Army Tattoo Policy

1) show an alliance with "extremist" organizations,

2) are indecent (i.e. those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature; tend to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts,

3) are unreasonably large or excessive in number (i.e. a series of tattoos that cover the majority of one or more limbs

Class A uniform:

A tattoo is prohibited if, while wearing the Class A uniform, it

1) is visible, AND

2) detracts from a soldierly appearance.

Both conditions are required for the particular tattoo to be prohibited.

Under most circumstances, small, inconspicuous, or inoffensive tattoos or brands on areas of the body other than the face, neck or head are not prohibited.

Removal of Tattoos:

MEDCOM may remove tattoos that are not in compliance under the appropriate circumstances. Tattoos will be removed when the soldier asks for assistance AND the soldier is command-referred. The Army may elect not to provide this service for any soldier who voluntarily has a tattoo or brand applied which is in violation of the policy, if applied after 05 January 1999. Be aware that tattoo removal is a multi-treatment procedure. Commanders should take this into consideration when implementing the tattoo policy.

Commanders’ Guidance:

Soldiers should not be ordered to remove tattoos or brands. Rather, soldiers who refuse to have tattoos or brands removed should be counseled. The following points shall be addressed:

1) Ensure that the soldier understands the policy.

2) Ensure the soldier has the opportunity to seek medical advice about the removal of tattoos.

3) Counsel the soldier in writing that he or she does not comply with Army policy and that the decision not to remove the tattoo or brand could result in adverse administrative action, to include discharge from the Army.