Tattoos at USNA

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Rob2732

New Member
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Feb 16, 2021
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Hello Everyone,

My 18th birthday just passed and I was planing on getting a tattoo. My question is in regards to If I got a tattoo before I went to DODMERB would that be okay? As long as it was healed before I needed to be present for the appointment. I would planning on getting something that relates to my family and I. (So it would not be for no reason) Would it be better to wait and hear from Dodmerb or get it done before Dodmerb? Thank you for any replies. Just curios as to what the best choice would be. Regardless I am fine waiting until after or whatever is needed. (I am sorry if there has been a previous thread made discussing these matters.)
 
The advice I always see given here is to wait until after you are commissioned. I kind of agree with that but you’re a grown up now. My son didn’t get his first until after his commissioning. He now has one in every legal spot on his body. Tens of thousands of dollars worth.
 
Devil Doc said:
but you’re a grown up now.
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Well, maybe. But there are a lot of things I did when I was 18 that I would never do when I was 25 with a doctorate.

You might want to wait to see how tattoos fit into the culture of the officers corps. I know things are a lot different today than back in my day, but my advice is not to rush into it.
 
My plebe came home with his chit to get a tattoo. Didn’t ever get around to it, and then ran out of money. Still doesn’t have it. My older Mid also wanted a tattoo, also never got around to it.

Both have lost interest. Both very much wanted one. Even my DD wanted one at one time. Never got around to it.

Wait. The allure and excitement of getting one may wear off. Most high schoolers I know seem to want a tattoo.

WHATEVER you do...don’t get your gf/bf’s initials. Or anything tied to her/him.
 
My son has no interest as far as I know.

My daughter ... 3 years older ... has 4 or 5. Heading to graduate school for her doctorate this fall.
 
Rob2732 said:
Hello Everyone,

My 18th birthday just passed and I was planing on getting a tattoo. My question is in regards to If I got a tattoo before I went to DODMERB would that be okay? As long as it was healed before I needed to be present for the appointment. I would planning on getting something that relates to my family and I. (So it would not be for no reason) Would it be better to wait and hear from Dodmerb or get it done before Dodmerb? Thank you for any replies. Just curios as to what the best choice would be. Regardless I am fine waiting until after or whatever is needed. (I am sorry if there has been a previous thread made discussing these matters.)
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Some good reading for you below. This is a primary source, a USNA Instruction (directive), an official policy as it applies to midshipmen. You always want to ensure you are researching the current policy. These do get updated.


I also counsel waiting.

See what is allowed, see what feels right. Consider the decision from all angles, including that of an older self. You could promise it to yourself after a significant milestone at USNA, such as signing your commitment papers at the start of junior year, giving yourself permission to get one, and then having plenty of time to make a well-thought-out decision when your promised time rolls around. Get engaged to the idea, and commit when you know who you are as a uniformed member of the armed forces.
 
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As one of the Old Grads on here who happens to have their fair share of tattoos… wait. Wait until you get to USNA. I would wait until after graduation. There are the ‘rules’ and then there are unwritten rules of being an officer. Wait until you know and understand all of those before getting one.
 
NavyHoops said:
There are the ‘rules’ and then there are unwritten rules of being an officer. Wait until you know and understand all of those before getting one.
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I would guess that a tattoo of a topless mermaid might be something you should avoid as an officer. Just sayin’
 
Rob2732 said:
Hello Everyone,

My 18th birthday just passed and I was planing on getting a tattoo. My question is in regards to If I got a tattoo before I went to DODMERB would that be okay? As long as it was healed before I needed to be present for the appointment. I would planning on getting something that relates to my family and I. (So it would not be for no reason) Would it be better to wait and hear from Dodmerb or get it done before Dodmerb? Thank you for any replies. Just curios as to what the best choice would be. Regardless I am fine waiting until after or whatever is needed. (I am sorry if there has been a previous thread made discussing these matters.)
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THE NAVY TATTOO POLICY: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW​

Sandboxx | July 20, 2020

If you’re interested in joining the Navy and already have some permanent ink, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Navy tattoo policy, to make sure your skin art doesn’t bar you from service.


Few military branches have such deep cultural ties to tattooing as the U.S. Navy, but that doesn’t they don’t have some strict guidelines when it comes to what’s considered acceptable and professional for America’s seaward fighting force. If you want to learn more about joining the Navy, make sure to read this article explaining the Sailor’s Creed and more essential Navy knowledge.
The Navy utilizes four pieces of criteria when assessing whether or not your tattoos are permitted: Content, Location, Size, and Cosmetic. You’ll have to go over these with your recruiter prior to shipping to Recruit Training if you’re concerned about any of your tattoos.

