thedrifter
04-12-07, 07:45 AM
Alison Walker-Baird
Military Intelligence — Embracing the tat
Originally published April 12, 2007
Young Marines across the country now have to think twice about adding a "USMC" insignia, a snarling bulldog or even a fallen buddy's name to their ink collection.
In hopes of protecting its public image, the U.S. Marine Corps tightened its restrictions this month on tattoos. Effective April 1, the corps banned large "sleeve" tattoos on Marines' biceps, forearms and lower legs, as well as large tattoos on the upper arm that are visible in workout gear.
Marines who have existing tattoos have to document them in their service records and have photographs taken to get them grandfathered in without penalty.
This restriction isn't unusual: Before the new ban, Marines couldn't have tattoos on their hands, and other military branches have their own tattoo restrictions in place. All branches ban certain tattoos, such as those that are sexist, racist or vulgar.
Some say despite its admirable intent, the policy may stifle the increasing trend among many young Marines to commemorate with fellow Marines who were killed in combat large memorial tattoos .
But does limiting the ink mean an end to these tributes, an end to displaying pride in being a Marine or to creating a permanent indicator of the transition from civilian to being forever part of the corps?
The crackdown on ultra-visible tattoos needn't mean losing the camaraderie they signify.
Choosing to decorate oneself in a less public way has already caught on among civilians, at least anecdotally. A small rose on the hip, a child's name over the heart -- these are often selected by average Joes and parents and teens trying to avoid biker-chic.
Marines who are forced to subdue their new tattoos still have their chests and backs as canvases. And the "USMC" letters are etched just as permanently, albeit more discreetly, on the back as the bicep.
Ellie
Military Intelligence — Embracing the tat
Originally published April 12, 2007
Young Marines across the country now have to think twice about adding a "USMC" insignia, a snarling bulldog or even a fallen buddy's name to their ink collection.
In hopes of protecting its public image, the U.S. Marine Corps tightened its restrictions this month on tattoos. Effective April 1, the corps banned large "sleeve" tattoos on Marines' biceps, forearms and lower legs, as well as large tattoos on the upper arm that are visible in workout gear.
Marines who have existing tattoos have to document them in their service records and have photographs taken to get them grandfathered in without penalty.
This restriction isn't unusual: Before the new ban, Marines couldn't have tattoos on their hands, and other military branches have their own tattoo restrictions in place. All branches ban certain tattoos, such as those that are sexist, racist or vulgar.
Some say despite its admirable intent, the policy may stifle the increasing trend among many young Marines to commemorate with fellow Marines who were killed in combat large memorial tattoos .
But does limiting the ink mean an end to these tributes, an end to displaying pride in being a Marine or to creating a permanent indicator of the transition from civilian to being forever part of the corps?
The crackdown on ultra-visible tattoos needn't mean losing the camaraderie they signify.
Choosing to decorate oneself in a less public way has already caught on among civilians, at least anecdotally. A small rose on the hip, a child's name over the heart -- these are often selected by average Joes and parents and teens trying to avoid biker-chic.
Marines who are forced to subdue their new tattoos still have their chests and backs as canvases. And the "USMC" letters are etched just as permanently, albeit more discreetly, on the back as the bicep.
Ellie