Marine Corps Tattoo Policy ? What You Need To Know
Marine Corps Tattoo Policy ? What You Need To Know
If you want to be one of the Few and you have or are thinking of getting a tattoo, you should know what the Marine Corps tattoo policy is. The policy has changed over the last couple of years.
In the past, the general rule has been a Marine cannot have a tattoo on their head or neck. The tattoo could not be anti-American, sexist, racist, anti-social, or to have any gang or extremist affiliations.
In 2007, there were additional guidelines (Marine Administrative Message 198/07) place into house after the Marine Corps noticed an increase in “sleeve” tattoos. The Marine Corps considers a sleeve tattoo to be a very large tattoo, or collection of smaller tattoos, that covers or nearly covers a person’s entire arm or leg. When a Marine is in a standard physical training T-shirt and shorts, there can’t be any full, half or quarter sleeve tattoos visible.
Since 2008, Unique Duty Assignments have been affected by an addition to the tattoo policy (Marine Administrative Message 494/08). Marines grandfathered for sleeve tattoos are not authorized to supply as a Recruiter (PMOS 8411) or a Marine Security Guard (PMOS 8156). The new guidelines were made because the Recruiters and Security Guards have a significant amount of contact with civilians and could influence people’s perceptions of Marines. There may be some situations where Marines not authorized may continue to work in their present assignment, but other Marines looking to switch their PMOS will be affected by the new regulations. Marine Combat Instructors (PMOS 0913), Drill Instructors (PMOS 0911) or Marine Corps Security Forces Guards (PMOS 8152) may continue to apply to supply after being grandfathered in.
UPDATE 02/13/2010: The Marine Corps has updated their tattoo policy. For the newest in rank, visit the Tattoo Cover Blog.
*Mo Nelson is the CEO/Co-Founder of a Tattoo Cover Solution Companionship ~ InkArmor.com. If you are a working professional with tattoos, visit the Tattoo Cover Blog today for advise on tattoos and employment, tattoo policy in rank, product Q & A, and more. Join with Mo on LinkedIn.
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