Army releases latest policies on tattoos. Exception to Policy not required for grandfathered Tattoos to receive an Officer commission.

LTC Paul Heinlein — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:48:41 -0400

To maintain the professional appearance of the force, the Army dialed back the number, size and placement of tattoos in the March regulation. Previously authorized tattoos were "grandfathered" in, but Soldiers hoping to become an officer had to get an exception to the policy. The updated regulation takes into account that previously authorized tattoos should not prevent a Soldier from becoming an officer, but that candidates are to be evaluated based on the whole Soldier concept, or all characteristics of a Soldier.

Say what???????

The Army says for current Soldiers "candidates are to be evaluated based on the whole Soldier concept, or all characteristics of a Soldier.", but if you came in the Army too late, now you are going to be judged by how many tattoos you have?

Where is the operational requirement for that policy? I came into the Army on Monday with X amount of tattoos...I'm good..you came in on Tuesday, sorry you are not good enough to be an officer because you have X amount tattoos?

In my opinion, this policy is arbitrary and prejudicial. How is what day you came in the Army change your ability to present a professional appearance? Also, define a professional appearance for someone who's primary mission is to "engage the enemies of the United States in Close Combat?"

I have no tattoos, but how does the number of tattoos you have impact your ability to do your mission effectively, assuming the tattoos are not offensive in nature?

Commence the brow beating...