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.
Understand the Regulations Before You Sign Up
All five military branches restrict tattoo content. You're going to have to remove any tattoos based on drugs, sex, violence, or gang affiliation. Similarly, your ink cannot discriminate against sex, religion, or race.
According to the Navy, only the head, face and scalp are off limits. The neck and behind the ear may have one tat but it should be restricted to one inch. Additionally, tattoos on the torso should not be visible through the white uniform shirt. For the rest of the body, there is no restriction on size and placement.
US Army tattoo policy 2022
Specifically, soldiers can now have one tattoo on each hand as long as it doesn't exceed 1 inch in length. They can have one tattoo — no larger than 2 inches — on the back of their neck. One, 1-inch tattoo is also allowed behind each ear.
The ADF has a strict policy regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings will be assessed on a case by case basis by Defence Force Recruiting. If you are considering getting either please contact us for guidance as this may affect your application.
Previously, Air Force policies permitted ring tattoos, although they were limited to a single band on one hand. Now, in addition to the ring tattoo, a single tattoo is authorized on each hand not exceeding one inch in size. Additionally, one tattoo on the neck is authorized not exceeding one inch in measurement.
Under the updated policy, hand, arm, leg, neck and ring tattoos may be visible while wearing any uniform combination. Chest and back body art, however, is not allowed to be visible through any uniform combination, including an open-collar uniform.
The Marine Corps has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to offensive tattoos comparable to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. What is this? The Marine Corps tattoo policy for 2022 states that ink is never allowed which is “prejudicial to good order and discipline.”
Neck and sleeve tattoos are allowed. Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular to those currently serving and among those the Navy draws its recruits from. The Navy strives to reflect the nation it serves, to attract, recruit and retain the nation's best talent.
The FBI does have strict rules on physical appearance, especially during training, but they don't specifically ban all tattoos.
Each branch has slightly different rules when it comes to visible tattoos, and some of that depends on the job you have in the military. As a general rule, as long as the tattoos aren't found to be offensive, then it generally isn't a problem. But you may want to call and talk to a recruiter about it.
Excluding limited exemptions for religious accommodation, the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps have policies that prohibit beards on the basis of hygiene and the necessity of a good seal for chemical weapon protective masks.
As a general rule, the Armed Forces prohibits “tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit to their service. Specifically, all of the policies prohibit content related to extremism, sexism, and racism.
One tattoo on the back of a soldier's neck, less than two inches in measurement. One tattoo behind each ear, no larger than one inch in measurement and not extending beyond the ear lobe.
Additionally, tattoos below the knee and elbow, no matter the size and quantity, are perfectly fine. This means full sleeves are allowed. Hand and ring tattoos are permitted as well.
Navy Tattoo Policy and Regulations
New regulations allow for unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, and even on the hands and behind the ears. The only places on the body that are off limits are the head, face, and scalp. Tattoos on the torso are also allowed, but they must not be visible underneath whites.
Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.
– Unlimited tattoos between the fingers, as long as they cannot be seen when the fingers are closed. This also does not include the ring tattoo. – One tattoo on the back of the neck cannot be more than 2 inches in measurement. – One tattoo behind the ear no more than 1 inch and not to extend past the ear lobe.
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.
If you want to become a pilot, it's best not to get any visible tattoos. Airlines have a policy against allowing pilots with visible tattoos while in uniform. If you don't have any tattoos yet, think carefully before getting one – it could affect your ability to get hired as a pilot in the future.
Both officers and enlisted can now tat themselves up as much as they want, as long as it's not on the face or neck. And hands may sport only one finger ring tattoo. The reason for the change is simple: recruiting and retention. Nearly half of young adults have tattoos, and many have several.
All piercings must be removed prior to in-processing as a basic cadet. Following Basic Cadet Training, females may be authorized to wear one small, spherical, conservative earring per earlobe. Male cadets are specifically prohibited from wearing earrings at any time.
Face, head, neck and hand tattoos are not permitted unless they are small/discreet in size/colour/location and can be appropriately covered while on duty.
Officers serve a minimum of between three and fourteen years and in general, the longer the training required the longer the commitment. That said, you can leave without penalty if, during Basic Training you decide the ADF is not for you. See individual job pages for more details.