Can I Get A Tattoo While On Leave From My Mos School Marjne Corps

If you're thinking about joining the Marine Corps and already take some tattoos, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the latest Marine tattoo policy. If you have tattoos that violate the policy as it stands, yous may not exist eligible to join, or you may have to secure a waiver.

If you are already in the Marine Corps and are thinking most getting a new tattoo, information technology'due south also actually important that yous read through the latest info on the Marine Corps' tattoo policy. If you get a new tattoo that violates the policy, yous may exist subject to some sort of administrative punishment, and in some cases, you lot may fifty-fifty face existence candy out of the service.

This article will break downwardly what you lot tin and can't do when it comes to keeping your Moto-ink within tattoo regs.

This article includes new changes made to the Marine Corps tattoo policy in October of 2021.

Marine Corps tattoo policy basics

What kinds of tattoos are outright banned?

Per Marine Corps bulletin 1020 dates 29 October 2021:

"Tattoos that are prejudicial to good gild and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service, are prohibited. Examples include, merely are not limited to, tattoos that are drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist."

You tin can read longer descriptions well-nigh blazon of banned content in MCBUL 1020.

Marines are besides not authorized to sport any tattoos on their head, cervix, easily (other than band tattoos of no more than iii/8 of an inch on 1 finger).

Rules well-nigh tattoo locations

Caput: Tattoos on the head or neck, including in or around the oral cavity area, are prohibited.

Chest and Back: Tattoos on the chest or back must be below the collarbone and seventh cervical vertebrae (C7). Tattoos on the chest or back must exist covered by wearing a properly fitting crewneck t-shirt with no portion of the tattoo showing.

Lower Arms: Lower arm tattoos may extend down no further than a line around the circumference of the wrist measured at the wrist bone.

Hands/Fingers/Wrists: Tattoos are prohibited on the easily and fingers with the exception of a unmarried
band tattoo of no more than three/8 of an inch in width on 1 finger of each hand.

What should Marines who have tattoos banned by policy changes practice?

If you are already have a tattoo that is in violation of the new Marine Corps tattoo policy and you're an active duty or reserve Marine, you should contact you chain of command to request an Exception to Policy (ETP).

If you're planning to bring together the Marine Corps and have a tattoo that violates these policies, yous may also asking an ETP, though the Marine Corps points out that they are rarely canonical.