With the increased acceptance of tattoos in society, what are your thoughts on Marines not being allowed to be recruiters with sleeve tats?

2017-12-15T00:37:03-05:00

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Dec 15 at 2017 12:40 AM

2017-12-15T00:40:58-05:00

I think it's ridiculous a man can put his life on the line for his country and then he can't be a recruiter because of his tattoos.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 15 at 2017 1:03 AM

2017-12-15T01:03:48-05:00

I think that it is slightly ridiculous to remove qualified applicants from the recruiting pool because of something as trivial as tattoos. That being said, there is a level of professionalism thqqt must still be upheld. I do believe that there should be restrictions in place (i.e. no tattoos that can be visible in class a's). I also believe that content should play a part (i.e. no outright gang related or racist symbols). As far as recruiters go, I think that if they want to be recruiters that they should be able to, given they never go on duty in a uniform where the tattoos can be visible.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Dec 15 at 2017 6:28 AM

2017-12-15T06:28:51-05:00

Back in the day, we were not allowed to get tattoos that would show when you were wearing a short sleeve "Charlie" dress shirt. We also could not get tattoos that had inappropriate messaging on them too. That could get a little slippery at time.

If everyone knows the rules going in, they need to follow them. One of the issues is the rules keep changing. If sleeves are okay, are tattoos up the neck or on the face? How about tattoos down the legs? I don't care what people do in a general sense but there is a level of professionalism that needs to be maintained. The Marine Corps is not a democracy or a biker club/gang or a performance art club.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 6:43 AM

2017-12-15T06:43:33-05:00

Tattoo sleeves do not represent the professional image the Marines wish to present. I see zero problem for any service, especially the Marines, to be selective in who they want to represent them in dealing with fresh recruits.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 15 at 2017 9:53 AM

2017-12-15T09:53:03-05:00

While the acceptance of tattoos is becoming common, there are still places where the folks who are heavily tattooed are viewed with skepticism .
Before everyone has a melt down and jumps on the happy horse of universal love and acceptance think of this; if you are in east bumfuck USA and the only folks you run into that are tatted to the nines are the dopers and motor cycle gang members, and SGT Marine the recruiter shows up at your door in the uniform ensemble that has short sleeves and every inch of space from the sleeve bottom to his fingers is covered in art like the dopers and bike gang guys, and this Troop is already an outsider to the community what do you think Ma and Pa's impression will be.
Being from the back woods myself I understand the reasons for the policy and while I'm not a fan of it, I think the Marines are being wise and have a grasp of what they need to do to protect and project their brand to the public.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 15 at 2017 11:53 AM

2017-12-15T11:53:42-05:00

When I was seeking admission to the Naval Academy, the question of tattoos came up. We had to declare ANY "permanent, artificial, markings or scars of the skin." My Blue and Gold Officer emphasized this repeatedly. In 7th grade G-shop we had those pencil sharpeners that gave drafting pencils incredibly sharp points. One kid was a real jackass and went around poking people with his sharpened pencil and it left marks. I have 4 different small "point tattoos" on my left knee. The jackass sat to my right. (after the fourth time I tattoo his eye temporarily black and swollen shut). I had to submit a photograph of my knee with my application package. I caught crap for my "tattoos" all plebe year.