On Thursday, the Marine Corps debuted its latest tattoo regulations, and those Marines will be disappointed because full sleeves are still off limits.
The new policy updates the Marines Corps 2010 attempt to balance good order and discipline with almost every Marine’s desire to emblazon him or herself in tribal tattoos: phrases like “one shot, one kill” and the Marine Corps’ insignia, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
The Marines call this “espirit de corps.”
Though tattoos are still allowed over broad swathes of a Marine’s body, certain areas, specifically around the knees and elbows are off limits, thus disrupting the ability to blanket ink from armpit to wrist or groin to ankle.
Some changes, however, have made the tattoo policy a little more forgiving from years past. A band of tattoos, basically a single tattoo or a cluster of tattoos that wraps around a single area, can now be three inches wide as opposed to two. Marines can also now get single tattoos on one finger, likely a nod toward those Marines who prefer to tattoo their spouses name on their ring finger in lieu of a wedding band. In the past, tattoos on the hand were not allowed.
Gang-related and extremist tattoos are still off limits, though Marines can get brands as long as they conform to the current tattoo policy.
Meanwhile, the Navy recently approved extremely lenient tattoo regulations. Full sleeves, neck tattoos and tattoos behind the ear are all allowed. The Marine Corps, however, still prohibits any tattoos from peeking above the collar of any Marine’s T-shirt. The Army also does not allow neck tattoos but, as of April 2015, soldiers are permitted to get an unlimited number of tattoos on their arms and legs.
The Marine Corps’ new policy has also attempted to streamline the administrative red-tape for Marines getting new tattoos by eliminating prior directives and providing some online tools for those getting body art. In the past, tattoo regulations and enforcement were convoluted and inconsistent. Some units upheld the policy while others did not.
With the new rules, Marines will have a 120-day period to get their tattoos documented by higher-ups. Those with tattoos out of the new regulations could face repercussions in the form of counseling, administrative punishment and difficulty re-enlisting. Enlisted Marines with tattoos that do not conform to the stricter officer standards will not be able to make the jump from enlisted to commissioned. Officers are only allowed to have four visible tattoos when in a T-shirt and shorts.
In the past, Marines have complained that the tattoo policy was one more thing that forced good Marines to leave the service. Many accomplished Marines who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan returned from combat with out-of-regulation tattoos and found themselves unable to re-enlist or administratively punished, despite having spotless service records.
According to the new policy, while certain types of tattoos are permitted, they could still have negative impacts on a Marine’s career, namely for those trying to get certain assignments such as being a drill instructor or recruiting duty.
“A tattoo may not be specifically prohibited, but could prevent future commissioning or duty assignments,” the policy reads.