Many of our laser tattoo removal patients are young men and women who desire to enlist in the armed services. While each branch has its own specific regulations, earlier in the year the United States Marine Corps updated their tattoo policy seeking “to balance the personal desires of Marines with high standards of professional military appearance and heritage,” according to a statement posted on its website. This new policy has spawned new Marine Corps tattoo removal requirements.
To avoid any misinterpretation, the Marine Corps published a detailed illustration with designated red zones where tattoos are not allowed and a 12-page set of rules which includes the following general guidelines:
- Marines can have an unlimited number of tattoos that are covered by their “physical training uniform,” which consists of a green t-shirt and shorts. But it bans tattoos on the head, neck, inside of the mouth, wrists, knees, elbows, and hands. The only exception to that is a single band tattoo of no more than three-eighths of an inch in width is permitted on one finger. That is the size of a typical wedding band tattoo. The restriction of the elbows means that Marines cannot have full sleeve tattoos.
- Officers are limited to no more than 4 visible tattoos in the standard PT (physical training) uniform, whereas enlisted personnel have no such restriction. One of the changes loosened an existing rule that allowed band tattoos of no wider than two inches; now they can be up to 3 inches in width.
- In terms of the type of tattoos that are barred: Tattoos that express sexism, nudity, racism, vulgarity or anything that is offensive are forbidden.
Inkfree, MD is proud to have helped hundreds of young men and women in Houston, TX, remove their tattoos so that they can enlist and serve this great country. We have pioneered advanced laser tattoo removal techniques to facilitate rapid results for military patients. We know how important it is for both our patients and our military, to remove the barriers to service. Additionally, we offer a 15% discount to recruits across all branches of service. Call us now (832) 478-5669, to schedule your FREE tattoo removal consultation.
Semper Fi.
