Marine Corps Tattoo Policy
In recent years, the U.S. Marine Corps and the other military branches have had to deal with the tremendous growth in popularity of tattoos. The implications for career advancement, affect on fellow Corpsmen and potential liabilities in the field are all serious concerns. Because of these concerns, numerous revisions, clarifications, amplifications and changes have been made to the Marine Corps tattoo policy. The most recent policy statement was issued on January 15, 2010.
Other People Are Reading
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Policy Specifics
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The following tattoos are prohibited, per Marine Administrative Message 029/10:
--tattoos on fingers, hands and wrists, head or neck.
--tattoos in the mouth.
--tattoos visible in PT (physical training) gear that are "larger than a hand with fingers together and extended" (a single tattoo is specifically defined as anything that can be covered by a five inch circle).
--any tattoos that are sexist, racist, contain nudity or are "eccentric or offensive in nature."
--tattoos that symbolize any substances or actions not allowed by the USMC Code (illegal drugs, drug usage, paraphernalia).
--tattoos that depict vulgar or anti-American content or bring discredit to the Marine Corps.
--tattoos that associate the Marine with any extremist groupOfficers are limited to four tattoos visible in PT gear.
"Band" tattoos may be no more than two inches in width.
All tattoos are "subject to review" for promotions and assignments.
"Sleeve" tattoos: prohibited, unless grandfathered in by the previous policy guidelines. Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos are prohibited if visible when wearing standard PT gear.
Tattoos that are only visible by ultraviolet light still must meet all policy requirements.
Corps Culture
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Tattoos have long been an accepted piece of the Marine Corps culture. Getting a tattoo is often seen as a rite of passage, an important part of becoming a Marine and joining your brothers. For many servicemen, tattoos symbolize pride in being a Marine.
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Concerns and Dangers
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It is in this climate that the leaders of the Marine Corps need to set policy. Tattoos create real concerns for a Marine, especially when posted overseas. It can be a cultural problem in certain countries where tattoos are not widely accepted. Visible tattoos can provide personal information in a situation where anonymity is required, identifying a Marine as a Marine or an American and possibly revealing other personal information.
Marine Corps Image
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In addition to those dangers, the Marine Corps feels limiting tattoos is necessary to uphold the image of the Corps. Some Corpsmen feel the leadership is out of touch, and that the policy forces them to choose between personal expression and a career path. But the Corps is adamant about the policy.
Common Tattoos
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There are many well-known tattoo designs specific to Corpsmen, such as USMC; Semper Fi; an eagle, globe and anchor (official emblem); a devil dog (a nickname for a Marine dating back to WWI); a bulldog (the unofficial mascot); or stripes (denoting one's rank). In addition to tattoos that signify their pride in being a Marine, many Corpsmen choose to use tattoos for a more personal message, representing a loved one or a fallen comrade.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Marine Corp Memorial at Sunrise image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
