I told my DS the same thing, and he has gotten some ink since he’s been there and the wait did not kill him.
 
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