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Balancing tattoo passion with Corps standards

Features, On Target  //  October 19th, 2010  //  By Sgt. Kuande Hall

Hey, what’s with the tattoo policy?

As absurd as this question is, it’s one that is asked quite often by those serving in the Marine Corps as well as those seeking to join – and rightfully so.  With Gen. James Amos taking command of arguably the finest fighting force the world has ever seen, it is the question on the forefront of many observers as they eagerly await the defining thumb print the new commandant is destined to leave upon us.

So, what is with this tattoo policy?

Here’s a little history for those who haven’t been following the changes over the past four years. Gen. James Conway decided when he took over that America’s Marines were getting out of hand with the placement and amount of tattoos. Marines were becoming more and more expressive and inventive with the placement of their ink and many Marines had arms and legs full of their self-expression. Conway decided enough was enough. We were losing our professional appearance and with it, our ability to show the world how men and women of honor should carry and present themselves.

Read the Marine Corps tattoo policy.

Not every Marine agreed with our beloved general. The outcry was enormous. “Who does he think he is? He can’t tell me what to do with my body.” Statements like this would resonate in the smaller, lower ranking circles throughout the Corps. Of course, those statements of anger weren’t entirely correct. We all signed the line at the military entrance processing station. USMC, right? (Ask a Marine if you’re unaware of what this particular abbreviation refers to.)

There were consequences to be faced for those who decided to go against the rules.  Get another tattoo that wasn’t already documented in your service record book? Page 11 or worse. Not afraid of a little write up or restriction? How about denying Marines B-billets, severely hindering their professional growth? No more recruiting assignments or drill instructor duties. Marine security guard duty on your sites? Not anymore. Want to reenlist? Not hardly, devil dog. The reigns were drawn in.  Marines were forced to cease and desist, or wait until they discharge from the service in order to continue their tattoo fetishes.

Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a nice tattoo as well as most Marines do. I personally have 19 on my body at this point, of which only three can be seen in standard physical training gear. Well, five if you count the ones on my biceps that can be seen when I want to be extra motivated and were my skivvy shirt one size smaller than it should be, but that’s another issue altogether. Professionally speaking, some tattoos were and do get a little out of hand. And in the end, they do hinder our professional appearance.  How many civilian jobs can you do that allow you to have a colorfully decorated arm with your buddies name and dog tags displayed, reminiscent of a fallen comrade? Just going out on a limb here and saying probably not many.

Some argue differently. Some say that those types of jobs are not for them anyway. Some say Marines are simply falling in line with the general population. If tattoos are viewed as being unprofessional, yet approximately 40 percent of the United States population has at least one tattoo, what does that say about the direction our country is headed? Just food for thought.

I’m certain that a change in the tattoo policy is the furthest thing on the new commandant’s agenda, especially with all the other more pressing issues on his plate. But I just hope he understands and realizes that Marines are watching and waiting, with design pads in hand, and needles ready to be put to use. But you might want to reevaluate your priorities before you head to the tattoo shop.

For a more in-depth analysis of the Marine Corps’ new tattoo policy and how it may affect you, read the article in Marines Magazine.

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  • CplGeist

    Let me get this straight. First we’re going to whine and snivel over people willing to put themselves in potential harms’ way not having any tattoos, but then we’re going to go “sleeves down” all year long ? What difference does it make? What happened to ever-changing, ever-growing, ever-improving? Oh so a grunt cant have markings on his skin but then we’re going to have him cammy-up anyway.

    What if a guy going into the grunts wanted to digiflauge his skin? May sound silly but how would that be in any way “visually offensive” given that his job would not require him to be in the public eye anyway? If anything there should be seperate body marking standards per MOS. But even the recruitrs who hang around high school are probably talking to the kids who both might have a higher interest level in joining, and probably already have tats.

    And what about the issue of Racism? Wasn’t that about the color of one’s skin? Aren’t the majority taught to ignore that these days?

    Since its becoming a fashion show, why not just convert all uniforms back to the Civil War era, or have officers wear the huge white curled hair wigs in garrison, too?

    Please tell me the Federal Government, and the Marine Corps leadership, have better things to do.

    —-A Marine Corps Veteran.

  • Scarlette Johansen

    Um, excuse me but, I believe you are supposed to capatalize the word Marine. Just so you know.

  • Chaggerty

    My daughter, beautiful 19 year old who just became a Marine and is at MOS got a huge cardinal (bird) tatto on her back. Is this allowed in the Marine Corps?

  • keith g

    I have 2 wrist tattoos and was unable to join unless I removed them, which I would willingly do, but they have no financial assistance for it or anything, and its funny because I aspire to be a tattoo artist when im done in the marine corp, and last time I checked tattoos where for the greatest warriors, its war paint.

