The Australian Defence Force (ADF) allows tattoos but prohibits those on the face, head, and neck (visible in a passport photo), or anything offensive, while allowing some cosmetic, religious, or cultural tattoos with case-by-case assessment, with policies updated periodically for hands and arms to be less restrictive as long as they're not in passport-photo view. Tattoos must not be obscene, extremist, gang-related, or undermine ADF values, with waivers possible for cultural/religious reasons, so checking with ADF Careers https://hub.adfcareers.gov.au/-/media/ADF/Documents/Tri-Service/Guide_to_Religion_and_Belief_in_the_Australian Defence Force.pdf is crucial.
Tattoos for cosmetic purposes are permitted. Candidates who have tattoos/brands may preclude them from joining the ADF if deemed unacceptable. Consideration of a candidate with tattoos/brands will be made in recognition of their religious beliefs and/or ethnic background.
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.
Lorenzana opposed to lifting of tattoo ban for AFP personnel. MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana opposed the lifting of the tattoo ban for all military personnel. "Any good reason why we will lift it? We would like to keep it that way.
The Marine tattoo policy is the strictest in all the armed forces. Marine tattoos must be entirely covered by the standard physical training uniform, and no tattoos may appear on the head, neck, wrists, knees, elbows, or hands, although one ring tattoo under 3/8 of an inch in width is allowed.
Here's a short list of some of the most common employers that either don't allow tattoos or ask you to cover them up at work:
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.
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.
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Workplaces Tattoo Policies
A $2000 tattoo can range from a large, detailed half-sleeve or thigh piece to a significant portion of a full sleeve or back piece, depending heavily on artist skill, location, color, and detail, often requiring multiple sessions for complex designs. It's usually a large, custom design (like 12+ inches or covering a significant limb area) that takes several hours or more, rather than just a small or simple tattoo, as shown in this example of a $2000 tattoo.
Piercings- all visible piercings can not be taped they must be removed. The only exception to this is a medical piercing which will require a doctors certificate and a pink card from PDNA.
Soldiers are permitted to have tattoos as long as they are not on the neck, hands, or face, with exceptions existing for of one ring tattoo on each hand, a tattoo on each hand, not exceeding one inch diameter, one tattoo behind the ear, not to exceed one inch in diameter, and permanent makeup.
Put more simply, beards are allowed, but they must be authorised.
Certain medical conditions — such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, certain types of mental health disorders and heart problems — can disqualify individuals from joining the military due to the physical and mental demands of service.
The weekends are mostly free still depending on MOS and DS. It is completely varied by ait but mostly sat/sun are free time but that doesn't mean they can leave to do stuff. There are still rules.
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. There's no limit on the number or size of tattoos on other parts of the body.
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.
Comedian and actor Pete Davidson spent around $200,000 on tattoo removal over several years to clear most of his extensive ink for acting roles, finding it mentally taxing and time-consuming, with plans for it to take another decade. He began the process in 2020, viewing it as necessary for his acting career, despite the painful and lengthy sessions.
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.
Safety and operational effectiveness must be considered at all times. Tattoos. Tattoos, branding and scarification are permitted.
No, $200 an hour is generally not considered a lot for a quality tattoo in many areas; it often falls into the mid-to-upper range for experienced, reputable artists, reflecting their skill, custom designs, and the permanence of the art, though rates vary significantly by location, artist reputation, and specialization. While some very in-demand artists charge more, $200 is a fair market value for professional custom work, not excessive.
Having a visible tattoo can prevent you from furthering your career with the government or even beginning one. Many agencies cite professional standards and require their employees or agents to have no visible tattoos.
Much like the teaching industry, doctors are allowed to have tattoos, but there are some considerations to remember. For example, maintaining a professional image is extremely important in the medical field.