Can I get a waiver for my hand tattoo?

Jordan A — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:00:03 -0400

Can I give a waiver for my hand tattoo?

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 11 at 2022 2:10 PM

SSgt Mathew Cummings — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:10:01 -0400

Yes, you can get a waiver. It is going to take some work, you must prove you're a pillar of the community and show worth of recruitment. Also depends on the Branch and the District.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Apr 11 at 2022 2:39 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:39:48 -0400

Talk to a recruiter. You won't know until you ask! If you get the waiver let us know. And, if you do make it through boot camp let us know as well. Just remember, if you believe you can earn the title, Marine, and you want it bad enough you can do it. Believe in yourself. Best of luck to you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:46:02 -0400

Not to sound like a jerk here, but it would be easier to just get the tattoo removed then try to get a waiver... I don't know a single person that has received a hand tattoo waiver past 2008. I have sleeve tattoos and would love to get the tops of my hands done, but I just don't see it ever happening. Hopefully whatever you choose to do works out for you! Best of luck!

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 11 at 2022 2:47 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:47:38 -0400

Talk to a recruiter. They are the ones with current guidelines to include the process of requesting waivers. But with that said, if you want to be in the Military and you can have the tattoo removed I would just do that. Cuts down on issues

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 3:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:07:59 -0400

Talk to A Marine Recruiter to see what your options are. Removing the tattoo might an option.

https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Docs/TattooPolicy_Booklet.pdf#:~:text=The%20visible%20portion%20must%20not%20exceed%20the%20bounds,outside%20of%20the%20palm.%20%28f%29%20Elbow%20Tattoos%20Prohibited.

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 4:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:26:01 -0400

You will want to read this link and speak with a Recruiter. Be prepared to be told NO WAIVER. Not saying that is what you will be told...just be prepared to be told it. Best advice I can give...Just get it removed then join

https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/marine-corps-tattoo-policy/

Marine Corps Tattoo Policy - Operation Military Kids

The Marine Corps tattoo policy for 2022 is considered the strictest among the military branches. Read the article to determine what is allowed by USMC.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 11 at 2022 4:43 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:43:28 -0400

Why would you want a waiver, if it is for faith you don’t need a mark to remind you. If it was just a teenage oops then again why do you need it. Not likely to get a waiver any way.

Response by SSG John Oliver made Apr 11 at 2022 8:20 PM

SSG John Oliver — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:20:14 -0400

Looks like a homemade job. I'd bite the bullet and get it removed

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Apr 12 at 2022 12:14 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:14:39 -0400

If you are otherwise qualified you should be able to get a waiver under the new standards. Be prepared to explain what it is and why you got it.