  • keith g

    I have 2 wrist tattoos and was unable to join unless I removed them, which I would willingly do, but they have no financial assistance for it or anything, and its funny because I aspire to be a tattoo artist when im done in the marine corp, and last time I checked tattoos where for the greatest warriors, its war paint.

  • keith g

    I have 2 wrist tattoos and was unable to join unless I removed them, which I would willingly do, but they have no financial assistance for it or anything, and its funny because I aspire to be a tattoo artist when im done in the marine corp, and last time I checked tattoos where for the greatest warriors, its war paint.

  • Asizzle248

    I think the tattoo policy isnt fair. Basically its stating that MARINES ruined the chance for new recruits. Thats a fact because now people like me cant join because of a simple tattoo on my wrist. just a name, not vulgar, or racial. so evidentally they couldn handle the marines that were getting tattoos. I think this whole scenario is twisted. Are they trained to not get tattoos or are they molded into well killing machines?? It states that while in service your trained to become better people, or civilians? Well thats not what a MARINE thinks about? Or at least the majority. I could understand if they didn let people in with vulgar or huge tattoos, but why put them all in one category?? If me as a civilian is willing to join and wrisk my life for this country, I think i should be able to join with a little fuckin tattoo on my wrist. They make things too complicated. Then theres the marines that joined before the policy that already had sleeves and such, well isn’t that just a smack in the face for recruits who want to join but get disqualified over one small tattoo on there wrist?? I think anything on the hand nock or head shouldnt be aloud, but dress blues or anything else would cover my tattoo. But my names alden little anyone have anything to say they can reply to see ya

  • Chris_byrd101

    Totally agree with you!!!!!!

  • Chris

    I totally agree with you Sgt. I want to go but I already have a tatoo below the wrist and I am going to still try and get in.

  • Kalvin282

    i keep seeing that people grandfathered for sleeves…what exactly does that mean?

  • Kalvin282

    i keep seeing that people grandfathered for sleeves…what exactly does that mean?

  • Jeremy

    Tattoos are a way that many people choose to express loyalty to an idea that they subscribe to, a person who they love, or a fallen comrade. I don’t have any tattoos right now, and if I get one, it will probably only be for these reasons. I don’t want to condemn people who get tattoos purely to be artful, but I think those tattoos don’t have a legitimate place in the military. The demands of military service place a premium on group loyalty and professional bearing and appearance, and if you have volunteered to join the military, you have agreed to be subordinate to these priorities and make them your own. Deal with it, or don’t join the military.

  • MV

    The US’s FIRST and ONLY memorial to ONGOING wars will be dedicated 14 Nov 2010 in Irvine, CA. The granite holds space for 8000 names from Iraq and Afpak, more than half filled, but it’ll be updated yearly with new names.
    Public invited. northwoodmemorial.com

  • M B

    I have 1 tattoo and I plan to get another one too. I also believe that as long as its not racist or offensive, or just gawdy then go for it. As a Corps, we do need to keep some professionalism and the policy doesnt outlaw tattoos altogether. I think thats where people are getting bent out of shape. Know the rules before you go poppin off at the mouth.
    As far as the sh!tbags and prissy ass MARINES NOT WMs (this isnt back in the day, sorry, and our cammies still dont say things like WM or “female”) thats their NCO’s fault and their peers. I hate to see them with caked on makeup, hair our of regs…just nasties. I lock on whats within my radar and before i left my last command, my Marines had the fear and knew better to even cross that threshold lookin like Lady Gaga. As a whole, we need to get back to our core Corps. Even in the short time ive been in ive seen changes and i dont like it but somebody has to start fixing these problem children.

    Motivator of all, leader of many, Cpl of Marines

  • Stonewall

    How sad that your identity as a warrior is tied to a tattoo.

  • Post Man

    Alot of the post’s talk about IMAGE.. What is the image of a Marine? A trained killer that will instantly follow orders. If image is such a big deal then it should be required to have the tatoo’s that make you look meaner.
    When I was in the regs were to not get a tat below the wrist line and above the neck line. That made you able to wear your dress unifrom and not have any tats seen.. Absolutely nothing wrong with that reg.
    Now on another note if it is gang related boot their a.. out right then.
    SGT. Kay Bay (Kings Bay), 3/8, CBIRF, 3/4, 7th Mar Reg

  • Steve C, Sgt USMC

    Just start handing out brief cases instead of rifles to the new recruits. I guess its ok to wear excessive make-up, be a sh**bird, have breast implants, and be gay are within Marine Corps standards.
    All this tattoo policy crap is forcing good Marines out.

