What would happen if I got a tattoo out of regulation?

2018-12-29T11:58:14-05:00

I’m in the army national guard and have a tattoo I really want. It would be in the back of my neck and I know the regulations state that you can’t have them there. But what would happen if I got the tattoo anyways?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-12-29T12:06:00-05:00

PVT Private RallyPoint Member I guess the simple answer is, what is more important to you? Your career in the Army Nat'l Guard, or a tattoo on the back of your neck?
While each commander may take waivers at their own discretion, there is no guarantee they won't look poorly on this decision and deny any waiver. Afterall, it is your decision, and by deciding to clearly violate regulations, you are inadvertently showing how any future decision-making may be done by you.
ALWAYS remember the ripple effect: what effect down the road will your decision today have?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-12-29T12:15:48-05:00

You'll be ordered to remove the offending portion at your own expense or be separated. You could also be the proud owner of a brand new Article 15 in addition to your separation.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 12:28 PM

2018-12-29T12:28:19-05:00

What do you think would happen? Are you serious about your Army National Guard career?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 1:20 PM

2018-12-29T13:20:42-05:00

Anything from getting a counselling and ordered to remove the tattoo at your own expense to being separated for violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. And, if your NCOs tell you not to get that tattoo on your neck....and you do it....then you can add violating Article 91 to that chapter paperwork. So....still really want to get that tattoo on your neck where the regulations (that you clearly stated you understand that you know the regs say you can't) say you can't get it there?

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 29 at 2018 2:50 PM

2018-12-29T14:50:16-05:00

Really? I'll bet you won't like it. And since you went public and basically said "I don't care about regs, I'll do what I want." I would crucify you on the road to Rome as an example to others. I'd include your post as evidence and seek

Forfeiture of all pay and allowances
Confinement for 2 years
Dishonorable discharge

But no one ever found enough evidence to convict me of being a nice guy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-12-29T14:55:15-05:00

I understand what AR 670-1 say about the tattoo policy that you can't have tattoos on the head, neck, face etc unless grandfathered. This may be wrong to say what I'm about to tell you, but it's the truth, you are an adult, so you have to decide what you want to do and deal with possible consequences. Since you said you are in the national guard, I can only guess that you go to weekend duty 1x a month and work a civilian job during the time you are not drilling....... National Guard and Reserves are not as hardcore like active duty unless they are on Active status........ if you do decide to get the tattoo on the back of your neck, ensure that your hair can cover it while staying in regulation. I understand that National guard and reserves drill 1x a month, it's possible your chain of command might let the tattoo slide and ignore despite what the regulation say. Some things can be swept under the rug, while showing up with extreme hair/nail colors, hair extending below the collar, earrings in the ears can't be ignored.............

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Dec 29 at 2018 3:29 PM

2018-12-29T15:29:34-05:00

Sounds like you want to test the waters when it comes to regulations. It's not advisable. The Army will win. Your best bet, wait until your contract is up then go nuts.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 5:26 PM

2018-12-29T17:26:50-05:00

You say you know what the regulation states, but you ask what would happen anyway.
The reg tells you what will happen.
More importantly, it's not just the military.
Getting a neck, (or head) tattoo is a career decision in both the military and the private sector.
You are still young and believe that appearances should not matter. And they shouldn't. But they do. To a lot of people. And a lot of those people are responsible for hiring people in the private sector.
You don't want to be 35 or 40 wondering what kind of better job you would have and what kind of better life you could have made for your family had without a stupid neck tattoo.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 7:27 PM

2018-12-29T19:27:23-05:00

Why does it have to be on the back of your neck? While the public opinion on tattoos is changing, many employers still are not fans of visible tattoos. You wont see much of it on the back of your neck, why not move it down a couple inches?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 7:17 AM

2018-12-31T07:17:36-05:00

Adhere or get out. Your choice

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-12-31T08:40:39-05:00

Private, just don't. Do not throw away a potential career for a tattoo.

You can be looking at Reduction in rank, fofiture of your pay, confinement, a discharge that will negativly follow you, and possibly an RE-3 which will not allow you to join the armed forces again.

Response by SSG Andrew V made Jan 1 at 2019 4:53 PM

2019-01-01T16:53:18-05:00

If it were up to me your treasonous ass would face the firing squad. Not the normal firing squad but the foring squad consisting of all POGs. Im sure you would feel pain with their lack of accuracy. Deliberately gping against the regulation and trying to get the advice of other service members on doing so will not get you into Valhalla following the should be execution. Take your ass to North Korea!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2019 10:45 PM

2019-01-01T22:45:51-05:00

You know the rules and Army says no. If you do, you're in the poo.

Are you related to former US Army NCO James "Same Last Name?" If you are, he'll tell you the same, as well as pointing out that your getting chaptered out is not planning for your future very well.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jan 2 at 2019 3:20 PM

2019-01-02T15:20:44-05:00

Chose between serving your country or your body artwork......it's pretty simple, wait till later after your contract to get the tattoo, maybe by then you will have changed your mind. I am merely speaking as someone who thought about getting one several times and always sided on the side of why push it.