Here’s a basic rundown of the Navy tattoo policy:​

Content: Put simply, the Navy does no permit tattoos that could be seen as obscene, sexually explicit, or in any way discriminatory. Likewise, you can’t have any tattoos or brands that indicate membership in a gang or extremist groups, or that encourages the use of drugs.
Location: Tattoos are not permitted on the head, face, or scalp, though one small tattoo (not to exceed one inch) is permitted on the neck or behind the ear. Tattoos on the torso of the body should not be visible in uniform.
Size: Size restrictions are only in place on tattoos placed on the neck or behind the ear, which are not to exceed one inch in any direction. There is no limit to the size of tattoos on limbs or your torso.
Cosmetic: Cosmetic tattoos meant to correct medical conditions are subject to different rules, as dictated by the medical staff.
 
NJROTC-CC said:
Well, maybe. But there are a lot of things I did when I was 18 that I would never do when I was 25 with a doctorate.

You might want to wait to see how tattoos fit into the culture of the officers corps. I know things are a lot different today than back in my day, but my advice is not to rush into it.
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I forgot that officers sit around the ward room policing their culture. This unit logo from when my son was Machete-6, the CO of Mobility Assault Company, rests between his MOM tattoo and blue diamond of the 1st Marine Division. He has a tattoo on his right shin of a surfing bear holding an M-16. Other tattoos: long haired unidentifiable woman, a slice of pizza, back is covered with a stairway from hell to heaven, various stars and other shapes, and oh yeah, a topless mermaid.

3181329F-5773-4540-A206-51B5009A160D.jpeg
 
Devil Doc said:
I forgot that officers sit around the ward room policing their culture. This unit logo from when my son was Machete-6, the CO of Mobility Assault Company, rests between his MOM tattoo and blue diamond of the 1st Marine Division. He has a tattoo on his right shin of a surfing bear holding an M-16. Other tattoos: long haired unidentifiable woman, a slice of pizza, back is covered with a stairway from hell to heaven, various stars and other shapes, and oh yeah, a topless mermaid.

View attachment 8301
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I would guess that there are tattoo cultural differences between the various warefare communities. Another reason to wait a bit.
 
Have to laugh at this one..must be a generational thing. I never thought of it when I was in the Navy (okay, my wife said she would kill me, but then I never had the desire anyway). I recall overhearing several secretaries at work a long time ago, talking about going out and getting tat's after work. I kinda laughed, and told them that it was the first I had ever heard of anyone talking about getting a tattoo when they were sober.

Tattoos are permanent ..or near so. They also affect what people think of you, right or wrong. If you want to do it, fine..but accept the consequences. If you are heading into the Navy, know the rules. Personally never had the desire...
 
My daughter has two. My wife has her chest covered with them. They hide her double mastectomy scars. I have one. Got it in Cartagena. Been thinking about another one but don't want to spend the money.
 
I am not in any armed forces. For decades the desire to get a tattoo escaped me. After a spinal surgery that went south I had a desire to cover the scar with a life affirming image. Something that mattered to me. It isn’t visible to the general public. I don’t feel inclined to explain it. It is for me.

Our independent grown daughter has several. Works in progress. A tableau if it were. Her story.

I was dead sober when I got the two that I have. I was over 40. Both have very personal meaning and speak to me. No one else. I could care less what others think if they happen a glance at the beach.

I totally concur with waiting and considering long term issues as it relates to career or commissioning. Be responsible in your decision. Always and in all things
 
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I have names for all my demons, my pains, my scars, and my deformities .... I don’t want to drink them away or paint them over. They are my friends.
.
 
My now Youngster son and I were watching the 1991 All-Star NBA game during this past winter break. It was 10 years before he was born, but very well into my adult life. I couldn't help but to notice that not a single player, and that's INCUDING Dennis Rodman... None of them had a tattoo in that game. It blew my mind.

I'm way, way older than you. My generation allowed tattoos to salty sailors, bikers and inmates. But times have certainly changed, and that's fine. But having said that... What's the rush? There is nothing wrong with doing it, but just make sure everything you do is within regs.
 
brewmeist said:
I'm way, way older than you. My generation allowed tattoos to salty sailors, bikers and inmates. But times have certainly changed, and that's fine. But having said that... What's the rush? There is nothing wrong with doing it, but just make sure everything you do is within regs
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+1. I’m with you.
 
Devil Doc said:
What makes you say that?
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Different personality types drawn to different warefare communities would cause them to prefer different styles of ink art, I suspect. For example, a Marine infantry officer might have different tastes in tats than an Air Force B-2 pilot This would be an interesting study for the sociology or art department of some university and would make a great coffee table picture book. LOL.

That’s why I say wait to see where you fit in before you go in for permanent body art.
 
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Referring back to the first response to OP, who hasn’t returned to thank us for all the great advice, I said I kind of agree with the usual guidance given here on the tattoo question. I also stated as an 18 year old he’s a grown up and can do as he chooses.

While many 18 year olds lack the maturity and life experiences to make such momentous decisions, many of them are sent down range to get shot at, blown up, and tragically die at the bottom of the Pacific in an AAV coffin. I know this is an officer forum and the chances of maturing and commissioning then getting that tattoo are high. Coming from my perspective, one should go for it having no regrets.

72456B9F-AF3D-4F22-B2BE-604AB1F6C272.jpeg
 
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