If you have a tattoo and plan on joining a branch of the armed services, there are a few things you should know. While tattoos are not prohibited in military service, any pre-existing tattoo is subject to scrutiny by the military, and must be approved before a candidate may enlist. Your tattoos will be assessed during your standard eligibility physical. In addition to ensuring you meet the physical standards required to enlist, your tattoo will also be subject to approval. Your tattoo may disqualify you for service if it does not comply with regulations set by each branch of the armed services.

Here is the basic criteria considered when assessing your tattoo for military compliance:

Location

The location of your tattoo may be the most important factor considered by the military. The general rule for all branches is that tattoos should not be visible while in uniform. Some branches have more strict limitations than others about tattoos visible in short-sleeved uniforms. However, all branches agree that tattoos on the hands, neck, and face are unacceptable. Some branches also deny entry for those with tattoos on the inside of the mouth. If you have a tattoo that is visible while you wear a long sleeve button down shirt, you will probably have to have it removed before you can enlist in any branch of the United States Military.     

Size

The size of each tattoo is also subject to regulation by military standards. Each branch of the military has various specific criteria for sizes of tattoos based on their location.  Many branches even have policies that dictate the percentage of a body part that can be covered by tattoos. When tattoo coverage is deemed excessive, a candidate is considered ineligible for service.

Subject Matter

When you join a branch of the military, you join a cohesive team working together towards a goal. While there is no defined list of acceptable and unacceptable tattoos, any tattoo that promotes a negative or contentious opinion can get become an obstacle to entering military service. Such tattoos may be considered disruptive and damaging to the unity and cohesion of squads and branches.

Though it is possible to get a waiver for your tattoo, if it is deemed unacceptable for service, in many cases, it is simply easier to have it removed. Certain branches like the Marines do not offer special opportunities, like enlisted-to-officer training to candidates with visible or questionable tattoos, even if they have a waiver. If you’ve decided to commit to a military branch, you don’t want a tattoo from your past holding you back.  

While it used to take as long as a year to remove the most basic tattoos, at Sound Tattoo Removal we can make your skin tattoo free in as few as three months. With better technology and local anesthesia we can have you ready for service sooner, and with less pain. Don’t let a tattoo delay your future military career.

We can help you get ready for your assessment physical. Our advanced laser tattoo removal clinic offers the fastest, most pain-free tattoo removal in the region.

Have a Question?

Speak with a medical aesthetician today: Call (253) 681-5330 (Federal Way or Bellingham).