Tattoo Regulations in the Marine Corps

Many talented, dedicated Marines were denied reenlistment and promotion due to overly restrictive tattoo policies. However, recently the Corps has begun relaxing its tattoo regulations gradually. Now, enlisted Marines may wear tattoos that are fully covered by their physical training uniform and officers can have four visible ones. The policy continues to ban Tattoos on the head, neck, mouth, wrists, knees or elbows and only allows one ring-like band tattoo on each hand.

Sleeve Tattoos

Sleeve tattoos transform an arm into a colourful canvas for artistic expression. They are usually done as one cohesive theme that speaks volumes about who the wearer is and their values. When choosing a design, remember to strike a balance between dark and light hues. Doing this will add depth and make the piece more visually striking. Consider how well your tattoo will coordinate with your uniform and clothing items such as sweaters or jackets. Important information, like your name, rank or unit number, may be obscured by its design.

Marine Corps Times reported that in the past, Marines with visible tattoo sleeves were barred from special duty assignments that could bring extra pay and increase promotion rates. However, under a new policy, tattooed officers and enlisted Marines can serve in these positions as long as any visible Tattoos that do not fall under physical training uniform coverage are covered up by them.

Band Tattoos

The Marine Corps does not discriminate against people who wear tattoos, though there are certain rules in place regarding service members with tattoos. They cannot have tattoos on their faces, necks, hands or that contain offensive material. Any ink in these areas must be covered when wearing an appropriate PT uniform. The Marine Corps tattoo policy, issued in 2021, has become more lenient since it permits Tattoos on nearly all parts of the body except for head, neck, and hand tattoos (except ring-like Tattoos on fingers). Marines with existing tattoos that fall into these categories may request an exception from their chain of command. However, such exemptions are seldom granted. According to Marine Corps tattoo policy, Tattoos that violate moral standards may be considered offensive as they “offend moral sensibilities with their vulgar, filthy or disgusting content. Such tattoos may corrupt morals or promote sexual thoughts.” Any tattoo found violating these regulations is forbidden and any service members found having them may face discipline or expulsion from the military.

Chest or Back Tattoos

Marine Corps regulations do not specifically ban tattoos below the collar of a shirt or sleeves that extend below it. However, any material that offends modesty, decency and propriety or tends to corrupt morals or incite lustful thoughts is forbidden. Soldiers should cover up as much as possible to comply with military policy and preserve morals. Marine Corps policy recently underwent an update that is less stringent, lifting restrictions on sleeve tattoos while permitting one tattoo each on the back of the neck, around each ear, wrist bone and hand. Any designs associated with extremist ideologies such as gang symbols are forbidden.

Warning to current and prospective Marines: Although the new rules may seem lax, they still carry serious career repercussions for violators who violate them. This can potentially include facing disciplinary actions and being denied future duty assignments according to Marine Corps Times reports.

Facial Tattoos

Tattoos visible while wearing PT uniforms could disqualify service members from certain assignments and cause other issues. Therefore, it is crucial that Marines familiarize themselves with their current tattoo policy before getting inked or adding any body art. Tattoos on the chest or back depicting nudity, vulgarity, or drug-related content are prohibited. Additionally, any material showing gang affiliation, extremist ideology or any other inappropriate material is also not acceptable. Furthermore, facial tattoos are generally only acceptable when religious in nature.

The Marines want their service members to reflect the professional image of both themselves and the nation they defend. This is to allow for smooth operations when deployed to war zones. Therefore, their tattoo policy has tightened over time and continues to evolve in 2021. For more information, please refer to Pet Marine Corps Bulletin 1020.