View Full Version : Tattoo Policy for officers
bstewar09
05-22-09, 05:29 PM
Is the policy any different?
Its looking more and more like I'm gonna be going to college with an NROTC Scholarship (got the scholarship, waiting on an astigmatism waiver). But I have always wanted to get a tat and was going to get a USMC related one after bootcamp, but now I am going to have to wait until after OCS to do so. That is if the policy is the same for officers as it is enlisted.
Rocky C
05-22-09, 05:38 PM
There is no policy on Branding vs.Tattoos
Check it out, google it.
But then again, it's all about if you can handle the pain/burn!!!
Isrowei
05-22-09, 08:23 PM
Better to wait.
I got out the M.C., went to college, and planned to come back in as an officer, but I was disqualified because I have a tattoo on my forearm. Make sure you read the policy and understand it completely before you go get one.
Rocky C
05-23-09, 03:51 PM
September 09, 2008
Marine Corps News|by Sgt. Scott Whittington
CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — The Marine Corps has updated its policy on tattoo sleeves as it pertains to special duty assignments.
Per Marine Administrative Message 494/08, signed Sept. 4, Marines with tattoo sleeves are no longer authorized to serve as a recruiter or Marine Security Guard. This applies to those Marines who had their sleeves grandfathered prior to the July 1, 2007 deadline, stated in the March 2007 MarAdmin, which prohibits getting sleeve tattoos.
It defined sleeve tattoos as a large tattoo or collection of smaller tattoos that covers or almost covers a person’s arm or leg. This also includes half and quarter sleeves if they are visible in green-on-green, physical training gear.
According to the newly-signed MarAdmin, recruiters and Marine security guards have a significant impact on public perception as they routinely interact with civilians, both at home and aboard, in the daily performance of their duties. Marines, who have been grandfathered, may still apply for Marine combat instructor, drill instructor or Marine Corps security forces guard.
“Sleeve tattoos degrade our professional Marine image,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron McMullen, canvassing recruiter, Recruiting Substation Clarksville, Ind., Recruiting Station Louisville, Ky. “We keep our uniforms pressed, our brass shiny and our shoes polished. Sleeve tattoos don’t fit with that image.”
Marines with tattoo sleeves who are already on recruiting will be allowed to finish their tours however, recruiters wishing to submit a career-recruiter package “may not be favorably viewed” but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The decision will ultimately rest with the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs.
According to Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Nale, career retention specialist, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Marines interested in applying for recruiting or MSG need to get all their tattoos, visible and not visible, documented and entered into their service record book. Any tattoo deemed questionable by the Marine’s commanding officer will be forwarded to manpower and reserve affairs for their review.
Since all Marines’ tattoos are documented before they go on a special assignment, noncommissioned officers are the first line of defense when it comes to a young service member making an irrational decision in ink, according to Gunnery Sgt. Mark O’Hare, company gunnery sergeant, HQSVCBN, MarForPac and former recruiter out of Kansas City.
“As NCO’s, the most important issue is to ensure you’re very familiar with the tattoo policy to include what a quarter, half and full sleeve look like,” he said. “When considering a tattoo, any tattoo as big as your fist and visible in PT gear is most likely not authorized.”
bstewar09
05-23-09, 03:55 PM
Ya I was pretty sure that anything visible in uniform would be a bad idea since officers are supposed to be "gentlemen" and such. But like something on my chest or back? I know anything USMC related will have to wait until after OCS or else I will be claiming a title I have not earned.
Thanks for the update R I.
Rocky C
05-23-09, 04:02 PM
You got it My Brother !!!
Semper Fi,
Rocky
PaidinBlood
05-23-09, 04:12 PM
Ya I was pretty sure that anything visible in uniform would be a bad idea since officers are supposed to be "gentlemen" and such. But like something on my chest or back? I know anything USMC related will have to wait until after OCS or else I will be claiming a title I have not earned.
