Tattoos are so popular it wouldn’t be uncommon for someone to have a tattoo in the army. But a lot of people have the question if they are allowed to have tattoos in the army. It depends in what country you are in because it varies by different countries. It also depends what you are joining. Depends if your joining the army, navy, or anything else because each military has different rules.

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo but also thinking about joining the military as your career choice, make sure you know all the rules about tattoos. You don’t want to get a tattoo that the military doesn’t allow then you have to either go through the pain of getting it removed or you have to cancel the military out as a choice of career. The military is very strict about allowing tattoos on new recruits. They don’t want you to represent your country in a bad way. Not that tattoos are bad, but tattoos have a reputation of someone that might not care or is a rebel. It also looks bad and doesn’t look professional, we all know the military is extremely strict and professional.

So what exactly does the military allow when it comes to tattoos? Like I said before, it really depends on which military you join and what country. BUT, most are the same and have common rules. Most of the time you can’t have any tattoo that is gang related or you are automatically out. You can’t have any tattoos that are obscene, inappropriate, offensive, or excessive in size of the tattoo. You also can’t have any tattoos that are visible, for example your hand. I believe there is an exact measurement of where your tattoo is allowed on your arm/hand. There are some restrictions on only allowing tattoos above the wrist. You may also not allow to have tattoos visible while your in your work gear.

Times have changed and the military is relaxing on their rules. There are rumors that you are allowed to tape your tattoos up if you have an extreme tattoo that is big. We suggest calling the recruiters office and confirming what that allow when it comes to tattoos. They are getting less strict but double check with them. This post should give you an idea of what is allowed or not allowed though. Are you in the military and have tattoos? What is your experience?