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No Tattoos in the Military? We've Got You Covered with Ink Armor!Are you trying to comply with a military tattoo policy. Our Ink Armor sleeves can help you cover up your tattoos when needed. Ink Armor sleeves are super comfortable and come in a huge selection of styles, sizes and colors. They can help you comply with your existing military tattoo policy and they are even Made in the USA! Ink Armor sleeves by Tat2X were designed specifically to help people cover up their tattoos. No tattoos in the Army doesn’t mean you have to have them removed. Our U.S. Made Ink Armor sleeves can help you comply with military tattoo policy. The fabric blend stays cool and the elastic gripper at the top of each sleeve keeps them firmly in place! Tat2X provides a gigantic selection of arm sleeves to choose from. We have 18 colors, 11 styles and 4 sizes which add up to over 400 different tattoo cover up options. No tattoos in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines doesn't always mean removal. Ink Armor sleeves were designed by a Marine to provide you with optimum comfort and durability. Try Ink Armor today! Ink Armor Military Customer Reviews"I have NEVER received better customer service than I did from Tat2X. I needed an Ink Armor sleeve in Korea and you literally can't find them here. Unfortunately, they weren't shipping to South Korea. I emailed them, and within one day they changed their website to allow shipping to ROK. How cool is that? Plus the products are comfortable and stylish, and the muggy summers here would be terrible if I had to wear long sleeve shirts. Thanks so much!" ~ Military Officer, South Korea "Finally replacing the one I've been wearing for over 3 years!! They are amazing and I love that they're Made in the USA!" ~ Navy, California No tattoos in the army doesn't always mean removal. Thousands of military personnel wear our Ink Armor sleeves every day in order to comply with military tattoo policy. Tat2X Happy Customer Gallery
Soldiers have always been held to higher grooming standards and expectations compared to civilians. However, in recent memory, the U.S. Armed Forces have made its tattoo policies more lenient in order to adjust to a changing society. The Army tattoo policy for 2021 is fairly loose, among the most liberal tattoo policies in the military along with the Navy. Learn more about what is acceptable, and what body art is still prohibited before you join the U.S. Army. The main takeaways regarding the Army Tattoo Policy are:
Let’s take an in-depth look at the policy in detail below. Jump To A SectionWhat Tattoos Are Allowed In The Army?The Army changed its tattoo policy amid the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Image: Army.comThe U.S. Army prides itself on a clean and neat presentation. However, the military branch has adapted to modern social norms where nearly half of all Millenials have at least one tattoo. The Army revised its tattoo policy during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq in order to open up a larger recruiting pool. Tattoos and brands are defined by the U.S. Army as “permanent markings that are difficult to reverse in terms of financial cost, discomfort, and effectiveness of removal techniques”. The Army tattoo policy no longer limits the number of tattoos on a soldier. Related Article: Army Height And Weight Standards The Army no longer restricts the size or amount of tattoos a soldier can place on the arm. Image: Wikimedia CommonsAdditionally, the size of tattoos is also not scrutinized near as much as previous generations. As a result, members of the Army are allowed to have as many tattoos as they want on their chest, arms, torso, and legs. Tattoos are allowed on the chest in the U.S. Army. Image: Wikimedia CommonsIt is an adaptation of a previous Army tattoo policy that limited the number of tattoos to four below the elbow and knee. However, the skin below the wrist and from the neck up is still off-limits. The only exception to the hand is a ring tattoo, with one being permitted per hand. Related Article – 20 Health Conditions That May Not Allow You To Join The Military Adapting to the New Army Tattoo Policy for 2021Soldiers are permitted to have one ring tattoo per hand. Image: FlickrThe Army tattoo policy is a constant revolving door. Therefore, soldiers with tattoos that were previously compliant to military policies yet have since been deemed inappropriate can get “grandfathered in”. Regardless, it is impossible to have a tattoo on the face or head grandfathered because these locations on the body were never authorized in the military. Army soldiers are inspected routinely for new body art as well as other regulations of its grooming standards. Attempting to hide or cover up tattoos in violation of the policy is a bad idea and will inevitably end up with disciplinary action. Before obtaining a tattoo it is recommended that soldiers (or individuals interested in serving the military), speak to a unit leader/recruiting coordinator to ensure the ink falls within acceptable standards. Related Article: Can You Join The Military With A Felony? What Tattoos Are NOT Allowed In The Army?Despite loosening its standards, the Army tattoo policy for 2021 still prohibits certain types of body art. Image: Army.comThere are two things to consider when gauging if a tattoo is allowed/appropriate in the U.S. Army: A) Placement B) Message of the tattoo As far as placement we recommend using the t-shirt test. Put on a t-shirt and stand in front of a mirror. A failing t-shirt test because the tattoo is visible above the shirt collar. Image: PixabayThe Army does not allow any visible tattoos that show above the t-shirt collar line. The same rule applies to the neck, face, ears, and scalp (as well as the inner mouth or eyelids). The Army does not authorize tattoos on the scalp, face, or neck. Image: FlickrHand tattoos are prohibited in the Army aside from the allowance of one ring tattoo per hand. Otherwise, you will want to avoid placing tattoos on or below the wrist. Secondly, the Army will analyze the appearance of the tattoo and its message. An example of a tattoo that would be considered racist in the Army. Image: FlickrThe U.S. Army prohibits any tattoos that are racist, derogatory, sexist, extremist, or indecent. These types of tattoos are not allowed regardless of where you place them on the body (even if hidden under a uniform). The Army grants commanding officers the responsibility to determine what types of tattoos are appropriate and which ones may be deemed offensive. Examples of Army Offensive TattoosThe Army does not allow indecent, extremist, sexist, or racist tattoos under any circumstances. Image: Air Combat CommandHere are the main types of tattoos the U.S. Army analyzes and may prohibit you from enlisting in the military:
