Should I report a controversial, potentially compromising, tattoo to my NCOIC?

2018-07-23T21:03:34-04:00

A PVT in my unit has a tattoo of a sickle and hammer on his bicep and "Allegiance to the Soviet Union" on his back in Russian(He said that's what it means I dont speak Russian so I don't know). He got them recently so they wouldn't be on his records and the NCO's here dont interact with us in a way that would allow them to notice them. The question I have is whether or not I am overreacting, and are the tattoos concerning enough to need to be reported.

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Jul 23 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-07-23T21:16:17-04:00

As a PVT, he almost certainly isn't old enough to have been alive when there was a Soviet Union. If they are new enough that he didn't have them when he went to basic, there is one likely possibility, that he got them to screw with people; one unlikely possibility, that he pissed off his tattoo artist and the tattoo artist was screwing with him; and one really really unlikely possibility, that he actually feels some allegiance to the now-defunct Soviet Union and is dumb enough to get a tattoo to show that loyalty while he's in the US Army. That said, you have to decide which you think is worse - not telling a higher up and have the PVT actually do something that shows his loyalty to the Soviet Union (or Russia), or telling a higher up and taking a ribbing for being trolled by his joke. If it were me, I'd run the risk of the ribbing over the risk that he's actually disloyal to the US.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Jul 23 at 2018 9:56 PM

2018-07-23T21:56:18-04:00

You might sit down with your NCOIC and discous it SGT Private RallyPoint Member It could fall in the lines of AR 670-1 (1) Extremist. Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or
symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist
philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender,
or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create or engage in illegal discrimination
based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate
violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S.
Constitution, and Federal or State law (see AR 600–20).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-07-23T22:10:03-04:00

I would say that they don't fall under the category of extremist - the Soviet Union has been defunct for 25 years after all.
However, the statement of loyalty to another nation is concerning and worthy of investigation by the chain of command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 11:29 PM

2018-07-23T23:29:24-04:00

I’m guessing he doesn’t understand the difference between the Soviet Union and Russia; essentially a dumb(er) version of that West Point kid. I would report it. I can’t see a logical reason to not report it, knowing there *may* be a valid reason to have it. And let’s be honest- Putin seems intent of recreating the Soviet Union. See: Crimea. See also: Ukraine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 7:17 AM

2018-07-24T07:17:39-04:00

Report it, but be tactful about how you handle it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 7:19 AM

2018-07-24T07:19:28-04:00

I would say that is cause for concern. I would recommend talking to someone, possibly getting S2 involved, especially if the Soldier has a clearance. That is definitely out of the ordinary.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-07-24T09:57:36-04:00

Remember the West Point cadet that posted the pictures touting communism? He's no longer in the Army. Just putting that out there.

If it bothers you, tell your PSG/PL. My advice is to simply state facts that can be proven. What the tattoo is and what he told you it means. Nothing else. Then let them handle it and dismiss yourself form the situation altogether. Make it clear that you're simply trying to do what's right and that you're not out to get anyone in trouble.

Be advised though that if he finds out you told on him, and the command does nothing about it, it may be uncomfortable for you in your platoon/company. So ask yourself this question, "Is this a hill I'm willing to die on"? If not, let it pass. The tattoo will be seen eventually. Or as you (or he) is about to transfer you can bring it up then.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 24 at 2018 11:21 AM

2018-07-24T11:21:30-04:00

Report is the common answer. How you report determines whether or not you're also the problem. Quiet, respectful, and a motivation of concern. I remember being E-1/2. Peers would do the gotcha tattle telling thing. Not a good exhibit of developing leadership. There's a difference between "LOOK!" and "Hey, my Battle Buddy has recently got some ink that makes me concerned that he's tracking OK. Can you help make sure he's OK?"
If you properly give input, then be observant on how the CoC deals or doesn't deal with it. You'll learn something either way. I'm a bit on the fence with COL Robert Grierson in that going to see the 1SG bypasses a number of NCOs whose job it is to make sure the junior troops are on course. Some of it is your comfort level. Bypassing is an opportunity for you to become the problem as well. Remember, you can always later see the 1SG with "I'm concerned but didn't get any traction from my NCOs in the know". The 1SG will either say "I know about it; don't worry" or "Thanks for the head's up". Either way, your job is done and it's not your problem with what the 1SG does at that point.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jul 24 at 2018 11:56 AM

2018-07-24T11:56:20-04:00

Every brief we get from CI says to report anything suspicious. You could talk to your chain and maybe bring it up to CI and they look into it. This wouldn't really be something S2 looks into unless your S2 has some CI guys in it. I think it's the allegiance to that is the issue - even if the Soviet Union is defunct. It doesn't hurt to bring it up - better to be safe than sorry.

