For all of those asking question about getting tattoos and joining the army, well this should really help you understand the rules more. We wrote a blog post before called: “Can I Have a Tattoo and Join The Army?” and you can click here to read it. We went over in details if you can have a tattoo and join the army because there is a lot of questions on what the rules are. The best way is to go to the recruiting office and ask what their specific rules are.

It looks like the army is going to be tightening the rules when it comes to tattoos. The senior leaders are finishing up a few new rule changes, 17 to be exact, anywhere from tattoos to piercings. If people do not follow these new rules then they will face punishment. Here are some of the new rules that are related to tattoos:

- Tattoos will not be visible above the neck line when the physical fitness uniform is worn. Tattoos will not extend below the wrist line and not be visible on the hands. Sleeve tattoos will be prohibited. (This rule may be grandfathered.)

It looks like tattoo sleeves will not be allowed anymore unlike before. Here is the full list of the other rules that are being put in place:

• Shorter sideburns.

• Soldiers must be clean shaven on and off duty, even during leave.

• Women will be allowed to put hair into ponytails during physical training.

• Men will be prohibited from wearing cosmetics, to include nail polish.

• Women may wear cosmetics “conservatively.” That means no unnatural or exaggerated appearance, and no more fake eyelashes. Nail polish will only be worn in service, mess or dress uniforms.

• Women’s fingernail length will not exceed a quarter of an inch. No fake nails, add-ons or extensions will be authorized.

• Tattoos will not be visible above the neck line when the physical fitness uniform is worn. Tattoos will not extend below the wrist line and not be visible on the hands. Sleeve tattoos will be prohibited. (This rule may be grandfathered.)

• Soldiers will not eat, drink, smoke, or talk on cellphones while walking.

• Army Combat Uniforms will not be commercially pressed; only hand ironing will be authorized.

• Bags worn over the shoulder must be black or the color print of the uniform, without logos.

• Hair grooming standards will become more restrictive and better defined.

• No visible body piercings will be allowed on or off duty. Males will not be allowed to wear earrings at any time. Ear gauging will be unauthorized.

• Civilian clothes standards, both on and off post, will be better defined.

• No dental ornamentation or gold teeth will be authorized.

• Soldiers will be authorized to wear authorized ballistic eyewear in garrison.

• Officers will be authorized to wear non-subdued rank on their headgear in garrison.

• Men will be authorized to carry a black umbrella with the Army Service Uniform.

From The Tennessean.

The reason the army is against tattoos in certain places is because you are representing your country and they question whether or not your are committed to the army if you have questionable tattoos. The tattoo takes away from the uniform and they don’t want that.