Do Marines allow tattoos?

Here are the key takeaways for the Marine Corps tattoo policy: You CAN have tattoos anywhere on your chest, back, torso, upper arms, upper thighs, and groin. There are no restrictions as to the size, shape, colors, or number of tattoos. There ARE restrictions on tattoos that are visible outside of a PT uniform.


What tattoos will disqualify you from the Marines?

Marine Corps tattoo policy 2022

Marines can have tattoos on any area of the body, except for the head, neck, and hands in most cases. Banned tattoos include those that are "drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist."

What branch of military does not allow tattoos?

The Marine tattoo policy is the strictest in all the armed forces. Marine tattoos must be entirely covered by the standard physical training uniform, and no tattoos may appear on the head, neck, wrists, knees, elbows, or hands, although one ring tattoo under 3/8 of an inch in width is allowed.


Can I join the military if I have tattoos?

Both officers and enlisted can now tat themselves up as much as they want, as long as it's not on the face or neck. And hands may sport only one finger ring tattoo. The reason for the change is simple: recruiting and retention. Nearly half of young adults have tattoos, and many have several.

Can Marines have full sleeve of tattoos?

Marines can now sport an unlimited number of tattoos on any body part, except the face, neck and hands, with the exception of a single ring-like tattoo on one finger.


How the Tradition of Tattoos in the Marine Corps Started



What do Marines call Army guys?

Three such words are “gyrenes,” “jarheads,” and “grunts.” Their times of origin and usage differ somewhat, but each has the same role in the Marine Corps culture. They have become a source of pride for all Marines.

Can I join the Marines with a wrist tattoo?

Marines are prohibited from getting tattoos on the head, neck, inside the mouth, wrists, knees, elbows and hands with the exception of a single band tattoo of no more than three-eighths of an inch in width on one finger.

Will military pay for tattoo removal?

Generally speaking, visits to a tattoo removal clinic will be on your own dime—the government will not pay for you to have a tattoo removed, nor will health insurance. Fortunately, we do offer special discounts for military recruits, active duty, and veterans – it's our way of saying, “thank you for your service!”


Will military fix my teeth?

While the military does offer dentistry services, there are still strict standards on oral health to prevent the need for excessive dental treatment during active duty and all of the liabilities that come along with tooth pain, infection, and inability to eat properly.

Which military branch is most lenient on tattoos?

Along with the Army, the Coast Guard boasts the most lenient tattoo policy in the US military. There aren't any restrictions on the amount or size of tattoos that Coast Guardsmen can have, and members can even have a ¼ inch wide ring on one finger per hand. Permanent eyeliner for women is also allowed.

Can I get a tattoo before basic training?

Each branch has slightly different rules when it comes to visible tattoos, and some of that depends on the job you have in the military. As a general rule, as long as the tattoos aren't found to be offensive, then it generally isn't a problem. But you may want to call and talk to a recruiter about it.


Why can't soldiers have tattoos?

All five military branches restrict tattoo content. You're going to have to remove any tattoos based on drugs, sex, violence, or gang affiliation. Similarly, your ink cannot discriminate against sex, religion, or race.

Can Navy Seals have tattoos?

Can I be a Navy SEAL if I have tattoos? New regulations allow for unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, and even on the hands and behind the ears. The only places on the body that are off limits are the head, face, and scalp. Tattoos on the torso are also allowed, but they must not be visible underneath whites.

Is the USMC changing tattoo policy?

Under the new guidance, Marines may have tattoos anywhere except the head, neck, or hands. An exception remains for one ringlike tattoo on each hand. Lower-arm tattoos, or “sleeves,” cannot extend farther than the wrist bone.


Do Marines get deployed?

Marine Corps deployment

Many Marine Corps deployments happen on Navy ships, or service members may fly to their deployment location. The majority of Marine Corps deployments include approximately one year of training followed by six to seven months of actual deployment time.

How long does it take to join the Marines?

Before Serving in the Marine Corps

All Marine Corps recruits undergo 13 weeks of Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California.

Why do Marines remove wisdom teeth?

The Marine Corps would prefer that, if necessary, a Marine has their wisdom teeth removed while they are still recruits so that any future training is not interrupted. Once boot camp is over the training becomes more and more crucial to the success of every mission.


Will the military pay for my braces?

Orthodontic braces may be covered under the TRICARE Dental Program. Certain TRICARE beneficiaries may be eligible to purchase dental coverage Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). >>

What disqualifies you from the military?

There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.

What is a Marine tattoo waiver?

Marines have the opportunity to receive waivers for cosmetic tattoos that cover up scars and other body disfigurements. A waiver is granted by a commanding officer and offered on a case-by-case basis. Related Article: Marine Corps Ranks And Pay.


Can you go to the Marines with a hand tattoo?

What Tattoos Are Allowed in the Marines? Marines can have tattoos anywhere other than their hands (with exception to a single ring tattoo), and above the collarbone. There are restrictions regarding content of tattoos, but we'll get to that in a bit. Sleeve tattoos are now allowed but cannot fall below the wrist.

What is the oldest the military will take?

The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is:
  • Coast Guard: 31.
  • Marines: 28.
  • Navy: 39.
  • Army: 35.
  • Air Force: 39.
  • Space Force: 39.


Do hand tattoos disqualify you military?

The Army will now allow Soldiers to have one tattoo on each hand that does not exceed one inch in length. Soldiers also have the option to place one tattoo no larger than two inches on the back of their neck and one, inch-long tattoo behind each ear.


Can you join the Marines with a chest tattoo?

All Marines may have unlimited tattoos on any area of the body that is covered by the properly fitting standard physical training (PT) uniform (e.g., tattoos on chest and back). Officers may have no more than four tattoos visible in the properly fitting PT uniform.

Can Marines have piercings?

As for body piercings, they are not authorized in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marines. Women are only allowed to have earrings, and men are not allowed body piercings of any kind. The rule extends to not only being in uniform, but also in civilian attire when in duty status or while in/aboard U.S. Military jurisdictions.