In 2014, the Marine Corps updated their tattoo policy. As we all know Marines are held to highest standards possible in order to maintain a professional demeanor and represent our great country the best way possible. If you joined the Marines before June 1, 2010 then you could be grandfathered in if your tattoos do not meet the new guidelines. You will want to talk to your CO to see if you can be grandfathered in. Prior to enlistment into the Marine Corps, applicants with more than four tattoos/brands will be administratively reviewed.
Below is an updated list showing what is prohibited with the new Marine tattoo policy.
- Tattoos/Brands that are sexist (express nudity), racist, eccentric or offensive in nature, express an association with conduct or substances prhibited by the Marine Corps drug policy and the uniform code of military justice (UCMJ), to include tattoos associated with illegal drugs, drug usage, or paraphernalia, are prohibited
- Tattoos/Brands that depict vulgar or anti-american content, bring possible discredit to the Marine Corps, or associate the applicant/Marine with an extremist group or organizatoin are prohibited
- Tattoos/Brands on the head and neck are prohibited.
- Sleeve tattoos are prohibited. Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos that are visible to the eye when wearing standard physical traning (PT) gear are also prohibited. No additional action is required by Marines whose sleeve tattoos were previously grandfathered in per maradmin 197/07.
The following applies to all Marines:
- Tattoos/Brands on the hands, fingers, and wrists are prohibited
- Tattoos/Brands in the mouth are prohibited
- Individuals tattoos visible in the standard PT uniform will be no larger than the wearer’s hand with fingers extended and joined with the thumb touching the base of the index finger.
- Tattoos/Brands will not be visible or apparent on the feet or legs when wearing the service A, blue dress A/B, blue-white dress A/B, or evening dress uniforms.
- All of the policies above also apply to tattoos that are not visible or apparent without the use of ultra-violet lighting.
Read the Amplification To The Marine Corps Tattoo Policy for more information.
This information is courtesy of Marines.mil. More information in regards to these tattoo policies can be found at the folling link: www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil