Tattoo removal scar and MEPS

[USMC2571]

Well, let us know what happens. It would seem logical that a small scar from a tattoo removal would be a lot better than having a tattoo, which you said you could not get a waiver for.
There are folks here who are much more knowledgeable than I am, and it wouldn't take a whole lot of knowledge to be that way----in the area of enlistment standards.
There is a recruiter on here, let me give you his name via PM.

[KMarie036]

Well, let us know what happens. It would seem logical that a small scar from a tattoo removal would be a lot better than having a tattoo, which you said you could not get a waiver for.
There are folks here who are much more knowledgeable than I am, and it wouldn't take a whole lot of knowledge to be that way----in the area of enlistment standards.
There is a recruiter on here, let me give you his name via PM.

It would seem logical, yes..laser treatment when finished is suppose to leave no scarring, although i'm just thinking if it does in anyway since it's from a tattoo if that could disqualify me...but i could be thinking to deep into it.
I'll definitely keep an update..
Thanks though

[USMC2571]

NO scarring, I didn't notice that the first time.....I hope that no scarring makes a difference and that they would not care if you used to have a tattoo or not.
Interesting, and no way to guess the outcome, unfortunately.
But the wait is suspenseful, I can imagine.
PM that recruiter and see what he says.

[KMarie036]

NO scarring, I didn't notice that the first time.....I hope that no scarring makes a difference and that they would not care if you used to have a tattoo or not.
Interesting, and no way to guess the outcome, unfortunately.
But the wait is suspenseful, I can imagine.
PM that recruiter and see what he says.

I just did, thank you very much for that.
I hope it makes a difference too! lol I mean one of the recruiter recommended getting it removed, so i'm hoping since he advised it that it will be okay after.
Only time will tell I guess. My hope is that if there is no trace of it once it's gone, that I won't need a waiver at all and that way i'm not waiting years and days to get that approved.
But i'll keep an update!

[USMC2571]

Sounds good, let us know, I'd be curious as to what they say about it.

[Old Marine]

Once the tat is removed if it does leave a scar so what. People get scars from numerous things during their life. A scar, is a scar, is a scar. In my mind I do not see anything wrong with it. But when I was active duty Marines had tats on their bodies, however I never saw any on the neck, face, ears. Tats can and do get out of control, and that is why there are tat regulations these days.

[USNAviator]

Once the tat is removed if it does leave a scar so what. People get scars from numerous things during their life. A scar, is a scar, is a scar. In my mind I do not see anything wrong with it. But when I was active duty Marines had tats on their bodies, however I never saw any on the neck, face, ears. Tats can and do get out of control, and that is why there are tat regulations these days.

Exactly Gunny, it's a friggin scar.

But be advised as to why the policy exists

"“A Marine with tattoos doesn’t mean you’re a bad Marine,” said Sgt. Maj. William Wiseman, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major. “However, since tattoos are a visual reminder of your personal thoughts, feelings and ideas, a Marine with visible tattoos may not be the best candidate for a high-profile assignment. Since the Marine Corps has the most recognizable uniform in the world, this makes the Corps a high-profile assignment. … You joined the Corps; the Corps didn’t join you.”

Tats in the civilian world are an expression of individualism. You join the Corps you become one with the whole.

[KMarie036]

Once the tat is removed if it does leave a scar so what. People get scars from numerous things during their life. A scar, is a scar, is a scar. In my mind I do not see anything wrong with it. But when I was active duty Marines had tats on their bodies, however I never saw any on the neck, face, ears. Tats can and do get out of control, and that is why there are tat regulations these days.

Thanks, that was more the input I was looking for. I know how silly it sounds but I also don't know how strict the policy is.

[Old Marine]

From what I read on this forum, it appears that the policy is pretty wishey-washey. Other than that a tat that can be seen when you are in PT gear is a no-no. I believe that even the recruiters are having a hard time understanding the tat policy. However the recruiter is the person who will tell you if you need a waiver. Its his job. I am sure that these tat regulations are because some people have abused their bodies and belong in the carnival freak show. Nothing against tats. I have one that I got as a young Marine in 1953. The only time it can be seen is when i am shirtless because it is on my shoulder.

[KMarie036]

From what I read on this forum, it appears that the policy is pretty wishey-washey. Other than that a tat that can be seen when you are in PT gear is a no-no. I believe that even the recruiters are having a hard time understanding the tat policy. However the recruiter is the person who will tell you if you need a waiver. Its his job. I am sure that these tat regulations are because some people have abused their bodies and belong in the carnival freak show. Nothing against tats. I have one that I got as a young Marine in 1953. The only time it can be seen is when i am shirtless because it is on my shoulder.

That makes a lot of sense. I guess I will just wait and see, nothing seems to certain one way or the other. I am going to go through laser treatment and hopefully it won't leave much behind.

[26XXer]

I'm currently a recruiter, and here's what I've been told...
1. The scar will still require a tattoo waiver, and it's an exception to policy which has to go to the Commanding General for MCRC (Marine Corps Recruiting Command)
2. The waiver will be strongly considered based on the discoloration shown in the picture.
3. Everything else submitted with the waiver will factor in (IST score, ASVAB, etc)
4. There is a strong chance that due to current retention and the pending drawdown that the waiver will be denied...

You will never know until you try however. We've gotten lucky out here on a few waivers, so as long as you don't have any significant criminal history/drug use or anything crazy, you probably have a pretty good shot.

[KMarie036]

I'm currently a recruiter, and here's what I've been told...
1. The scar will still require a tattoo waiver, and it's an exception to policy which has to go to the Commanding General for MCRC (Marine Corps Recruiting Command)
2. The waiver will be strongly considered based on the discoloration shown in the picture.
3. Everything else submitted with the waiver will factor in (IST score, ASVAB, etc)
4. There is a strong chance that due to current retention and the pending drawdown that the waiver will be denied...

You will never know until you try however. We've gotten lucky out here on a few waivers, so as long as you don't have any significant criminal history/drug use or anything crazy, you probably have a pretty good shot.

Thanks for all the information...

referring to this... "4. There is a strong chance that due to current retention and the pending drawdown that the waiver will be denied..."
Does having intentions of the reserve affect this?

[26XXer]

I don't see why it would be any different with you trying to go Reserve. Like I said, they look at the whole person concept, and you have a chance, but it will be a long process so don't get discouraged... you're looking at a 2-3 month wait just to get an answer back once the tattoo waiver is submitted. The reason the waiver has to go so high is because it's a head/neck tattoo which is an extreme no no. I have an applicant I'm working with who has a pencil eraser sized tattoo on the inside of their lip and it's the same stuff...