Which military branch is most lenient on tattoos?

Asked by: Mr. Kraig Tremblay  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (22 votes)

Looking at the leniency of the policies, the Navy has perhaps the most relaxed tattoo policy. Navy personnel are allowed to have neck tattoos, sleeve tattoos, and even tattoos behind the ears.

Which military branch has the most lenient tattoo policy?

The navy has the most relaxed tattoo policy, allowing full hand and neck tattoos.

What branch of military can I join with a hand tattoo?

In the Navy, you're allowed to have hand tattoos provided they don't indicate gang affiliation, aren't racist/discriminatory, and aren't indecent. This means no swastikas, no naked ladies, and that you better have a damn good explanation if you have the letters 'MS' tatted on your hand.

What branches don't allow tattoos?

Military Branches and Tattoos
  • Army: The U.S. Army is relatively lenient. They permit tattoos on the hands and back of the neck. ...
  • Navy: The U.S. Navy is one of the most relaxed. ...
  • Air Force: The U.S. Air Force doesn't permit tattoos on the neck, face, head, or scalp. ...
  • Marines: The U.S. Marines are a bit stricter.

Can I join the military if I have tattoos?

It's against Army regulations to have tattoos that are visible while wearing the service dress uniform. This means hands, head, face and neck are off limits for tattoos. Also tattoos that display hate speech or represent hate groups are forbidden and must be removed or altered before enlisting.

Everything You Need To Know: Army Tattoo Policy | U.S. Army

35 related questions found

How strict is the military on tattoos?

The Army tattoo policy was updated and relaxed in 2022 but is still one of the most strict in the military. It prohibits any tattoos on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands, or above the t-shirt collar. Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited.

Is 27 too old to join the military?

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.

Does the Navy allow tattoos?

Size: The size restriction for visible tattoos is limited to the area of the neck and behind the ear only. As a result of this change, leg and arm tattoos can be of any size. Tattoo on the neck or behind the ear will not exceed one inch in measurement in any dimension (height/width).

What is the Army tattoo policy for 2024?

Army tattoo policy prohibits tattoos on the head, face, neck above the t-shirt collar, wrists or hands other than one ring tattoo per hand that must rest where a normal ring would. Army tattoo policy also states that leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee.

Does the CIA allow tattoos?

However, the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) website states, “Tattoos will not disqualify you from gaining employment at the CIA, and all professionally-qualified persons are encouraged to apply.”

Does the Air Force allow tattoos?

Tattoos, brands or piercings anywhere on the body that are prejudicial, or of a nature that may bring discredit to the organization, are prohibited. There are no size or area limitations for authorized tattoos on the chest (below an open collar), back, arms and legs.

Can you become a Navy seal with hand tattoos?

The Navy tattoo regulations, updated in 2021, are now some of the most lenient in all military branches. Prior rules prohibited any neck tattoos and limited the amount of ink that could be shown on forearms or legs. New regulations allow unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, hands and behind the ears.

Does the Marine Corps allow tattoos?

Marines may have tattoos on any area of the body, excluding the head, neck, and hands in accordance with this Bulletin. Marines are advised there are future career implications regarding the application of tattoos. A tattoo that is not specifically prohibited may still prevent future duty assignments.

What is the most strict military branch?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

Which branch accepts hand tattoos?

The Navy has a more lenient tattoo policy, compared to all the branches. They permit tattoos on the hands and even on the back of the neck. The rules around size and location mainly pertain to the content of the tattoos.

Which field does not allow tattoos?

Healthcare Professionals

More traditional ear piercings are usually accepted, but large tattoos may present problems in being hired to work in certain hospitals or clinics. Tattoos are usually restricted in this field because most healthcare professionals deal directly with patients.

What tattoos will disqualify you from the military?

All five major branches of service agree that there must be no tattoos on these body parts:
  • Face.
  • Head.
  • Scalp.
  • Tongue.
  • Lips.
  • Eyelids.
  • Neck (one exception)
  • Hands (several exceptions)

Will the military pay for tattoo removal?

Now the only way you can get your ink lasered away at no cost is if your commander directs that your tattoo be removed. Usually, command-directed tattoo removal is rare and only issued if the tattoo does not comply with military standards.

How long does the military tattoo last?

Dates for 2024: The Edinburgh Tattoo performances are scheduled from August 2nd to August 24th, 2024. How long does the Edinburgh Tattoo show last? The show lasts for two hours, featuring a dynamic blend of Bagpipers, Marching Bands, military demonstrations, and mock battles.

What is the Navy no touching rule?

Since then, a few dozen women have undergone specialist training to serve on board Royal Navy submarines. All Royal Navy vessels have a "no touching rule" that prohibits intimate relationships on board, but the Navy takes a particularly harsh view when it might affect the chain of command.

What does a bone frog tattoo mean?

The Bonefrog is a sacred symbol in the SEAL Teams that honors those who gave their lives. We believe deeply in our freedom and the American way of life. We served and sacrificed to ensure that every American can live free and pursue happiness and, well of course…. A GREAT cup of coffee!

Is the Navy hard to get into?

This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at United States Naval Academy is 10.8%. For every 100 applicants, only 11 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.

Can a 70 year old join the military?

Unfortunately, the age limit for joining the military currently ranges from 17 to 41 years old. The age limit differs based on branch and type of enlistment.

Which military branch pays the most?

There is no branch that pays more. Base pay at a given grade and time of service is the same across the services. However, total pay and compensation can differ a lot due to allowances and special pays. But those are based on location and duties, not branch-of-service.

What will disqualify you from the military?

Medical Disqualifications
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.