Current Tattoo Policy

I was just having this same conversation with the EKG technician at the VA Hospital today.  He and I both agree with the previous policy of "as long as it cannot be seen in the Class A uniform".  Having tattoos does not make a Soldier (or any person for that matter) any less professional than someone who has none.  As Soldiers we need to present a professional image when in a professional uniform.  I have no issues with tattoos (that are not vulgar or derogatory) being visible in summer PTs because the PT uniform is not supposed to be a professional uniform.  It is a common uniform worn for conducting physical exercise.  As long as tattoos are not seen in ACUs or ASUs I see no problems.  I do have to say, however, I have met and served with Soldiers who are dead-on when it comes to their jobs who are visibly tattooed in their ACUs.  While great at what they do, to me, they just do not present a professional image.

The biggest difference between people that have tattoo's and those who don't; people with tattoo's don't look negatively on those who don't.

Tattoos are part of military culture/heritage.  With that said, they are not for everyone. They should be fully acceptable, and should not be part of a consideration for promotion as has been discussed in several "threads".  In my "own" opinion, they should be fully covered when in dress uniform (A or better).  They should not be racially motivated, inflammatory or obscene (which opens up a whole can of opinions), or gang related/referencing-goes without saying. It is, like many things a difficult thing to come with a "policy" that works and makes total sense and properly governs their wear.  At the end of the day, what we need to remember is that we are all Warriors (maybe some less than others) but Warriors still and our ultimate job is to pick up a rifle and defend our nation.  So if having a few Tats makes someone feel more of a Warrior, what is the harm?