A: No. While there is clearly some discretion about tattoos that are located elsewhere on your body, anything on your head, neck or face is strictly prohibited.
Tattoo no go areas of the body to join military service
The areas of the body that are prohibited are head, neck and face. Basically if you can see it in your passport photo and when wearing a T-Shirt, that's a no no.
US Army tattoo policy 2022
Specifically, soldiers can now have one tattoo on each hand as long as it doesn't exceed 1 inch in length. They can have one tattoo — no larger than 2 inches — on the back of their neck. One, 1-inch tattoo is also allowed behind each ear.
The ADF has strict policies regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings is accepted on a case-by-case basis by their Defence Force Recruiting. If you are considering getting a tattoo, read the ADF policy guidance as it may affect your application.
The Air Force and Space Force are now allowing tattoos on the neck and hands, a policy change aimed at bringing younger talent into the ranks as the Air Force recovers from one of its toughest recruiting years in recent history.
The neck and behind the ear may have one tat but it should be restricted to one inch. Additionally, tattoos on the torso should not be visible through the white uniform shirt. For the rest of the body, there is no restriction on size and placement.
Generally speaking, visits to a tattoo removal clinic will be on your own dime—the government will not pay for you to have a tattoo removed, nor will health insurance.
Tattoos: legal issues
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, it's a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years. In the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, teenagers under 18 years need to get their parents' permission for tattoos.
The Navy has a strict policy regarding personal appearance. The acceptability of tattoos and body piercings will be assessed on a case by case basis by ADF Careers. If you are considering getting either please contact us for guidance as this may affect your application.
The tattoo policy no longer limits the amount or size of tattoos on the body so long as they are not present on the head, face, ears, neck, elbows, or hands. If you have more questions about the Army tattoo policy, including body art that you are not sure will be authorized, contact a local recruiter.
Tattoos that are offensive or obscene, ie those that depict sex acts, violence or illegal drugs for example are a no-no. Tattoos on the hand and the back of the neck are now OK. Most soldiers, however, keep their saluting hand clean out of respect. Tattoos on the head and face are unacceptable.
One Tattoo no longer than two inches on the back of their neck. However, it cannot extend to the sides of the neck or be visible from the side or the front. Lastly, one-inch-long tattoos behind each ear are now authorized.
The required haircut for a male recruit is a number two all over, so if you want to get your haircut you should choose this style; however, all male recruits will have a haircut in the first week of training, if you have a haircut prior to arrival, you will have it cut again once you get to 1RTB.
During Basic Recruit Training: Leave three weeks after lodging a request (or shorter under extenuating circumstances) if you decide the Army isn't for you. Soldiers: Two to six years. Direct Entry Officers: Three to ten years. Graduate Entry Officers: Three to six years.
In the Royal Australian Navy, serving members may grow a beard but only with approval from their commanding officer. The beard must be complete, joined from sideburns, covering the chin and joining the moustache. A moustache on its own is not permitted.
When can I get a tattoo, piercing or other body modification? Tattoos and branding: if you're under 16, you cannot get a tattoo or be branded. If you're between the ages of 16 and 18, you can get a tattoo or be branded if you have written permission from a parent.
You must be aged 18 or over to get a tattoo. A tattoo studio may ask for proof of age if they think you are under 18. It's illegal to tattoo a person under 18—even if your parent or guardian agrees.
Not without regrets
One third (34%) of Australians with tattoos say that they regret, to some extent, getting a tattoo. One in 7 (14%) have commenced or looked into tattoo removal. “It is my ex-boyfriends initials… now means little but serves as a reminder to think and then think again before I get another tattoo.”
Although it's still in your best interest to cover up your tattoos during the interview process, it's pretty unlikely that a "standard" body tattoo alone would disqualify you for the job. One in five Americans has a tattoo. While ink is more mainstream than ever, face and neck tattoos are still no-gos at work.
Meanwhile in other states, NSW Police, Victoria Police, Queensland Police, and Tasmania Police officers are allowed to have visible non-offensive tattoos as long as it isn't on their face, scalp, ears, neck or hands.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) notes that employees who come from cultures in which tattoos are highly common, highly visible and highly connected to the person's identity, may be inadvertently discriminated against.
The Marine tattoo policy is the strictest in all the armed forces. Marine tattoos must be entirely covered by the standard physical training uniform, and no tattoos may appear on the head, neck, wrists, knees, elbows, or hands, although one ring tattoo under 3/8 of an inch in width is allowed.
Ink Armor sleeves by Tat2X were designed specifically to help people cover up their tattoos. No tattoos in the Army doesn't mean you have to have them removed. Our U.S. Made Ink Armor sleeves can help you comply with military tattoo policy.
The Army updated tattoo regulations (670-1) in April 2015. Plan to remove ink on your wrist, face, hands, head or neck (below the t-shirt line is acceptable) prior to joining. Additional no-no's include tattoos in your ears, mouth or eyelids, according to the regulations.