USAF tattoo regs

[bambam8d1]

Does anyone know if there is a waiver for sleeve tattoos for the Air Force? It seems that visible tattoos are ok, as long as it doesnt cover more than 1/4 of the limb? Is there awaiver for that or is it set in stone?

[CWUSCG]

It varies for each branch of the military. The Coast Guard just changed their tattoo policy not to long ago. I *think* you could get a waiver for it, depending on your other qualifying traits: asvab score...college credits etc. I don't see why you couldn't get one.

[Davidoff]

You correctly summarized the regulation, but I believe it is 25% of the visible portion of the limb when wearing a short sleeve uniform. I don't know if they give entry waivers for that. You would catch lots of flak for it throughout your career. I had a guy in my BMT flight with less than 25% coverage who got sent for measurements to make sure it was less than 25%.

[jaytee]

Does anyone know if there is a waiver for sleeve tattoos for the Air Force? It seems that visible tattoos are ok, as long as it doesnt cover more than 1/4 of the limb? Is there awaiver for that or is it set in stone?

I just got denied reserves and air guard for having sleeves - and I'm an A and P mechanic (aircraft mechanic). Seems ludicrous doesn't it?

[45DAVID1]

[tacticalcity]

Be aware some career fields, and even some units, do not allow ANY tats. They do not want you to have any identifiable markings on your body. If you already have them, there is nothing you can do about it. However, if you were considering getting them I strongly advise against it. Some of the more exciting opportunities in the military could be denied to you, and you'll never even know it. It will be in your file that you have tats, where you have them and what they look like. So when they go looking for people to fill certain positions, the computer will skip right over you.

I was part of a mobile aerial port who's sole responsibility was to deploy and establish, maintain and defend temporary airbases in theaters were no such resources existed but were required for specific operations. Tats were forbidden. Get one and it was "pack your s***, you're outta here" time.

Normally transportation is one of the most boring jobs in the USAF. However, being part of that unit was amazing. Constantly TDY to some of the most exciting places on the planet. In my first year I saw Italy, Germany, Portugal, Egypt, and Jordan. Not to mention stateside places like Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and more. I was issued a fully automatic carbine rifle and attended schools like Air Base Ground Defense (very cool school). If I had a tat, I would not have been allowed to join that unit. I would have been stuck in a normal aerial port in one place, most likely New Jersey, pushing pallets all day long. Instead I saw the world.

I wanted one at the time. Now I am glad I didn't get one. Everybody and their brother has them now. Makes it a lot less cool. I liked it better when the only people that had them were bikers, cons and military types.

[bambam8d1]

ok, called a few recruiters today. all said no chance in hell lol. Instant disqualification. Talked to a few Marine recruiters too just to see if anything has changed and apparently its even more strict than before. One told me that he couldn't even get a arm band tattoo waivered... oh well. Seemed like a good idea when I got them... Should've listened to my momma haha

[xxINKxx]

I just got denied reserves and air guard for having sleeves - and I'm an A and P mechanic (aircraft mechanic). Seems ludicrous doesn't it?

I think so, If your giving your life to serve your country then tattoos shouldnt stop you from serving. Your still the same person reguardless of some color on your body. Especially in todays times tattoos are more common and are "normal" then how it was in the old days.

But rules are rules. Maybe they will realize they lost alot of good men who were willing to enlist and couldve served them well because of that rule.

At least I know not to try to enlist since I dont look enough like GI Joe, and all my limbs and hands are sleeved

[CavTrooper]

Youre going from the Marine Corps the the Air Force, neither one ou can enlist in because of your tattoos. The Army tattoo policy is not as stringent as either services, have you considered that or are you only looking at service you know wont take you?

[Shady]

I just got denied reserves and air guard for having sleeves - and I'm an A and P mechanic (aircraft mechanic). Seems ludicrous doesn't it?

that is absurd

[stitchnicklas]

thats why is best to just get your buttock tattooed instead....haha

[bambam8d1]

Youre going from the Marine Corps the the Air Force, neither one ou can enlist in because of your tattoos. The Army tattoo policy is not as stringent as either services, have you considered that or are you only looking at service you know wont take you?

I am sorry we arent all recruiters and know what will disqualify a person for sure Actually I did not know the Marines wouldnt take me when I got my tattoos. Tried a few times after they said no, figured I might get lucky. Talked to a buddy of mine who was in Airforce and he said he really enjoyed it and said to check it out, he said he thought it could get waivered cuz he had worked with a bunch of guys who had ink on their arms... so I tried that route, didnt work out so well either... Thankyou for your concern though. lol and you guys have too long of deployments... but I may be PMing you soon if I dont figure anything out haha

[joedogboy]

If you are truly interested in enlisting, there are tattoo removal procedures.

[SupermotoChick]

I was working with a SrA that had "Dirty Love" tattooed on her wrists this weekend. Ugh.

I love my tattoos but I keep em covered since it has become such a hot issue again. The reg is fairly subjective from my experience. I read the reg closely and went ahead and got my arm finished. I have had a couple people challenge my arms, but I refer them to the reg and havn't ever heard back from em.

Getting in with existing tattoos is a bit trickier. Good luck!

[aaronraby1]

on one sinlge limb??? what about hte legs? i have my right leg about 70% tattoed from hip to ankle. how would that go??