    Thank you for fighting for our country, oh what’s that you have tattoos no you can’t be a DI or a recruiter. There is the door, get out, you look unprofessional.

    Look at your history books people. I met some Marine Raiders from WWII that were sleeved. One of the greatest warriors to ever live.

  • Stephanie Williams

    The Corps has changed so much since I was in and not for the better, in some ways. Back when I was in, they had begun to introduce “stress cards” for recruits to give to drill instructors when they felt they were getting stressed out. I know this policy has been removed, but “stress cards”, really? It makes my skin crawl, just imagining it! Now, this tattoo policy…if it is not vulgar or racist, I cannot see the issue..except the size of a tattoo can sometimes be a bit much. I read an artical recently where a Red Lobster fired a Marine Corps disabled veteran for a tattoo he had. Civilians, which have never served, have so much to say about what is right and wrong about our service men and women and unfortunately, top brass is compromising. Come on, brass, grow a pair and stand up to these civilians! I believe “If you are not willing to stand behind our service members; feel free to stand in front of them” about covers my thoughts on that issue. As a non-active duty, Woman Marine, I do have six tattoos, all that I had done after I was no longer active duty. Tattoos, if decent, are a great image of Marines and sexy to boot!

  • Miwukman

    My son starts his MOS school in a couple of weeks. During the time he was signing up it took almost a year to get our family crest tattoo on his shoulder approved because it is a German family crest and they were overly concerned with it because they wanted to make sure it did not mean something racist or gang related.
    The Marine Corps has changed so much since I was a devil doc in the 80′s and our Comander in Chief was Ronald Regean. The PC policys put into place since President Regean left office has become a big boil on the back side of the corp that needs to be lanced.
    These politicly correct leaders that we have had since my time serving with 2/1 are just rediculous. I am so glad that I was able to serve when I did, I do not think I could serve in todays corps with all the PC garbage that a Marine has to put up with.
    A Marines job is to kill the enemy and thats hard enough to do without having to be politicly correct for the liberal wieners running this country.
    Just my two cents…

  • Active SSgt

    I would like to thank all the people who are hiding behind the idea of “setting us up for civilian employment”, “Protecting us from getting denied for B-billets”. I think its a load of you know what from a bunch of people who dont have any tattoos and are ultimately unaffected by any of this. The only thing I can see being a valid argument is prohibiting tattoos above the neckline and below the wrist line, or any tattoo bringing negative attention to our beloved Corps. Not to mention I think tattoos alone are responsible for thousands and thousands of successfull contracts from our recruiters. Im sure all of those 18 yr old high school seniors see the recruiters tattoos as a deal breaker too!

    S/F,

  • Smoke

    I am a former Marine who in 2003 tried to reinlist and had some issues doing so. I had only been out a little less than three years. I was at the “no more than 5 limit” at the time, but long story short I didn’t get back into the Corps. They would rather take a green pea off the street then take a former with the experience and know how. In my personal opinion the Corps is growing weak. Back when I was in, I could see WM’s (women marines) were shown favortism. The top brass, for many reasons many of us will never know are getting caught up with image. I find it ironic, because this same brass is also preaching about tradition and honor! It’s all about political correctness, but in all of our political correctness, we are becoming more and more politically incorrect. Oh well, a Marine isn’t happy unless he’s bitchin’ right. Gotta love the Corps! OOH-RAH, SEMPER FI!

  • Tim Meeks

    Semper Fi Devil Dogs!
    Tattoo away below the neck I say. What’s a Marine without a Tattoo of some sort somewhere on their body? An oddity I would say. Some Marines could care less about the recruitment duties, all they care about is doing the Job they love. Ink, or the lack thereof does not define the character. That is done through the actions of the individual.
    I’m no longer in, but I still think that as long as it doesn’t get infected or cost the Corps money in medical expenses, and now as long as it isn’t gang affiliated then ink away.
    Tim
    0311

  • Daniel Serra

    The previous policy did the job just fine. Why are the top brass in the Corps having this fetish with having Marines be business men. I am a Marine not a Car salesman or Politician or Hedge Fund Manager. The Marines that I think of that were GUNG HO are the ones that tilted their hats to the side, walked with a certain demeanor, I am sure we can all think of something. All of that has given us a certain presitigue and for a lack of a better word “Bad Ass” to the point of the Germans calling us Teufelhunde(Devil Dog). We are mean and green and not polished. I can agree with Gen Conway if he wants B Billet marines to have a certain image, that is fine with me. But too say we are not professional!! Sorry but I will quote my ol’ 1stSgt about that mentality “If it smells like poop? Taste like poop? What is it? It Poop!” And one more thing I am sick and tired of the Marine Corps top brass and senior NCO’s punishing the mass for the few.

