Do you think having tattoos make you less professional and is banning them a violation of your constitutional rights?

2014-05-18T15:16:22-04:00

I would like to know what you think and if it should limit your choices while serving in today's military.

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made May 18 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-05-18T15:40:45-04:00

Tattoos do not make anyone "less professional". Is it a violation of our constitutional right? Nope! If you are a patriot and want to serve your country (yes my personal belief is that it is absolutely dumb that with the way things are in our country and with us waging war on more than one front, that we discredit people because of Tattos) you have to take into consideration that there is a level of professional appearance that has to be up held. We are not a rag tag militia and we should not look like one. I have tattoos and I also have tattoos that would currently get me my walking papers. However, I got them KNOWING that when and if the regulations changed...I wouldn't be on the winning side of any battle. Its very simple. If you have to get a tattoo and want to get inked up, do so according to regulations! We are a professional Army of trained killers and have strict rules to abide by. There are no exceptions. It doesn't make us any "less professional" but it does make us LOOK a little less professional (which I believe is the point in the first place)

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 18 at 2014 4:10 PM

2014-05-18T16:10:09-04:00

No and No.....as for the new regulations, while it is currently unpopular, it will pass and those desiring to go Warrant or Commissioned in the future will know ahead of time what the requirements are and what is prohibited.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 4:54 PM

2014-05-18T16:54:38-04:00

I think the whole stigma of having tattoos & being unprofessional is ridiculous. Most of time they are covered up anyways, and unless they are "offensive" to someone, than why should it matter what is on my body. I understand the whole "looking professional" aspect but, having tattoos does make someone any more or less of a person or performer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-05-18T22:02:14-04:00

I am a senior NCO in Special Forces and 90% of they guys I work with to include myself have tattoos we are the top performers in the Army so who in there right mind would think we are unprofessional? I think the top brass that haven't done a hard days duty in decades should keep their personal thoughts out of regulations.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 10:09 PM

2014-05-18T22:09:55-04:00

Not all tattoos make for unprofessionalism...but there have been some I've seen that I seriously question. Banning them or the regulations in regards to them aren't a violation of your constitutional rights. You absolutely have the right to have them as much as you have the right not to be in the military. Seems harsh but the reality is the military is not an equal opportunity employer. The powers that be set up criteria and either we follow it or get out.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 4:38 AM

2014-05-19T04:38:57-04:00

I am sponsoring am outstanding NCO through the best warrior competition, he has sleeve tattoos nearly everywhere on his body, below the knee, below the elbows on his hand, the back of his neck. He's a strong favorite to win the competition at the ARCENT level and if he does his pictures and tats will be all over the place. I am a little concerned over the tattoo policy. The any might not want this guy as their poster child. We'll soon see.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 4:42 AM

2014-05-19T04:42:41-04:00

This is all part of the draw down of forces. Less qualified applicants, the easier to say no your not getting in.

My problem is Soldiers not being able to commission if they have the tattoos in unauthorIzed locations. That is a violation of rights in my mind, not unconstitutional, but a double standard at a minimum. Why it's it still good for the NCO Corp but not the officer Corp?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 8:27 AM

2014-05-19T08:27:57-04:00

Tattoos don't have an affect on performance nor professionalism. Do people make pre-judgements on people with visible tattoos, yes. And where the Army is trying to show they have a certain image they will restrict. Think of all the commercials to help recruiting. You don't see tattoos. Lastly, I hate that many claim it violates their constitutional right. It doesn't stop you from getting a tattoo based on your decision. It just limits you from becoming a commissioned officer. Those are called rules. Not violations of the constitution. If a organization has limiting rules then you have to abide by their rules because you know the Army vetted changes through all SJA realms.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 8:53 AM

2014-05-19T08:53:29-04:00

Having tattoos does not make you less professional. Nor does banning them violate your constitutional rights. The only problems I find are the people who tattoo their faces, heads, necks, and hands. Those are the only things I would find as being a problem because even civilian employers look past you as a job applicant. Even those people are not less professional, just less presentable to most peoples standards.