Can an Air Force MEPS commander deny entrance for a tattoo that is completely within regulation and guidance?

2016-07-26T16:15:00-04:00

My wife was supposed to ship for basic training today, and she was denied by the commander at MEPS for a tattoo that was previously authorized by the entire chain of command, including the former commander at the MEPS station in Phoenix, AZ. The tattoo in question is completely within regs. Everyone from myself up to a Lt. Col have seen it and judged it as such.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 26 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-07-26T16:24:32-04:00

It may be that the new commander is unaware of reg changes. Or maybe s/he's just a douche. Either way, I'd go to the MEPS senior enlisted (Dunno which branch s/he is, so I can't say 1sg/Chief, etc), and ask for help.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 26 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-07-26T17:23:49-04:00

MEPS commanders are not the approving authority for tattoo exceptions. Each service has different policies and the approval authority level is determined by the service. For the Army, it is generally the recruiting battalion commander.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-07-26T18:11:17-04:00

If the tattoo is within regs they CANNOT deny her entrance so take it higher

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Jul 27 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-07-27T10:07:39-04:00

I have seen applicants leave MEPS, go to the tattoo shop, get the tattoo altered or covered, return and continue processing. Tattoo policies are open to interpretation. It is at the discretion of the approval authority who is signing their name stating the tattoo falls under the guidelines. In my opinion, the tattoo policies were just another hurdle put in place to regulate how many people can enlist at any given point in time.