  • ryan Brown

    Stephen Crafts-good man

  • Jeff

    I served during desert storm and I couldnt see myself without some sort of symbol representing the Corps and my squad. We had fire teams and all four of us have the same tatoo 4 aces “Hard to Beat”. That to me is a true feeling knowing that you have 3 of the best friends that Marines could have walking beside you. That is my opinion I would to this day walk through the valley for those friends/ band of brothers and know full well they would do the same for me! Tatoos have a purpose and so do the brothers that sport them. Semper Fi!!!!

  • Mike Belisle 79-92 USMC

    I am a marine combat vet. I think tats are OK. They are a long honored tradition among marines. I think that there should be same reasonable limits applied. Such as no tats visible above your collar. We have earned the privelage to have Marine tats on our body. Some Marines however need to use some common sense. If you want vulgarity on your body it should be were it will not be seen by the general public. That could be your grandkids if you if you are alive long enough which I am. Embarrassing moment; Grandpa what does that mean our say,and yes I do have several tats from my USMC days

  • Future of the Marines

    I do not personally believe that this new tattoo policy is relevant i believe that as long as fellow marines are still well disciplined and the most elite fighting force in the world and so long as they are getting the job done as the marines always have i don’t see why having tattoo’s is an honest problem especially when they are in remembrance of fallen comrades and of the corps. that they fight for it shold not matter.

  • Sgt Greg/USMC vet

    Though I understand the importance of self expression, I also did and still do understand the importance of uniformity, command structure and appearance of a professional. And that is exactly what a US Marine is to represent. Tattoos should be allowed on torso arms and legs, not on neck or face regions. All those tattoos that would show while wearing a “bravo” type uniform, should be in good taste and not vulgar or lewd. Semper Fi, always faithful, especially to Corps and it’s standards.

  • Evany

    I completely agree with the changes of the tattoo policy since it can limit the choice of your jobs and many people tend to judge by them, but I also get a bit upset at it… I used to have 5 tattoos when I went to join the Corp, and also a few lbs over weight, which kept me from joining the DEP. When I had finally lost the weight I had to lose they told me we had to send a waiver for tattoos… I had 5 at the time, and out of the 5 only one could be HARDLY seen, considering the facts that it was fading and it was only 1 inch big, the problem was it used to be located on my wrist… so they shot down my chance at becoming a Marine until I got it removed, and now that it’s removed I might have to wait yet another couple of months until it heals so that I can be able to join. Now, don’t get me wrong, you said you have 19 on your body, 5 of those you can see and they haven’t told you anything just because you’re in the service, yet I get turned down because I have 5 tattoos and just one of them that they could barely see a year ago, and am getting turned down for having a scar from the tattoo removal procedure. Now, I’m not giving up on the idea of joining, this is nothing but a speedbump and one of the many sacrifices I am yet to make, but it’s kind of upsetting… Specially when I’m one of the few people who is willing to put my life on the line and don’t get me wrong, I want to be part of the USMC, it’d be the most amazing thing I could do with my life… But I also think the Marine Corp can use someone like me and should not judge me just because of a small tattoo.

  • Justin Petty

    Tattoo is a part of the warrior culture. I dont think there should be a problem with getting tattoos, especially in the enlisted ranks. It really bugs me that in the civilian world though that if I get a tattoo on my forearm that is USMC related it can have an adverse affect on if I get hired or not. Tattoos are a way of exploring ones individualism, and if I am not mistaken, this is the most individualistic society in the world. Yes I agree that there should be ‘some’ restrictions as to what goes on someones forearm. But not be able to have one at all is a little dumb. Come on Devil’s, its 2010! Semper Fi!!!

  • Colonel CJ May

    I would caution you to think before you ink… In addition to the wise admonition given above, many of my friends, who chose to act outside of moderation, in later years had more regret for overdoing it than a sense of pride in their ambitious and artful expressiveness. I would give you my opinion on tatoos, but I chose join an elite organization of warriors, who sometimes have to act and think independent of societal norms (i.e.- make the unpopular decision, if it is the right one). I joined an organization with a certain ethical standard that sets us apart as leaders, not followers. So I will reserve my opinion on tats, and choose not to get one until I am no longer bound to follow the lawful orders of the officers appointed over me. Just food for thought.

