MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps' new tattoo policy is out, but Marines won't be able to sport the sleeves soldiers are allowed to have or the neck ink recently approved for sailors.

The long-awaited updates to the service-wide policy spell out in painstaking detail where Marines can get inked and how large their tattoos can be.

Exclusive first look at the new 32-page tattoo policy booklet, which includes a copy of Marine Corps bulletin 1020 that was signed by Commandant Gen. Robert Neller. The policy is set to drop Thursday morning.

Some of the rules are slightly more lenient compared to the old policy, which was last updated in 2010. Tattoos on a Marine's biceps that shows in a physical training uniform can now be an inch wider, for example.

But the off-limit spots make it impossible for a Marine to get a full-sleeve tattoo from shoulder to wrist since the area surrounding the elbows are now no-ink zones.

Here's a look at some of the changes:


Unauthorized locations. One of the most important things Marines need to know about the new tattoo policy is where they can't have tattoos. In addition to size and content rules, there are several red-zone areas that are considered off limits:


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•The head and neck.
•The area 2 inches above the center of the elbow and 1 inch below.
•The area 2 inches above the wrist.
•Hands, with the exception of a single band tattoo on one finger that is no more than 3/8 of an inch thick.
•The area 2 inches above and below the center of the kneecap.

Marines can have a single tattoo, collection of tattoos or band tattoo on their arms or legs, as long as they are certain distances from the elbows, wrists and knees. Sexist, obscene, extremist or racist tattoos are still off limits.

Bigger band tats. Marines are allowed to show more ink on their upper arms and thighs. Band tattoos, which circumvent a part of a Marine’s body, can be up to three inches wide or the width of four of that Marine’s fingers, according to the policy.


That’s bigger than the 2010 policy allowed, which specified that band tattoos that showed in PT uniforms could be no wider than two inches.

Measurements. The old policy required that tattoos visible in PT uniforms be able to be concealed by a 5-inch diameter circle. That rule is gone.

Now visible tattoos must be able to be covered by the Marine's hand, with the fingers flat and adjoined and the thumb flush against the side. Think of it this way — your best knife hand must be able to cover your tat.

Ring art. Tattoos on Marines' hands are still a no-go, with one exception: The new policy allows for a single ring-style tattoo on one finger. That tattoo can be no more than 3/8 of an inch wide.

Marines have long complained that the tattoo policy was too restrictive and complicated. Even though it doesn't go as far as some will want, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green said Neller took Marines' opinions into consideration.

"He’s allowed more skin area for tattoos in an effort to balance the Marines' desires with the grooming standards of the Marine Corps," , "He wanted the policy to allow Marines freedom and flexibility to express themselves, while also being clearly written and understandable for both Marines and their leadership."


The Marine Corps puts a premium on maintaining a professional appearance, he said. And even though the Army and Navy recently unveiled far more lenient tattoo policies, Green said that didn't affect the Marine Corps' policy.


The Army dropped its limit on the number and size of tattoos that soldiers can get on their arms and legs when the service updated its body ink rules in April 2015. Face, neck and hand tattoos remain prohibited. Sailors are cleared to get sleeves or tattoos on their necks and behind their ears since the Navy loosened its tattoo restrictions in March to attract more millennials.


But Marines must follow the grooming standards that are unique to the Corps, Green said. "The commandant listened to Marines and took into account some of the individual desires for tattoos," he said, "but we had to balance that by recognizing the fact that America expects our clean-cut ... appearance and uniform regulations."

Tools and enforcement

The Marine Corps has posted pictures, measurement tools and other information on a web page dedicated to the service's tattoo policy. That way, Marines can print out the guidance and bring it to tattoo artists when they get inked.


The new policy, which is meant to be less complicated, eliminates three Marine Corps administrative messages about the tattoo policy and consolidating all of that information in a "one-stop shop," said Sgt. Maj. Kevin Williamson, the top enlisted leader at Manpower and Reserve Affairs' manpower and management division.

"To me, it's easy to understand; it's easy to adhere to — not only as a Marine but also as a leader," Williamson told Marine Corps Times on Wednesday. "It's easy for me to figure out what is allowed, what is not allowed, what is within regulations [and] what is not within regulations."


Updating the tattoo policy has been a priority of both Neller and his predecessor, Gen. Joseph Dunford, who announced in March 2015 that the service would review its tattoo regulations.

"It's taken so long because it was so important to the Marines," Williamson said.


It is up to Marines to work with their unit leaders over the next 120 days to make sure any tattoos they currently have are documented so that they can be grandfathered if they don't meet the new tattoo guidelines, Williamson said. After the 120-day period, "commanders will hold their Marines accountable as they see fit," he said.

Officers, noncommissioned officers and staff NCOs will be tasked with making sure Marines adhere to the new policy.

"We need to make sure that they enforce this policy, that they have reviewed the Marine Corps bulletin and they understand this isn't just a one-time inspection of their Marines," he said. "We're always evaluating Marines. Spot checks are absolutely expected."

Marines who get tattoos that aren't allowed under the new policy will receive a punitive entry in their official military personnel file. They can also face non-judicial punishment or be charged for failing to obey orders or regulations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"Marines need to understand that regulation violations ... have consequences," Williamson said. "Whether it's future assignments, whether it's retention, whether it's promotions — Marines are going to be held accountable."

Spot checks and waivers

Enlisted Marines will have their tattoos checked when they submit their retention package and officers when they get their official promotion or selection board photographs taken.

Marines will also have their tattoos reviewed during semi-annual height and weight verification screenings.

All of the rules apply to tattoos that can only be seen under ultraviolet or black lights, the policy states. Women can also opt to wear slacks in place of a skirt with certain uniforms if they have tattoos on their legs. The policy also allows for Marines to wear crew-neck T-shirts with their blouses in order to cover certain tattoos.

That was a topic that made headlines earlier this year when a congresswoman complained that a female constituent in her district was not able to join the Marine Corps because she had a tattoo that showed with the V-neck T-shirt women were previously required to wear. A March uniform policy change gave female Marines the option to wear white crew-neck shirts with their uniforms.


If Marines considering new tattoos have questions about what they're allowed to get, they should ask their leaders, Williamson said. In some cases, waivers can be issued for tattoos, but the revised policy is meant to reduce or eliminate the need for them, he added.

"Are waivers possible? Absolutely, they are possible," Williamson said. "Are they a guarantee? No, they are not a guarantee."

Marines with tattoos that don't fit into the new requirements who are hoping to complete a special duty assignment need to act fast. Enlisted Marines who are grandfathered in under older policies can still complete SDAs, like drill instructor, recruiting or Marine security guard duty. Otherwise, those out of regs may not be eligible, which could harm their careers.


As under the previous tattoo policy, officers are limited to four tattoos visible when they are wearing their PT uniform. There are no restrictions on the number of tattoos enlisted Marines and officers can have in areas covered by the PT uniform.

"Marine Corps officers are always held to a higher standard, be it Marine Corps grooming standards ... or by leading from the front," Green said.

Neither Green nor the commandant has any tattoos — yet. Green is still considering some Marine-themed body ink.

"If I get one, I think I’ll get an eagle, globe and anchor with the words 'Once a Marine, always a Marine [and] proud to serve country and Corps,'" he said.

Still, Green said he supports the new policy, adding that it's fitting for a service that prides itself on having high standards.

"There is a reason why Marine Corps recruiting has remained so successful throughout the years," he said. "When you ask Marines why they chose the Corps, most will tell you because they wanted to be different. They wanted to be part of something bigger than self — they wanted to be a part of a brotherhood."

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