Tattoo removal scar and MEPS

[KMarie036]

I am wanting to start the process of joining the Marine Corps, but I have a tattoo (about two inches in length) behind my ear. I know that this is an automatic disqualification and that no waiver could ever get approved for it. So that leaves me with the only option of one, not joining or two, getting laser treatment. I will be damned if that is the thing stopping me from getting in, so I start laser treatments next week. Supposedly although it is a longer and tedious process, it leaves minimal to no scarring. BUT if I am able to get this removed through laser treatments and there is small discoloration or slight scarring, will this disqualify me if the scar is from the removal of a tattoo? And if there is discoloration could I get a waiver for that? I feel like the more recruiters I ask, the more varied of answers I get.

[Wyoming]

See a Recruiter.



(Ain'tcha just so proud of yourself now for getting a 2" long tattoo behind your ear??)

[KMarie036]

So so proud. :/ but I look at it as there is nothing I can do about it now but try to remove it.
Will my answer from a recruiter really differ if I go in and see one? I am over seas right but coming back to the states next week.

[Wyoming]

See a Recruiter.

[KMarie036]

As I said in my last post, I am coming to the states next week, can't see one until then. The point of this post, was to get some sort of input or knowledge of this mean while.. or if anyone knew of someone who went through something similar. No disrespect.

[SlingerDun]

I have a customer who is a former ear/nose/throat surgeon and now specializes in tat removal. She mentioned that many removals are more subtle and less conspicuous than a burn from a spent cartridge that ejected out and lit on a Marines neck, aka muffler burns... hickey etc...

[KMarie036]

"burn from a spent cartridge that ejected out and lit on a Marines neck"

What do you mean by this?

[Wyoming]

Sent you a PM.

[USMC2571]

You might look around here in the Ask A Marine section, there are a lot of questions about tattoos.
I know it's been discussed before, but maybe not your exact situation, but you can take a look and see.

[KMarie036]

You might look around here in the Ask A Marine section, there are a lot of questions about tattoos.
I know it's been discussed before, but maybe not your exact situation, but you can take a look and see.

Thanks, I will keep looking.

[USMC2571]

IfI see anything I'll let you know

[KMarie036]

IfI see anything I'll let you know

Thanks again. I am not able to see a recruiter until next week and this is driving me crazy. I'm worried it may stop me from getting in and i'm looking for anything that may ease my mind until than lol

[USMC2571]

At least it's only next week and not a couple of months wait, but I understand how you feel. I would want to know NOW....But nothing you can do about it right this second anyway, except go ahead with the removal and just see what the recruiter says. But if it were me, yes, I'd be wondering, and wondering and wondering some more.

[USMC2571]

What about calling two or three different recruiters' offices while you are waiting, first thing Monday? Just get some feedback right away.

[KMarie036]

What about calling two or three different recruiters' offices while you are waiting, first thing Monday? Just get some feedback right away.

I have and that kind of made it more frustrating...each one kind of said something different. One said if I get it removed I will be fine but to takes pictures before and after ect. another said I will have to get a waiver after and even then it's not certain because it is "stupid hard" to get into the Corps right now. I mean I know I can't do much cause i'm overseas right now so that's what's making me so anxious about it all, trying to get some input is better than sitting around waiting making myself crazy.