Marine Corps Tattoo Policy Revealed – Can Sleeve Tattoos Still Get You in Trouble?
The Marine Corps has updated its tattoo policy to address recruitment and retention issues. While restrictions have been lifted on some regions of the body, there are still potential career implications for using Tattoos in service.
Sleeves
Marines have often expressed discontent with tattoo restrictions, which have significantly influenced their decision to leave the Corps. Although tattoos that do not comply with regulations may no longer lead to disenlistment or separation, regardless of their service record, Marines with non-compliant Tattoos may still face disapproval or separation. Sleeve tattoos, which cover or nearly cover an individual’s arm or leg from elbow to wrist, can still cause issues within the Corps.
Head
Marines can now get tattoos on their heads or necks, but any markings could still harm good order, discipline, morale, or discredit the Corps. Tattoos in these areas cannot express sexism, nudity, racism, vulgarity, or be associated with extremist groups.
Neck
A crew-neck T-shirt must fully cover tattoos on the neck and should not extend past the collarbone or seventh cervical vertebrae. Offensive, sexualized, racist, or drug-related images are prohibited on neck tattoos.
Hands
Marine Corps members can have Tattoos on their hands as long as they are not visible when wearing their physical training uniform. One ring tattoo per hand is allowed, with a size limit of 1″ across.
According to the Marine Corps, the Tattoo Policy aims to meet the expectations of the American people for disciplined, physically fit service members while eliminating barriers to service. However, visible tattoos while wearing a physical training uniform may disqualify officers and enlisted Marines from specific special duty assignments.
