As a general rule, the Armed Forces prohibits “tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit to their service. Specifically, all of the policies prohibit content related to extremism, sexism, and racism.
Army Tattoo Policy
It prohibits any tattoos on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or above the t-shirt collar. Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie.
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 Army does not allow soldiers to cover up a tattoo anywhere on the body with bandages or makeup. It doesn't matter if the tattoo is hidden when in uniform or not. However, “permanent makeup” is an exception.
Navy Tattoo Policy and Regulations
New regulations allow for unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, and even on the hands and behind the ears. The only places on the body that are off limits are the head, face, and scalp. Tattoos on the torso are also allowed, but they must not be visible underneath whites.
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. Fortunately, we do offer special discounts for military recruits, active duty, and veterans – it's our way of saying, “thank you for your service!”
Previously, Air Force policies permitted ring tattoos, although they were limited to a single band on one hand. Now, in addition to the ring tattoo, a single tattoo is authorized on each hand not exceeding one inch in size. Additionally, one tattoo on the neck is authorized not exceeding one inch in measurement.
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.
According to the Navy, only the head, face and scalp are off limits. 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.
The Army will now allow Soldiers to have one tattoo on each hand that does not exceed one inch in length. Soldiers also have the option to place one tattoo no larger than two inches on the back of their neck and one, inch-long tattoo behind each ear.
South Korean law permits only licensed medical practitioners, as opposed to tattoo artists without medical degrees, to open tattoo parlors, although it is not illegal to have a tattoo. Only the army prohibits tattoos. People can have tattoos after serving in the military.
The FBI does have strict rules on physical appearance, especially during training, but they don't specifically ban all tattoos.
Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.
Conclusion. If you want to become a pilot, it's best not to get any visible tattoos. Airlines have a policy against allowing pilots with visible tattoos while in uniform. If you don't have any tattoos yet, think carefully before getting one – it could affect your ability to get hired as a pilot in the future.
– Unlimited tattoos between the fingers, as long as they cannot be seen when the fingers are closed. This also does not include the ring tattoo. – One tattoo on the back of the neck cannot be more than 2 inches in measurement. – One tattoo behind the ear no more than 1 inch and not to extend past the ear lobe.
Under the updated policy, hand, arm, leg, neck and ring tattoos may be visible while wearing any uniform combination. Chest and back body art, however, is not allowed to be visible through any uniform combination, including an open-collar uniform.
Tattoos NOT Allowed Because of Content
The Marine Corps tattoo policy for 2022 states that ink is never allowed which is “prejudicial to good order and discipline.” Furthermore, tattoos that are “drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist” are not authorized under any circumstances.
Army personnel can have have tattoos wherever they want, provided those tattoos are in accordance with the U.S. Army's tattoo guidelines. Leg sleeves are fine; arm sleeves are a no go. As far as visibility/blending in goes, these most tattoos are nothing that can't be solved with a long sleeved shirt and jeans.
Neck and sleeve tattoos are allowed. Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular to those currently serving and among those the Navy draws its recruits from. The Navy strives to reflect the nation it serves, to attract, recruit and retain the nation's best talent.
Update! Read our full article on the Marine Corps Tattoo Policy here. Traditionally, the U.S. Marine Corps has had the strictest tattoo policy of all military branches. After all, they want Marines to present themselves professionally, and a clean tattoo-free appearance is their ideal.
You can get a waiver, or you may not need one -- provided that the tattoo is not offensive in any way. Tattoos on the neck above your collar when you wear a regulation shirt, if it can be seen, is disqualifying. Tattoos anywhere that are racist, sexist or offensive in any way are disqualifying.
All hand, arm, leg, neck and ring tattoos can be visible while in any uniform combination, according to the press release, but chest and back tattoos can't be seen through any uniform combination or while wearing an open collar uniform.
Tattoos can be seen as unprofessional by airline companies. They can also be seen as a distraction and something that could negatively affect the customer experience. Airlines want their cabin crew to look professional and neat, and tattoos do not always reflect that image.
While the armed forces have content prohibitions for tattoos, the policies have evolved and become less restrictive regarding size and location. The current policies permit tattoos almost anywhere on the body except for on the head and face.
Those enlisted are allowed to have tattoos just about anywhere except the neck, face, head, scalp, tongue, lips, and hands.