Marines Tattoo Policy
The United State Marine Corps has a strict policy against excessive tattoos. On Jan. 15, 2010, the Corps released the amplification to its tattoo policy, which requires an administrative review of applicants who have more than four tattoos.
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Prohibited Images and Locations
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Tattoos and brands on the head, neck, fingers, hands, wrists and inside the mouth are prohibited. The policy prohibits tattoos or brands which are offensive, anti-American, racist, vulgar, sexist or drug-related. Tattoos which associate the applicant or Marine with any extreme group or are gang-related are prohibited. Ultraviolet ink used for tattoos is banned.
Size and Location
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The Marine Corps states the tattoo must be no larger than the wearer's hand with fingers extended and joined with the thumb touching the base of the index finger. A combination of smaller tattoos or a large tattoo creating a sleeve is prohibited. For enlisted Marines, bands no wider than one quarter of the arm or leg where it is tattooed are allowed and visible in the physical training uniform (shorts and T-shirt). Bands can be partial or fully encircle the circumference of the arm or leg. For officers, bands may not exceed 2 inches in width, and no more than four tattoos or brands may be visible in PT uniform. Tattoos may not be visible in service and dress uniforms.
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Not In Compliance
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Enlisted Marines with grandfathered sleeve tattoos are not eligible for any Marine Corps commissioning or warrant officer programs. Prohibited tattoos on Marines will be documented by photos in their service record book and are not subject to punishment.
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