In recent months, the Marine Corps has revised its tattoo policy to provide greater leniency for enlisted Marines. The new policy aims to balance personal preferences with high standards of professional military appearance and heritage.
1. No tattoos on the face or neck
The Marine Corps is one of the more conservative branches of the U.S. military regarding tattoo policy. Commanding officers want to ensure recruits appear professional without jeopardizing uniformity within their branch. The Corps’ Tattoo Policy prohibits images depicting gangs, drugs, or anything obscene or racist that is likely to shock morality or illicit lustful thoughts. This rule applies equally to both officer candidates and enlisted applicants, except for single ring-like tattoos on either hand. Any tattoo on the chest or back must fall below the collarbone and seventh cervical vertebrae and be concealed by a properly fitting crewneck t-shirt without any part of the tattoo visible.
2. No tattoos on the inside of the mouth
Marines are forbidden from having tattoos inside their mouth, regardless of gender. This rule applies equally to men and women serving. Tattoos must remain short and straightforward as possible to avoid stretching or gags. One exception to this rule applies if you have a band tattoo no wider than three-eighths of an inch on one finger. This size is typical of wedding bands.
3. No tattoos on the wrists
To maintain disciplined, physically fit Marines ready for any mission, the Corps recently updated its tattoo policy. While sailors in the Navy are allowed to get tattoos anywhere on their bodies, Marines are forbidden from bringing any on their face, neck, or hands. Officers and enlisted Marines may wear sleeves, provided their width does not extend beyond the hand with fingers extended and joined thumb flush against its side and thumb against the wrist. A wrist tattoo between the wrist and first knuckle may include one additional hand tattoo no more significant than 3/8 of an inch thick on any finger. Marines are prohibited from getting tattoos that violate good order and discipline, are racist, sexist, excessive, or discredit the Marine Corps. Commanding officers and their chain of command determine whether a tattoo conforms to policy.
4. No tattoos on the hands or fingers
USMC service members are prohibited from tattoos expressing sexism, nudity, racism, or anything that would discredit the Marine Corps on their hands or fingers. This prohibition includes any tattoo that displays symbols associated with sexuality that might bring discredit to their Corps. This includes designs that violate moral values or the spirit of military life or undermine discipline and morale among Marines. This policy applies equally to both enlisted and officer Marines.
