thedrifter
01-12-07, 06:18 AM
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (Jan 12, 2007) -- As the size, frequency and meaning of tattoos continues to change with the times, the Marine Corps will review its policy for the fourth consecutive year this summer to determine what is the best policy, Marine Corps officials said recently.
Marine Corps sergeants major plan to review the policy during the 2007 Sergeants Major Symposium in the summer, according to Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Mastriano, the Marine Corps Bases Japan and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler sergeant major.
According to the current Marine Corps Order, P1020.34G, tattoos or brands on the neck and hands are strictly forbidden. Tattoos or brands on other areas of the body that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited.
Since 2003, there have been several proposed changes. Among them is an initiative to prohibit Marines from getting sleeve tattoos, or tattoos that cover the whole arm.
Though not forbidden, excessive tattoos, especially those visible in service C and summer physical training uniforms, often disqualify Marines from special billets and officer programs, Mastriano said.
Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Marine Security Guard Battalion have strict policies and standards for determining eligibility for recruiting or MSG duty. Applicants are often disqualified for having tattoos that are visible while wearing physical training gear, he said.
The Army recently revised its tattoo policy in an effort to bolster recruitment. The service now permits tattoos on the hands and back of the neck if they are not "extremist, indecent, sexist or racist." Tattoos on the back of the neck can not extend above the class A uniform collar.
Mastriano said the Army's new policy is designed to maintain their recruiting goals, which is a problem the Marine Corps does not have.
"We only have to recruit 30,000 a year," Mastriano said. "The Army has to recruit four times as many. There are many reasons why the population joins the Marines, and there will always be those willing to join the Corps either out of a patriotic sense of duty or adventure."
Those found in violation of the current order or any future revisions may be subject to non-judicial punishment, and staff noncommissioned officers will report violators, Mastriano said.
Marines who currently have sleeve tattoos will be "grandfathered," or suffer no punishment, in the event of a stricter tattoo policy. But Mastriano warns that it can inhibit their careers by affecting promotions and preventing them from serving in special and high visibility billets.
Mastriano also said excessive tattoos can affect a Marine's marketability in the workplace once they leave the Corps.
Ellie
Marine Corps sergeants major plan to review the policy during the 2007 Sergeants Major Symposium in the summer, according to Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Mastriano, the Marine Corps Bases Japan and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler sergeant major.
According to the current Marine Corps Order, P1020.34G, tattoos or brands on the neck and hands are strictly forbidden. Tattoos or brands on other areas of the body that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited.
Since 2003, there have been several proposed changes. Among them is an initiative to prohibit Marines from getting sleeve tattoos, or tattoos that cover the whole arm.
Though not forbidden, excessive tattoos, especially those visible in service C and summer physical training uniforms, often disqualify Marines from special billets and officer programs, Mastriano said.
Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Marine Security Guard Battalion have strict policies and standards for determining eligibility for recruiting or MSG duty. Applicants are often disqualified for having tattoos that are visible while wearing physical training gear, he said.
The Army recently revised its tattoo policy in an effort to bolster recruitment. The service now permits tattoos on the hands and back of the neck if they are not "extremist, indecent, sexist or racist." Tattoos on the back of the neck can not extend above the class A uniform collar.
Mastriano said the Army's new policy is designed to maintain their recruiting goals, which is a problem the Marine Corps does not have.
"We only have to recruit 30,000 a year," Mastriano said. "The Army has to recruit four times as many. There are many reasons why the population joins the Marines, and there will always be those willing to join the Corps either out of a patriotic sense of duty or adventure."
Those found in violation of the current order or any future revisions may be subject to non-judicial punishment, and staff noncommissioned officers will report violators, Mastriano said.
Marines who currently have sleeve tattoos will be "grandfathered," or suffer no punishment, in the event of a stricter tattoo policy. But Mastriano warns that it can inhibit their careers by affecting promotions and preventing them from serving in special and high visibility billets.
Mastriano also said excessive tattoos can affect a Marine's marketability in the workplace once they leave the Corps.
Ellie