It's generally a bad idea to get tattoos right before basic training; you should wait until after training to avoid disqualification, delays, or issues with healing and documentation, especially if the tattoo is in a visible spot (neck, face, hands) or isn't fully healed, which can halt your shipping out. All existing tattoos must be documented, and getting new ones during the enlistment gap creates extra work and potential problems with your recruiter and military service, with some locations (face, neck, hands) strictly prohibited.
Absolutely do not. A tattoo is an open wound. You cannot ship to bootcamp with an open wound.
Accordingly all, uniformed, ADF members are prohibited from having any tattoo visible on any part of the body whilst in any of their ADF required uniforms ie on a thigh whilst wearing gym shorts.
You can have tattoos almost anywhere on your body, with a few exceptions. There are some limits to the size and number of tattoos on highly visible areas like the hands, neck, and behind the ears. Tattoos in the mouth, ears, or on the eyelids are not allowed. It's possible to get a waiver in some instances.
Like mentioned previously, it really depends on the service and area. In my area for the Army tattoo ETP is usually a 72 hour turnaround. Dependency depends on the approval level but typically less than a week regardless. Shoot me a DM if you have any questions and don't want to put your business out there!
The Navy has one of the most relaxed tattoo policies compared to the other military branches. Sailors can have neck and hand tattoos as long as they are not larger than one inch in diameter. Tattoos located behind the ears are also allowed.
What can you do if your tattoo doesn't meet military standards? Laser tattoo removal is your best option for getting rid of unwanted ink that violates the military standard. While the military will not pay for your removal, many laser clinics offer military discounts.
U.S. Army Tattoo Policy
As of 2025: Soldiers may have tattoos on the hands, neck (up to 1 inch in all directions), and behind the ears, as long as they are in good taste and not offensive. Face tattoos are prohibited, except for permanent makeup.
Tattoos that are offensive or obscene, ie those that depict sex acts, violence or illegal drugs for example are a no-no. Tattoos on the hand and the back of the neck are now OK. Most soldiers, however, keep their saluting hand clean out of respect. Tattoos on the head and face are unacceptable.
A $2000 tattoo can range from a detailed half-sleeve to a large, intricate thigh or chest piece, or even the beginning of a full back or sleeve, often taking multiple sessions and significant artist hours (8+ hours) for complex designs, but it depends heavily on the artist's skill, location, and the design's intricacy.
Workplaces Tattoo Policies
Put more simply, beards are allowed, but they must be authorised.
Items such as pocketknives, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, clubs, batons, brass knuckles, straight razors and ice picks are not allowed. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, chewing tobacco, disposable lighters and lighter fluid will be confiscated when you arrive at basic training.
Tattoos in the military cannot feature vulgarity, nudity, graphic violence, or any sentiments that could be considered racist, elitist, or anti-government. If the content of a military tattoo is in question, the decision is made by the soldier's commanding officer.
The ADF has strict policies regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings is accepted on a case-by-case basis by their Defence Force Recruiting. If you are considering getting a tattoo, read the ADF policy guidance as it may affect your application.
Hands, Neck, and Behind the Ears: Hand tattoos are allowed (including a single ring tattoo on each hand), as well as tattoos on the neck or behind the ear that are no larger than 1 inch.
It used to be that service branches banned tattoos exceeding 25% of the body parts they decorated. There were also prohibitions on tattoos below the knees or ankles and separate policies for officers and enlisted.
If you already have a tattoo that doesn't comply with Army regulations, you might still have options. Depending on the tattoo's location, size, and content, you may be asked to remove it. The Army provides some flexibility in this area, and they may give you the chance to correct the issue before enlisting.
It's fine. It's only distasteful to get a military tattoo when you weren't in the military and claim to have served.
Comedian and actor Pete Davidson spent over $200,000 on laser tattoo removal to get rid of most of his extensive ink, a process he said was difficult and required many sessions over several years to accommodate his acting work. He underwent numerous sessions, finding the removal process painful and time-consuming, but necessary for his career and mental well-being, as he often had to cover the tattoos for roles, say reports from late 2025/early 2026 sources according to posts on platforms like Facebook and E! News.
Yes, a tattoo can often be 100% removed, but it's not guaranteed and depends heavily on factors like ink color (black is easiest, yellow/white hardest), tattoo depth, skin type, immune system strength, and aftercare. While many people achieve complete clearance, some might be left with faint "whisps" or ghosting, though significant fading to near invisibility is common, even if 100% clearance isn't reached.
Each branch of the military has their own regulations pertaining to acceptable placement on the body. Unsurprisingly, the Navy is most relaxed in this area, as sailors have a long standing reputation for having tattoos!
Safety and operational effectiveness must be considered at all times. Tattoos. Tattoos, branding and scarification are permitted.
Any tattoos on the lower arm must be at least an inch below the elbow. Marines' tattoos must be at least two inches above the wrist. Marines can have a single band tattoo on one finger. The tattoo's width must not exceed 3/8 of an inch.