Yet another tattoo discussion

2014-07-04T17:00:12-04:00

I think the recent Army tattoo policy changes are doing us more harm than good, especially when it comes to recruiting mission. I'm not even "boots on the ground" yet and I've heard how bad it is hurting our numbers with fully qualified applicants who get DQed by tatts. Never mind my personal feelings about whether or not they are professional looking, the new policy is just bad for business IMO.

As a side note, I think there should be an exception for wedding ring/band tatts on the ring finger. For those who dislike wearing rings or jewelry in general, or for those who are prone to losing or breaking them (like myself lol), I think they should be allowed. Both for enlistees and for those of us who are already in the service. Just my .02.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 4 at 2014 5:16 PM

2014-07-04T17:16:05-04:00

Someone I worked with in my first unit joked about having his ID tags tattooed around his neck. His reason was to ensure they were never lost.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 4 at 2014 5:25 PM

2014-07-04T17:25:20-04:00

So what is your solution to this issue? Great question though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 11:20 PM

2014-07-04T23:20:28-04:00

I think that the regulations were eased a bit in the face of recruiting challenges during the war. I am in the National Guard and have been in management in a corporate setting. I now see the Army in a corporate sitting and it truly runs that way. I often ask myself of what would be the expectation of that situation in a civilian corporate sitting. I would challenge anyone to look at most business professional in a large organization and see if they are comparable to our regulations. I never saw a person in or above my level with sleeve tattoos. The appearance is a bit outside of professional norms. I am not against tattoos, as I have a few and plan on getting more but mine are not shown when wearing PTs. That is just the way it is. I don't think they make you a bad officer as Mad Dog Mattis is awesome but I understand where they are coming from.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 5 at 2014 8:18 AM

2014-07-05T08:18:38-04:00

A great question. I'm not a tattoo fan, but like everything else, I respect the fact that people have the right to do what they want, especially to their own body. When I see a person adorned with fancy arm length or other highly visible art work, and I must say some of it is quite striking, my "first impression" is in line with CPT Private RallyPoint Member 's, "The appearance is a bit outside of professional norms" We are in a generation where "the norm" in many points of view is being challenged, but my definition of "professionalism" keeps biting back at me.

I have not worked for any civilian organizations with a tattoo policy. At my current job, I'm one of the "old fogies" and one of our coworkers who is just shy of 1/2 my age is having work done on both his arms down to his elbows. as we're in the summer months with short sleeves obviously its noticeable. I do see him wearing long sleeves if we have a meeting with external clients. I would never ask if our boss asked him to do so or not but knowing his character he may do it on his own, whether he believes its "appropriate" or not.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 10:51 AM

2014-07-05T10:51:17-04:00

I almost got a wedding band tattooed because I hate wearing rings. Glad I didn't now!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 12:41 PM

2014-07-05T12:41:18-04:00

oops

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 2:13 PM

2014-07-07T14:13:27-04:00

We had some losses in my station day 1 the policy took effect, but the Command asked us to document the names and type of tattoos so they can have ammo to show DA how the policy is hurting the mission like you said.
Me personally lost a great applicant to the Navy because of this regulation. The guy was the "this guy will be a SGM" type, but I guess he will be a great CPO now.
Welcome to USAREC.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jul 10 at 2014 9:13 AM

2014-07-10T09:13:12-04:00

ALCON, FYI and tool kit inofrmation, the recent applications to the Army warrant officer program has 150plus applicants for this upcoming board, 43 waivers for tattoos were ALL approved for applicants to be boarded. That is a testament to it is in G1s hands as to the enforcement of recruiting, due to they allow or deny the waivers which restrict grandfathered Soldiers and NCOs from applying for OCS, G2G and WOCS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-03-10T18:51:12-04:00

I saw this on Facebook today and thought it sums it all up.