  • DevilDog Doyle

    In the professional world, it is unprofessional to have tattoos below the wrist or above the collar bone / neck with professional attire being long sleeve shirts. You dont get much more professional than being a banquet manager at Marriott and having to wear a tux everyday. Marriott didnt care how many tattoos you had so long as when you were working they could not be seen.

    My drill instructors were murals of art. The more tattoos they had, the meaner they were. I left the Marine Corps in 2001 with three tattoos which could not be seen in PT gear. I now have over 30 and still counting.

    My dad had tattoos when he was in the Corps. Back during the mid-60s, the rule was simple. If you got tattoos and it affected your work or PT, then you would be in trouble. Many got infected due to not having clean or sterile environments.

    I can understand the rule trying to protect our image but what of tradition? Marines and tattoos are synonymous with each other but there is a growing gap between military and civilians. Unless you serve/served, you wouldnt understand.

  • Michael Bennett Sgt/USMC

    I do believe that it was said best with the following quote “The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!”

    Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945
    We are known for being the best of the best, and as we all know work hard play hard. Tattoos are the least of the worries in the Corps today. While they are pushing good Marines out of the Corps, they are allowing poolee’s in with waivers for crimes, for drugs, and several other less than outstanding traits. Keep the tattooed Marines in keep the convicts out. I believe that if they want to raise the professional outlook of the Corps letting these kids in with all these legal problems. If they want to keep quality Marines around to raise the bar then even if the do have the courage to express themselves.

  • Mark Bock (USMC 1981-1987)

    Nice article, except for one thing: you never described the “Tattoo Policy”. I still don’t know what it is.

  • walter flynn

    This is simple-no tatoo shall be visible when in uniform (whatever that uniform shall be).

  • Stephen Crafts (PO2 USNR)

    Sir,

    If one is to study the history books and the lineage of the Marines you would find that it is part of our history. I am a former Marine myself. I love to see the Retired Marines, Sailors and see the tattoos on their arms that depict the pride of who they are. Unlike the Army once a Marine you are always a Marine.
    I think it runs hand in hand. We as Marines where once feared and know for our mighty fighting power. But now we have lost that discipline and name. When I was on the Corps, Corporals where feared and you didnt dare walk past a senior without saying Good Morning Sir.
    Where did the discipline go, where did the Marine Corps go. Even know as we speak Gays are being allowed to filter into our ranks.

    So my questions is we are saying REAL men cant have tattoos that honor them and out comrades who gave their lives so that we might be free. Yet we are saying let in the pansies and those who are only there to disrupt the mighty name of the Marines. I say let the tattoos go and kick out all the Gays and once again make the name United States Marine FEARED by ALL.

    Semper Fi

    Stephen Crafts

  • Neighbors

    The only problem I really have with the newest tattoo policy is that it restricts Marines with previously grandfathered tattoos from becoming Warrant or Commissioned Officers, as well as certain
    B-billets. As for getting jobs outside of the Military with an armful of tattoos, with the way the digital world is advancing, it’s almost safe to say that within fifty years (at the most) jobs with human interaction will be in the minority. Just some food for thought.

  • Rachel

    Having tattoos myself, I understand the upset over being told that you cant have “more”. But, you have to step back and look at the bigger issues. First, tattoos arent even “accepted” in civilian business. Why would you expect it to be in the military? Second, there are health considerations to be considered. What happens when these soldiers end up with Hep C or worse HIV from a dirty needle ( not common with todays sterilization processes but still a risk )? Its hard enough for these men and women to get health care after their service as it is, throw in that aspect and they could lose it completely. Third, isnt it commonly said once you sign your papers its known they “OWN YOU”?
    This is just my humble opinion. I completely support ALL of our service men and women. At this point and time, are tattoos really the subject we should be talking about, when they are risking their lives all over the world, for our freedom, and others?
    Semper Fi!

  • Lauren

    I agree, how some marines go a little overboard with tattoos. But, I think those men are fighting for our country and have the right to get tattoo’s if they’d like to, to a certain extent. Maybe, none below the elbow or something, none on the face obviously, or maybe there should be some sort of limit while serving our county. Our first marines back in the day used to get tattoos. I feel like those guys should have the ability to wear their pride for what they do. My husband is one of the only Marines I know without a tattoo! Most of his friends all have them & most of the Marines I see on a daily basis walking around base have atleast a few. So, I agree that it can look unprofessional and that there should definitely be some kind of limit, but not ban them from them all together.

  • Mark Shirley

    What is the current policy on tattoos?

  • carl olds

    i think u should be aloud to have tattoos but to a extent. i dont think there is nothing wrong with a sleeve long as it is apropriate. if u want ur buddys dog tags and dates on u thats ur decision better that then a naked chick or ftw right.

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