I leave for bootcamp in 20 days, after I graduate boot I would like to get some tatoos whats the official policy and what is exceptable?
Would I get kicked out restricted service if I got a tatoo about the size of a quarter on my head?
2007-07-16 17:06:26 · 10 answers · asked by shovelheadgfu27 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The Marine Corps takes a conservative approach to personal appearance. Uniform regulations stress that personal appearance is to be conservative and commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with the Marine Corps. No eccentricities in dress or appearance are permitted because they detract from uniformity and team identity.
Per MCBUL 1020.34 of 16 may 96, the Marine Corps uniform regulation is changed to prohibit tattoos or brands on the neck and the head. In other areas of the body, tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited. Tattoos, body piercing, and non-dental tooth crowns are identified as body art and commanders are tasked with upholding current regulations regarding eccentric appearance.
Four criteria will be used to evaluate tattoos and brands to see if they comply with Marine Corps standards. These criteria are content, location, size, and effect of associating the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps uniform with the tattoo or brand.
Content. Every tattoo and brand will be viewed to determine if it is representative of gang, racist, sexist, drug, or other prohibited activity. These types of tattoos and brands are prohibited.
Location. Tattoos and brands are prohibited on the head and neck. If they are visible on the arms or legs in the service "C" uniform, they are prohibited.
Size. Tattoos and brands will be evaluated on their size and color. Large and colorful tattoos and brands, especially on the arms and legs will be screened to determine if they are eccentric or project a non-conservative personal appearance. Tattoos and brands that are eccentric or project a non-conservative personal appearance are prohibited.
Association with the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps uniform. All tattoos and brands will be evaluated on the cost that they would have on morale, the maintenance of good order and discipline, leadership potential, and public perception. Marines that possess tattoos and brands that are not in keeping with the standards and traditions of the Marine Corps will be required to have the tattoo(s) removed at their own expense.
2007-07-16 17:10:13 · answer #1 · answered by LAVADOG 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For all four branches, you can not have tatoos that show while in uniform (and this include PT uniforms so stay away from forarms, calves, ankle, wrists). Tatooing above the shoulders is forbidden completely. Tatoos can be evaluated for content and impact on moral, so stay away from anything that could offend others or stir up controversy. Since so many man and women have tatoos before enlisting, the tatoos will need to be approved prior to reporting for duty and the military can require that they are kep covered at all times in they are on a body part that could be exsposed (see the list above). Body peircings must be out while on duty, as do all earrings (females may keep in a single earring in each ear and it must be a simple gold or silver ball or small diamond stud). Keep in mind that all braches of the military have guidelines as to what is acceptable to wear even while off duty, especially on base and even more so if you are stationed overseas.
2007-07-17 01:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Marine Corps takes a conservative approach to personal appearance. Uniform regulations stress that personal appearance is to be conservative and commensurate with the high standards traditionally associated with the Marine Corps. No eccentricities in dress or appearance are permitted because they detract from uniformity and team identity.
Per MCBUL 1020.34 of 16 may 96, the Marine Corps uniform regulation is changed to prohibit tattoos or brands on the neck and the head. In other areas of the body, tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited. Tattoos, body piercing, and non-dental tooth crowns are identified as body art and commanders are tasked with upholding current regulations regarding eccentric appearance.
Four criteria will be used to evaluate tattoos and brands to see if they comply with Marine Corps standards. These criteria are content, location, size, and effect of associating the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps uniform with the tattoo or brand.
Content. Every tattoo and brand will be viewed to determine if it is representative of gang, racist, sexist, drug, or other prohibited activity. These types of tattoos and brands are prohibited.
Location. Tattoos and brands are prohibited on the head and neck. If they are visible on the arms or legs in the service "C" uniform, they are prohibited.
Size. Tattoos and brands will be evaluated on their size and color. Large and colorful tattoos and brands, especially on the arms and legs will be screened to determine if they are eccentric or project a non-conservative personal appearance. Tattoos and brands that are eccentric or project a non-conservative personal appearance are prohibited.
Association with the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps uniform. All tattoos and brands will be evaluated on the cost that they would have on morale, the maintenance of good order and discipline, leadership potential, and public perception. Marines that possess tattoos and brands that are not in keeping with the standards and traditions of the Marine Corps will be required to have the tattoo(s) removed at their own expense.
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The third link will show the following and this is the best website I have found because it literally is a directive from the Marine Corps and not some site that claims to know the rule:
EFFECTIVE 1 APRIL 2007, PARAGRAPH 1004.1C OF MCO P1020.34G,
MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS, IS CANCELLED AND REPLACED WITH
THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH. "... MARINES ARE PROHIBITED FROM:
C. TATTOOS OR BRANDS ON THE HEAD AND NECK. SLEEVE TATTOOS ARE
LIKEWISE PROHIBITED.
2007-07-16 18:33:57 · answer #3 · answered by QueenLori 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The new policy is that you cannot have any tattoo that is visible while in the summer PT uniform. That's tough, because Marines basically run in their underwear. In no military branch can you have a tattoo on your head.
2007-07-16 18:31:34 · answer #4 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tattoos cannot show while in uniform. Violating that is considered to be failing to obey a lawful order. Save the money.
2007-07-16 17:10:09 · answer #5 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming you make it thru Basic Training,
If you get a tattoo on the "head" between your legs, I suppose its OK!
just don't let your DI see it!
P.S. tatoos, exceptable,restricted service, ??????????
2007-07-16 18:13:10 · answer #6 · answered by D. M. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother is a Sgt.in the USMC and he has about 7 tattoos. As long as they don't show while you're in uniform you'll be ok.
2007-07-16 17:15:56 · answer #7 · answered by Phil B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you will not gonna get kick out as long as you don't put Uncle Sam Misguided Children (USMC)
2007-07-16 17:10:53 · answer #8 · answered by royaliscross 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's ok, but you cannot show them while in uniform
2007-07-16 18:15:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. but it is aginst the UCMJ for destruction of govenment property
2007-07-16 19:46:31 · answer #10 · answered by acot_anthonym 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