Lastly, branding tattoos are not authorized in the U.S. Army. Military personnel are prohibited from having tattoos, including brands on the head, face, and neck. Related Article: 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)There are several commonly asked questions regarding the Army tattoo policy: Can you have a full sleeve tattoo in the Army?The U.S. Army recently changed its policy regarding tattoos on the arms. Tattoos are also not allowed on or below the wrist (aside from a single ring tattoo). However, there is no longer a limitation to how many tattoos Army soldiers can have on the arms so long as they follow other stipulations. Can you have neck/face/hand tattoos in the Army?No, the Army does not allow tattoos on the face, neck, or hands. The only exception is a small ring tattoo that can exist on each hand (limit one per hand). Face and neck tattoos are highly discouraged in the U.S. Army. There are a few waivers that are granted each year by Army recruiters if the officer determines the tattoo is not too distracting. Will the Army pay to remove tattoos?The Army will not pay to remove existing tattoos prior to joining the military branch. The only way you could get compensation for tattoo removal from the U.S. government is if the Army tattoo policy changed after you enlisted. For example, if a commanding officer determined your tattoo violates its policy, you could request funding for the removal. However, those circumstances happen infrequently in the U.S. Army. Are Army officers allowed to have tattoos?Yes, officers of the Army can still have tattoos. The Army tattoo policy for 2021 is different from previous regulations that held commanding officers to higher physical appearance standards compared to enlisted soldiers. The new policy basically holds officers to the same rules as enlisted soldiers when it comes to tattoos. Commanding officers are also responsible for determining if a soldier under their watch gets a new tattoo that is deemed offensive. Can a soldier cover up a tattoo with makeup or bandages?The Army does not allow soldiers to cover up a tattoo anywhere on the body with bandages or makeup. It doesn’t matter if the tattoo is hidden when in uniform or not. However, “permanent makeup” is an exception. The Army approves permanent makeup like tattoos that represent eyebrows or eyeliner as long as it follows the traditional rules for makeup (only on female soldiers). What happens if a soldier is caught with an unauthorized tattoo/refuses to remove?According to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia Manual 670-1, there are procedures for handling unauthorized tattoos. If a soldier has any tattoo or brand that is prohibited under the Army tattoo policy (or is not grandfathered in), he or she will receive a written notice from a commander regarding the violation. Once the soldier receives the notice he or she has 15 days to make a decision. The Army traditionally provides three options: A) appeal the decision of the commander, B) have the tattoo professionally removed, or C) keep the tattoo. Tattoo policy appeals are handled by a commander at the O-6 level for a final determination. Military personnel that violates the Army tattoo policy are responsible for any costs related to the removal of the tattoo. Soldiers that elect to keep tattoo(s) in violation of the policy will begin administrative separation proceedings in order to terminate his or her service. Related Article – Army APFT Test Standards For Males and Females What other grooming standards does the Army have?The U.S. Army – like every branch of the military – has fairly strict grooming standards. Men and women service members are both required to follow stern haircut requirements. Additionally, men are not permitted to have beards in the Army though tightly regulated mustaches are authorized. Body piercings are not allowed for male service members, while females can sport piercing with several restrictions. Learn what all is authorized and not authorized regarding Army grooming standards. ConclusionThe Army tattoo policy for 2021 is adapting to body ink becoming much more a part of general society. The tattoo policy no longer limits the amount or size of tattoos on the body so long as they are not present on the head, face, ears, neck, elbows, or hands. If you have more questions about the Army tattoo policy, including body art that you are not sure will be authorized, contact a local recruiter. Tattoo Policies For Other Military BranchesNavy Tattoo Policy Air Force Tattoo Policy Marine Corps Tattoo Policy Coast Guard Tattoo Policy National Guard Tattoo Policy Related Article: Which Branch Of The Military Should I Join? 7 Things To Consider References https://www.army.mil/article/122978/army_tightens_personal_appearance_tattoo_policy https://www.army.mil/article/145780/army_to_revise_tattoo_policy https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/337951.pdf
Zachary B. served in the United States Army for 9 years, both as an active-duty soldier as well as the Army National Guard. He currently operates a a political blog, and works at a local online newspaper in Cortland, NY. Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media. Army Tattoo Policy4.8 out of 5 (74 Ratings)Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more. How do Army remove tattoos?Laser Tattoo Removal Can Give You a Fresh Start
If you are considering enlisting in any branch of the armed forces, and you have tattoos that you think could pose a problem, laser tattoo removal could be just what you need.
Do you have to remove tattoos to join the military?Army Tattoo Policy
It prohibits any tattoos on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or above the t-shirt collar. Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie.
How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?Prices for tattoo removal vary based on such factors as removal method, tattoo size, existing scars, skin color, body part, ink colors, and ink depth. The average price for laser tattoo removal is $423. For a large piece of art, the cost can reach $4,000 or more.
What is the new tattoo policy for the Army?The Army tattoo policy for 2021 is adapting to body ink becoming much more a part of general society. The tattoo policy no longer limits the amount or size of tattoos on the body so long as they are not present on the head, face, ears, neck, elbows, or hands.
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