Do you think that my tattoos on both hands can be waivered?

Adam Seymour — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:40:31 -0500

I got Quoted For laser removal and said that it could take up to 12 months to "clear" the tattoo up from both hands, I Had gotten these as Tattoos for a Really close friend that had passed away they are not gang related and mean Truth (Veritas) and Justice (Aequtitas)

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Feb 5 at 2021 2:43 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:43:05 -0500

I'm not sure about current regs so don't hold me to this but my gut says no. Normally the military doesn't like tattoos that are located on the face, neck or hands.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 2:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:43:42 -0500

I would say no but, what does your recruiter think? It would be worth sending it up before spending the money, IMO... but I would expect a no go

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 5 at 2021 2:53 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:53:53 -0500

No tattoos below the wrist. They will need to come off. You could always have them put somewhere else on your body if you wanted, but I'd wait until after you are finished with AIT. The regs could change between now and then.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 3:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:16:26 -0500

In my opinion, no. The hands are one of the first things noticed, buy shaking a hand or saluting. Most people aren't going to know off hand what your tatoos say/mean.
Not sure about other branches, but Army Regulation 670-1, Chapter 3 (dated 1-26-2021) states "c. Tattoos or brands, regardless of subject matter, are prohibited on the head, face (except for permanent makeup, as provided in para 3 2b(2)), neck (anything above the t-shirt neckline to include on or inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), below the wrist bone, and hands, except Soldiers may have one ring tattoo on each hand, below the joint of the bottom segment (portion closest to the palm) of the finger. The wrist bone is defined as the joint that bridges the hand to the forearm. Previously documented tattoos on the neck or hands, for which Soldiers have a tattoo validation mem-orandum, continue to be grandfathered. Accessing applicants must adhere to this same policy.
d. Soldiers and applicants, for enlistment or appointment, may not cover tattoos or brands with bandages or make up in order to comply with the tattoo policy."
You can discuss a waiver with the recruiter.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 5:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:19:46 -0500

Adam Seymour Please let us know what the recruiter tells you about your tattoos.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 7:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 19:14:23 -0500

I am currently on recruiting and I would say without question that these would absolutely not get approved. Even more so, there wouldn't even be an attempt. If you are going to remove them, I'd start the process once everything is done and healed. Ensure that you have high enough line scores in order to enlist 18X. So take this time during this process to study for the ASVAB.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 5 at 2021 8:26 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:26:33 -0500

I hope not. Laser removal.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2021 10:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 22:01:22 -0500

I am going to say no. When I say that I am you have no chance at all. The Army is not going to lower any of their standards for a waiver to come into the Army. I don't even think you would get in during the surge with something like that.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Feb 6 at 2021 7:14 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:14:56 -0500

I don’t think so, check with your recruiter they’ll know

Response by Adam Seymour made May 17 at 2021 9:13 AM

Adam Seymour — Mon, 17 May 2021 09:13:42 -0400

im here to say that ive spoken to a recruiter and they have indeed put in a wavier for me and i am currently waiting to hear back, with that being said they fall just at or below the 3" mark and they say thats just at the cut off point, currently in the process of going to MEPS to take the ASVAB