What would be the point in getting one now? I personally have only one small one but have NO issue with ink. That being said, what possible gain (other than looking "KEWL") could be worth jeopardizing your future or even drawing unwanted attention to yourself? I don't know how much privacy officers receive but for us in a squadbay full of tidy whiteys your choice of decoration can get you eaten alive. It shouldn't even matter what the policy is now (key word, many stnadards are changing like the wind lately as we attempt to find our "new identity"). Just let your own logic lead you down the right road....Good luck to you.
Isrowei
05-23-09, 04:30 PM
I told you the answer but I guess it's not good enough to hear it from the only freaking person who's actually done what you want to do.
You got your answer. It was given straight to you. If your attitude is to question what you're told by a competant authority, then perhaps you have no business being a Marine Officer.
Rocky C
05-23-09, 04:34 PM
I told you the answer but I guess it's not good enough to hear it from the only freaking person who's actually done what you want to do.
You got your answer. It was given straight to you. If your attitude is to question what you're told by a competant authority, then perhaps you have no business being a Marine Officer.
Good Answer LT. Izzy.
Can't wait for the reply :D
Rocky
bstewar09
05-23-09, 04:49 PM
Sorry about that Sir, I wasn't trying to question or ignore what you told me. I missed seeing your post, don't know how it happened, but lack of attention to detail I guess.
By waiting do you mean after OCS, or after TBSl?
Wyoming
05-23-09, 08:25 PM
Sorry about that Sir, I wasn't trying to question or ignore what you told me. I missed seeing your post, don't know how it happened, but lack of attention to detail I guess.
By waiting do you mean after OCS, or after TBSl?
He meant WAIT.
You wanna be an officer of Marines, WAIT.
Jeez, WAIT.
Simply put, WAIT!
Until you are at least 50 and a LtCol.
Listen to the LT. His point was quite clear - Better to wait. He is a homeschooled Mustang. He ought to know just a smidgen. Quit using this as your own chatroom.
WAIT!!!
bstewar09
05-23-09, 08:37 PM
Message received loud and clear Corporal.
Devildogg99
07-02-09, 10:49 PM
If you are coming back in it is best to wait. I just got selected in the ECP program and I had to sign a waiver for two small tattoos on my forearms. Granted I was grandfathered in with a pg11. However, I also signed a form stating if selected I would not get another one till after graduating of which I never planned on it anyway. I ship to OCS Oct 2nd.
Alisium
07-02-09, 10:52 PM
What is the fascination with Tattoos? I'll never understand.
Tattoos are an art form. I only had two when I was in and now and I am sleeved to the elbows and legs are sleeved.
Old Marine
07-03-09, 08:59 AM
What kind of art form? Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Its amazing how many big macho guys I have seen laying on the deck because they passes out after getting their shots and yet these same guys have no problem getting a tat and marking their body for the rest of their life.
skipper72
07-03-09, 09:56 AM
If you need a tattoo "...to fight for right and freedom and to keep [your] honor clean," then get one (or even 20 or more). If that is what it takes for you, then get inked and do not care WHAT rank you hold.
A related example: CMC Dave Shoup told Old Corps officers and SNCOs that they could continue to carry a swagger stick if they felt they really NEEDED one. Nary a one was to be seen the very next day!
DocGreek
07-03-09, 10:07 AM
:evilgrin:....ART?? Grafitti is art, too!! I'll be over to your house tonight, and put some "ART" on your outside walls!!!
A related example: CMC Dave Shoup told Old Corps officers and SNCOs that they could continue to carry a swagger stick if they felt they really NEEDED one. Nary a one was to be seen the very next day!
Perfectly said, Captain! That and Lt. Izzy's advice to "just f8cking WAIT" should get the message through.
You'd think so, anyway. But there I go, thinking without orders ;-)
(and for the record, no problem w/tattoos here, just never saw the point even as a civvie)
SF, y'all!
Alisium
07-03-09, 12:06 PM
The only reason I asked is because there's like four or five threads on tattoos.
It's just crazy.