USMC and tattoos

**DBLJ** · 11-12-2010, 05:58 PM

How strict is the USMC with Tattoos? Their site says no bigger then the hand but I have one on my leg that is just slightly larger then my hand. Its a Celtic cross, nothing offensive.

Nick_Knipp · 11-12-2010, 06:04 PM

dont worry too much about it, if they wont let u in with that tattoo. then bite the belt and get that thing off

Gniks18 · 11-13-2010, 04:13 AM

Absolutely no tats below the shoulder or below sleeve area on arm. Can't even reenlist with one. Horse **** if you ask me. If the thing is concealed you're fine, esp. if it's a cross. Exposed leg? I dunno about that one. Shouldn't be too big of an issue.

**AmbuGrl** · 11-13-2010, 07:05 AM

Most of the tattoo policies are for tats that are visible in uniform. Neck, face, arms and hands fall in to this. The leg should be fine.

Kraxen · 11-13-2010, 07:08 AM

you should be fine, they got waivers for stuff like that too

**AmbuGrl** · 11-13-2010, 09:43 AM

Here is the part of the instruction from the USMC uniform regs:

>CH 5 c. Tattoos or brands on the head and neck are prohibited.. Sleeve tattoos are likewise prohibited. A sleeve tattoo is a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, that covers or almost covers a person’s entire arm or leg. Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos that are visible to the eye when wearing standard physical training gear (t-shirt and shorts) are likewise prohibited. A half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoo is defined as a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos that covers, or almost covers the entire portion of an arm or leg above or below the elbow or knee. Tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited. “Prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit to the Marine Corps” may include, but are not limited to, any tattoo that is sexist, racist, vulgar, anti-American, anti-social, gang related, or extremist group or organization related.

>CH 5 (1) Marines who currently have a sleeve tattoo(s) will be grandfathered. The Marine’s command will insert a photograph(s) of the respective tattoo(s) along with a measurement(s) of the size in inches and of the location(s) on the body and the date the tattoo(s) was documented, on the Page 11 of the Marine’s service record book. The Marine will sign the Page 11 entry verifying the information is correct.

>CH 5 (2) The Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) is designated as the adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving retention or special duty assignments. Review of a questionable tattoo(s) will be submitted to DC M&RA (MM) via the reenlistment, extension, lateral move system (RELMS). The package will include a photograph(s) of the tattoo(s), measurement(s) of the size in inches, description of the location(s) and explanation as to why the tattoo(s) has been deemed questionable by the commander. MARADMIN 198/07

Gniks18 · 11-13-2010, 01:21 PM

Eh, they're pretty stingy about re-enlistment these days. Corps is so fat now that my buddy has already been told if he denies orders to a presumably sh***y duty station (3rd enlistment) he'll get hit with an RE code which essentially prevents him from a 4th enlistment. Point is, this ain't 2006 when grunts were being offered 80k on a reenlistment. They can and will be picky.

Ross · 11-15-2010, 07:35 AM

When I was recruiting for the Army (2003-2006) Marines got strict on their tattoos. If you could see it in a PT uniform, shorts and t shirt you were a no go. I put a few people in the Army that originally wanted to go Marines but couldn't because of their tattoos.

Not sure if they have changed but when I was Recruiting there would have been a good chance they Marines would turn you away.

**DBLJ** · 11-15-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

When I was recruiting for the Army (2003-2006) Marines got strict on their tattoos. If you could see it in a PT uniform, shorts and t shirt you were a no go. I put a few people in the Army that originally wanted to go Marines but couldn't because of their tattoos.

Not sure if they have changed but when I was Recruiting there would have been a good chance they Marines would turn you away.

Thats what I'm afraid of.

Nick_Knipp · 11-15-2010, 04:41 PM

Just get rid of the tat. Then the Marines will probably recruit you

YJLover · 11-18-2010, 10:40 AM

Haha.. Actually, there's a loophole to this but goodluck figuring it out..

**DBLJ** · 11-18-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YJLover

Haha.. Actually, there's a loophole to this but goodluck figuring it out..

You are so full of insight and wisdom. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and knowledge.

frankenjeep · 11-18-2010, 07:58 PM

The leg tat will be fine brother. Most of what the tatoo problems are with the ones you can see while in uniform. When I was in I was stationed at mcas pendelton. That's when old sgt q shot our co in mals 39. That's when all the bs started about the tats. I've heard from recruiters too that you can get waivers too as long at its not obsceen or gang related. For some reason they think that people with tats are gang related

0sevenjk · 11-19-2010, 04:50 PM

It must be different, or more lax once youre in. I've got friends with sleeves. No one seems to care. I'll bring the topic up on Monday.

Hell, come to think of it, an old high school friend runs a recruiting station close to here. You want me to ask him?

**DBLJ** · 11-19-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0sevenjk

It must be different, or more lax once youre in. I've got friends with sleeves. No one seems to care. I'll bring the topic up on Monday.

Hell, come to think of it, an old high school friend runs a recruiting station close to here. You want me to ask him?

Yes please.