Response by CPL Mark Greiser made Jul 24 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-07-24T12:01:00-04:00

We had a certified NAZI , with all the regalia Tats. I simply stayed-away from him. Leadership knew and he was about to ETS. Just be safe and never give them an opening.

Response by MAJ Milan George made Jul 24 at 2018 12:08 PM

2018-07-24T12:08:38-04:00

If you feel it's a violation of Army conduct standards, which i believe it could be, then you should report it. It's the same as if you might see a "KKK" or "ISIS" tattoo.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-07-24T12:20:02-04:00

1-800-CALL-SPY

Response by COL William Oseles made Jul 24 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-07-24T14:13:05-04:00

IF his allegiance is to the Soviet Union then he is in violation of his Oath of Enlistment.
Maybe somebody will post a picture of it on social media.
But I agree with the COL about talking with your 1SG.
Those that believe the Soviet Union is dead are ignoring the Putin is trying to restore it under a new name.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 24 at 2018 3:46 PM

2018-07-24T15:46:26-04:00

Since my service spanned the cold war and into the war on terror my views on wearing the hammer and sickle, communism and the former soviet union may be different than some others. I view Communists, Nazis and the terrorists in about the same light. The death toll from the Nazis and communists run pretty close with the terrorists working at catching up. Talk to your SQD LDR, PSG or 1SG about it. If it's nothing... then it's nothing.
I remember the news in the late 80's/ early 90s, some soldiers in the 82nd were flying Nazi flags in their rooms, no one said anything and then they were front and center in a racial incident. Had someone brought the outward indicators of potential radicalization up early; the incident may have been prevented.
Communism is not a friend of democracy, the constitution or our nation. While the soviet union is long gone and defeated like the Nazis their lies still whisper in the ears of those who will listen.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 24 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-07-24T16:21:19-04:00

I think that you should tell your team leader and squad leader that you're worried about them being a possible threat. It's absolutely not absurd to say that you can't trust someone who literally brands themself as a communist and Soviet sympathizer. If no action comes from the team leader/ squad leader level, tell your PSG. At the very least it is the act of someone who is too stupid to trust with your life and at worst an announcement of contempt for the US. Don't worry about being called a snitch. This guy's a communist, so he should be okay with you telling on him. That's what his favorite country was all about.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 24 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-07-24T22:10:23-04:00

Report it- it seems very strange for a US soldier to "Pledge allegiance to a foreign country".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 12:13 AM

2018-07-27T00:13:06-04:00

Do what your gut tells you is my recommendation. As far as regulation goes technically not against the rules.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2020 4:16 PM

2020-05-01T16:16:24-04:00

Hands down let them know. It is considered an idealism that goes against the American Values that he is being paid to uphold. I get the freedom of speech thing, but it has its limits when you decide to sign the dotted line.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2020 3:34 PM

2020-06-12T15:34:25-04:00

100% report to your chain of command and S2. This is a reportable offense and if the individual has a security clearance, its reportable as foreign allegiance to another country.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 10:12 PM

2020-09-27T22:12:56-04:00

So what ever happened with this situation.

Response by 2LT Brian L. made Aug 4 at 2021 7:41 PM

2021-08-04T19:41:54-04:00

Yes

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-08-04T21:23:14-04:00

I would report it. Soviet Union is gone but Putin’s still in charge

Response by 2LT Brian L. made Aug 7 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-08-07T11:52:25-04:00

Did you?

Response by LCpl Samuel Maynard made Sep 2 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-09-02T12:29:56-04:00

report his ass, goes aginst national securety to sport that. normally i would tell you to mind your own buisness but that goes above and beyond what is acceptable.