Disqualified for scarification on wrist

[MarineInMaking]

I posted this a few days ago


"“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.”

Thank you, you have been the only one on this thread that has given me actual information and thoughts concerning my question. It's not looking good, but I still am going too try too get in somehow.

if anybody can give me information like:
When did this policy start/why?
Were there cases similar too mine?
Have there been tattooed marines who have reached high ranks?


I've been researching all day and cannot for the life of me come up with anything.

[USNAviator]

"Long story short i have been disqualified from enlistment for a ridiculous reason. I have a design on my wrist that is from scarification. It's not a tattoo because there is no ink but it was done by a tattoo gun with no ink. This disqualified me because they said it was a tattoo. You can barely see it and they wouldn't have even noticed it if i wouldn't have pointed it out."

We don't make policy here, most of us served for a few years to over 30. We all followed orders, some we did not like but we obeyed.

I'm sorry you think the "rules" are ridiculous but you've been disqualified. End of story, end of discussion. You need to realize that you're not the first and won't be the last and I would suggest if you want to serve your country, try another branch. After all, it's about serving that's most important isn't it?

Good luck to you.

[MarineInMaking]

I would also like too add that I've been preparing for the marines for the last 4 years. I recently got my diploma and have not gone to MEPS yet, just showed the recruiter my wrist and he called somebody too ask if they can get a waiver for it. They said no because it's a tattoo, he then asked if it would be considered a removed tattoo because there is no ink in it. and he said no, it's still a tattoo because it's visible, even though removed tattoos are far more visible than what i have

[MarineInMaking]

"Long story short i have been disqualified from enlistment for a ridiculous reason. I have a design on my wrist that is from scarification. It's not a tattoo because there is no ink but it was done by a tattoo gun with no ink. This disqualified me because they said it was a tattoo. You can barely see it and they wouldn't have even noticed it if i wouldn't have pointed it out."

We don't make policy here, most of us served for a few years to over 30. We all followed orders, some we did not like but we obeyed.

I'm sorry you think the "rules" are ridiculous but you've been disqualified. End of story, end of discussion. You need to realize that you're not the first and won't be the last and I would suggest if you want to serve your country, try another branch. After all, it's about serving that's most important isn't it?

Good luck to you.

i have considered Navy, but if anything will get me into the Marines then i will find it out. I'm not giving up on this so easily, which seems too be the popular answer

and the rule seems ridiculous to me. yes, but that is my opinion. I'm sure there's very good reason behind the rule, but I will find a way past it if there is one.

[MarineInMaking]

again i apologize if i seem disrespectful. That is not my intent. I just need this information and thought the pleasantries would be better left unsaid

[USMC2571]

No one ever intends to be disrespectful, it just happens.

[MarineInMaking]

No one ever intends to be disrespectful, it just happens.

valid point

[MarineInMaking]

i understand you are all my superiors. You have all made it, and i haven't. which is why i've come too this site for guidance. the past 4 years i've been preparing for the marines, too straighten up my life, and because of something i did when i was 16 is preventing me from that. I NEED too find a way around this and your wisdom and experience may hold the answer.

or maybe i'm just doing this for no reason at all, either way i'm not just going too give up 8 hours after hearing the bad news.

[USMC2571]

Josh, none of us are your superiors.
It's all in how someone initially comes across, is all.
No one is lording the idea that they are in or were in and you're not. Many got in in the old days whereas now, they would be disqualified. I am one, I dropped out of high school. Back then they could have cared less, and now they do care. So it all depends on what era we are from. But no one here is your "superior" as such.
Maybe there is a way around this. There are some other tattoo threads on Ask A Marine, if you can take a look there. I'm not sure if they address your exact issue or not.

After seeing the response from someone on Ask A Marine, where you posted this question also, it appears that your chances are slim. Take a look at that post over there, which I think you may have already. I think that person is a recruiter.

[MarineInMaking]

Josh, none of us are your superiors.
It's all in how someone initially comes across, is all.
No one is lording the idea that they are in or were in and you're not.
Maybe there is a way around this. There are some other tattoo threads on Ask A Marine, if you can take a look there. I'm not sure if they address your exact issue or not. Maybe speak to another recruiter.
There are a couple of active duty recruiters right on this forum who may be able to fill you in on exactly what the Corps can/cannot/will/will not do about that policy.
Be patient and wait for one of them to show up here and try to give you some guidance.

Thanks, i'm just upset because my whole life i've wanted this, and now i'm so close just too have the door slammed in my face. I'm going too need the most information possible if i'm going too find a way around this policy with my situation. i was told not too even tell them about it, but i'm not about too get charged with fraudulent enlistmentment.

[Lisa 23]

well i apologize if it seems strange too you, it just seems a little strange too me that a perfectly healthy and bright young man would be disqualified for such a small thing. The whole reason behind the tattoo rule is so that the corps. looks more professional (or so I've been told) which in this case, it's completely invisible too the naked eye unless pointed out and looked at closely under good lighting.

I'm looking for information, not judgment or your opinions.

That's Corps......not corps.

[MarineInMaking]

That's Corps......not corps.

sorry, still learning

[USMC2571]

I know how you feel. And yes, fraudulent enlistment charges can be brought way after you get in, they don't have to do it immediately, or even when they first find out about it. There are guys who are halfway through their enlistment when the charges are filed or the admin discharge board is set up.
Just do whatever you can do, and if you simply cannot get in, then you can possibly get in somewhere else.
The problem is that the Marine Corps has so many applicants that they can afford to be picky.

You're right to at least look around 8 hrs after being turned down, though. But that may be your final answer, and you may have to look somewhere else, to another branch of the military.

[VictoryttBold]

sorry, still learning

Don't sweat it there are Marines on here that misspell it.

[Old Marine]

"It was done with a tatoo gun with no ink" DUHHHHHHHHHH.

Here's your answer again. The Recruiter was given a NO per MEPS, the Recruier relayed the message he got from MEPS to you and the answer is NO. Go to another branch of the military if that is your niche.