Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- The idea of what a tattoo actually is, is an absurdity. The thought of sitting down while someone else permanently marks your body with a tool that holds a tiny needle and emits a small buzzing noise usually reserved for dentistry tools, is terrifying.
But, with all of these things being a factor, Marines across the Corps are getting ‘tatted up,’ and need to be familiar with the rules and regulations of tattoos in the Marine Corps.
The guidance issued by the commandant is not intended to discourage Marines from decorating their bodies. Rather, it informs Marines how to stay in compliance while ensuring that no tattoos are of a nature that would bring discredit upon the Marine Corps.
“Whenever I hear Marines wanting to get tattoos, I make sure they know what they’re doing,” said Lance Cpl. Dylan Hainesworth, Marine Corps Air Station New River air traffic controller. “I make sure it’s something that they are willing to have with them for the rest of their life. Tattoos can be covered up, but due to shading and coloring, it may not be completely hidden.”
The Marine Administrative Message 029/10, released Jan. 15, clarifies past and current policies. It prohibits sexist, racist, eccentric, vulgar or otherwise offensive tattoos. Tattoos that express an association with illegal drugs, anti-American content or affiliation to any extremist group or organization are also prohibited. The policy also prohibits tattoos on the head, neck, hands, fingers and wrists as well as full, half and quarter sleeves visible in the standard physical training uniform.
Individual tattoos visible in the PT uniform will be no larger than the wearer’s hand, and officers will be limited to a maximum of four tattoos visible in the PT uniform. Additionally, officers cannot have wrap-around tattoos exceeding two inches in width.
Marines with sleeve tattoos that have been documented prior to the regulation’s change have no restrictions for re-enlistment or promotion. However, they are no longer eligible for any enlisted-to-officer program, recruiting duty or Marine Security Guard duty.
“Now that tattoos can keep you out of special duties or the warrant officer program, Marines need to be more cautious,” said Cpl. Bennett Hendrix, air station food specialist. “You may not know what opportunities you will have in the future, so why limit yourself?”
The Marine Corps isn’t making it impossible for Marines to get new tattoos; the regulations assure the standards of professionalism the Marine Corps is known for continue to be upheld.
“There’s no reason a Marine can’t work within the guidelines set for all Marines,” said Hainesworth. “It’s easy to walk away with a great piece of art as well as stay within regulations.”