I have a couple of small tattoos and I'm interested in joining the military after high school. I've read mixed things about tattoo policies. Can someone clarify if this would be an issue?
In general, the military does allow tattoos, but policies vary among different branches:
- The Army: The Army doesn't allow tattoos on the head, face, neck, or above a t-shirt collar.
- The Navy: The Navy has some of the most lenient tattoo policies, allowing neck tattoos, sleeves, and even tattoos behind the ears.
- The Air Force: The Air Force allows tattoos on the chest, back, arms, and legs, but not on the neck, head, mouth, or face, or that cover more than 25% of an exposed body part. "Offensive" tattoos are also prohibited.
- The Marine Corps: The Marines permit tattoos, but not on the head, neck, inside the mouth, wrists, knees, elbows, or hands (with the exception of a single band tattoo of no more than three eighths of an inch in width). "Offensive" tattoos are also prohibited.
Remember that the decision about whether a tattoo is suitable or not is up to the specific branch and the discretion of the recruiter or commanding officer. If you're seriously considering a military career, it might be worth speaking to a recruiter about your tattoos to ensure that they won't be a problem.
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