New SMA learns tattoo policy is still an issue, is it?

I agree. When I got out there was a lot of talks about changing the regs on tats and I felt it was stupid at that time, and still feel it is. Keep tats above wrist, and below the t-shirt neck line and you're fine. I think 90% of the public these days expect soldiers to have tattoos, and if you can easily hide them in your Class As, why should it really matter?

Or by counter point, do those same regulations replace the heart and character shown by those willing to give up everything for others?
CPT Michael Barden

CPT Michael Barden I see your point. I just wish the standards on things such as tattoos and the height/weight policies could be more lenient for the qualities of a soldier that really matter: Self sacrifice, willingness to fight, ability to count on them, etc.

Sad state of affairs really when someone who meets all the standards can join solely to pay back school loans with a lack of will to fight, while a hardcore soldier that is there for all the right reasons can be held back because he inked his body to honor his fallen brothers.

I reject the notion that a tattooed warrior is an unprofessional warrior. I understand that there is still a perception by some that tattoo's are something gentlemen and women don't have... however that's at best an obsolete observation that belongs in a different century.

Holding onto this outdated perception prevents the Army from enlisting a lot of quality recruits and caused many quality soldiers to leave the service. We seem strong enough to do away with outdated concepts about women and gays serving in the military... why can't we do the same with tattoo's?

CSM (Join to see) Definitely! And if we were confined to our bases, or didn't have to have recruiters, I wouldn't bother debating the issue at all.

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS

You can bronze a pile of shit but underneath it's still a pile of shit. The American people know exactly what it's military force does, majority of them actually think we are all just Infantry. My reference by no means implies that I think our military is a pile of shit.

CSM (Join to see) Now now. When Recruiter Bob goes into talk to soccer mom Sally about little Johnny, aged 17, joining the USMC, is she going to be more receptive to someone who is "clean cut" or "rough & tumble?"

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
I was a recruiter, first you have to track down that baby's mama. When you do finally track her down you probably have to wait until the kid is 18 anyway, regardless of how wholesome you look.

Hey Chief, you got that one right!!

Spot on comment.