Tattoo

Tattoo Guidelines

When I went last year for SLS many cadets had tattoos. One right on the wrist, one on the shoulder, one on the hip. All different kinds and places. A cadet told me that once you enter on R-Day you're not allowed to get any more, but any you have before that are acceptable as long they are not obscene and not on the head or face.
This is directly from the 'Instructions For Applicants Offered Admission' booklet on the portal:
"In accordance with Army Regulation 670-1,
any tattoo or brand anywhere on the head or face is
prohibited except for permanent makeup. Tattoos
that are not extremist, indecent, sexist or racist are
allowed on the hands and neck. 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 units. Once
accepted for admission to the academy, candidates are
encouraged to remove brands or tattoos which fall into
the prohibited categories above. "

So bottom line, if you want one-make it appropriate and in accordance with these guidelines.
 
Odd

Odd as it maybe, I've never seen ink on the CEO of Ford, GE, Apple. Come to think of it President of the United States of America or his Cabinet Staff and His Generals.

I guess professionalism is a perceived thing.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
just figured I would ask admissions officer if the blue and red donkey on my chest (classy I know) was grounds for disqualification, so... we can all get some clarification soon.
 
mng249 said:
just figured I would ask admissions officer if the blue and red donkey on my chest (classy I know) was grounds for disqualification, so... we can all get some clarification soon.
Click to expand...

tell the upper class that it is an Army mule in its civilian clothes :thumb:
 
tug_boat said:
Odd as it maybe, I've never seen ink on the CEO of Ford, GE, Apple. Come to think of it President of the United States of America or his Cabinet Staff and His Generals.
Click to expand...

That must have been a very exclusive steam room.

Give it another 15 or 20 years and I bet you will.

I don't have any tattoos myself, never wanted one. While tattoo removal is on the rise, tattoo business is booming. I saw a picture my son posted of him and six fellow 2LT's, the six were all USMA grads, there was multiple ink on each of them, of course none of it would show beyond a T-shirt.

Just because you haven't seen a tattoo, doesn't mean it's not there.
 
If it is visible, these guys need to know they are creating an extra obstacle for themselves as it is us old farts that don't "understand" that may have a significant influence on their careers (military or civilian). They have to work a little harder to overcome what some will see as evidence of poor judgement.
 
Packer said:
If it is visible, these guys need to know they are creating an extra obstacle for themselves as it is us old farts that don't "understand" that may have a significant influence on their careers (military or civilian). They have to work a little harder to overcome what some will see as evidence of poor judgement.
Click to expand...

I certainly agree with you on this one. Having a tattoo that is visible on a daily basis is a big distraction at best.

I believe the Army has tightened the restrictions regarding visible tattoos.
 
Ink

...its a form of self-mutilation, branding in its original purpose. Now its a shock factor, look at me, with a sprinkle of narcissism. Impress me with your hard work and selfless attitude.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Just for fun, here are a few of our Inked politicians, some past some current. Well one was from across the pond.

President Theodore Roosevelt
Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Sen. Barry Goldwater
Rep. Allen West
Rep. Mary Beck
Sen. Jimm Webb
Sen. Eni Faleomavaega
Rep. Dan Boren
Rep. Duncan Hunter

For me, never saw the need to get one, but I certainly don't think it deserves universal condemnation. I do think good judgement and taste should be used.
 
I don't see a huge issue with tattoo's as long as the work stays under control. Once you get into the sleeve's, I agree with the older posters above, you definitely start to limit yourself as far as post-military professional work. But if it can't be seen in the summer IPFU, I see no issue (as long as its not racist, etc.). I have a tattoo and unless you ever caught me at the beach, you'd probably never know.

I'd also say don't just run out and get tatted up for the hell of it. I came up with an idea for mine and sat on it for 2 years before I had it done, to make sure I really wanted it there for good. They aren't easy to put on, and they definitely aren't easy to remove.

Just as a side story, I know a cadet who is about to commission who was prior service navy and he has 2 full sleeves that include one hand and fingers. A small piece also goes above his collar.
 
To the older folks... lighten up? No one is more conservative than my wife, and she got her first and only tattoo, a small classy one to memorialize her brother, on the back of her shoulder in her mid 40's. She's a teacher, so made sure it would never show in her professional role. Judge not lest ye be judged?

To the younger folks... wake up? Why do anything that might endanger your chance at the opportunity of a lifetime? Even if the risk is small. There is plenty of time later for something so optional... slow down and learn to be patient. My DS wants one but is going to wait until he has "earned" the right to sport jolly green giant footprints (for those of you that know what those symbolize).
 
Last edited:
@OP

You are asking us to give you a moral conclusion to an ethical question. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but I believe you should ask yourself: if your friend were alive today, and if you were afraid the tattoo would put your appointment at risk, would he rather you get the tattoo or err on the side of caution?

Ultimately no one here can make the decision for you. As a commissioned officer you will be asked to make ethical decisions often. This is an opportunity to begin determining the kind of officer you will be in regards to these sorts of dilemmas.
 
MedB said:
My DS wants one but is going to wait until he has "earned" the right to sport jolly green giant footprints (for those of you that know what those symbolize).
Click to expand...

I'd say that's a different category since your son is wanting one that is associated with PJ's. It'd be plain weird (and highly looked down on) if he was sporting them at this point.
 
Agreed, Bull.

I guess the point I was trying to make to the OP with sharing the two stories, is that even if you have strong emotional feelings for and/or a long-term desire for the tattoo, it may still be best to practice patience and discretion. Don't be blinded by your desire; take a longer view. There is time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top