How to Follow Military Regulations Regarding Tattoos

Each military branch has their own policies regarding tattoos. Consult these regulations before getting a new tattoo, if you are a potential or current enlistee. Follow your military branch's regulations to ensure that you won't be violating tattooing regulations. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Contact a local recruitment office for your branch of military. Because tattoo policies vary, it is essential that you contact someone in your specific branch to advise you. Consult your chain of command if you are a current enlistee.

2. Inquire about tattoo regulations for recruits and currently enlisted members. Ask for a copy of the branch's policies to be sent to your mailing address. Official policies should also be readily available at recruitment offices.

3. Review the policies. Make note of prohibited characters, drawings, and areas of the body you can get tattooed.

4. Be tattooed following military regulations. If you don't have a specific tattoo in mind, ask the tattoo parlor to provide you with flash tattoos prepared for military personnel. Some tattoo parlors accommodate military clients by providing pre-made designs that conform to known regulations.

5. Have your tattoos officially documented on your military records. Having your personnel files indicate your tattoo, its type and size can prove to be important documentation if subsequent follow-on command finds your tattoos offensive. Documentation proves that your tattoos were permissible at the time you received them and were not contested.

Tips & Warnings

• Policies on body piercing may also be available at your local military recruitment office. Inquire about body piercings if you are interested in acquiring them.

• Following military tattoo regulations is very important. If you do not follow official policies, you may run the risk of being discharged.

• Tattoos that are extremist, indecent, sexist or racist will not be permitted.