Marine Corps tightens tattoo restrictions (C&P)
Updated:2007-03-28 17:14:04
Marine Corps Puts Limits on Tattoos
By THOMAS WATKINS
AP
OCEANSIDE, California (March 28) - Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton's right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word "Death." He planned to add a tattoo spelling "Life" on his left arm, but that is on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect Sunday.
The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps' spit-and-polish image.
Slaton and other Marines are not pleased.
"I guess I'll get the other half later," grumbled the 24-year-old. "It's kind of messed up."
For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, short for Semper Fidelis, or "Always faithful."
Dozens of Marines from Camp Pendleton, the West Coast's biggest Marine base, made last-minute trips to tattoo parlors in nearby Oceanside before the ban kicked in.
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Nadrchal said he is unsure whether he will re-enlist: "There's all these little things. They are slowly chipping away at us."
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway announced the policy change last week.
"Some Marines have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us," he said. "I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values."
The ban is aimed primarily at "sleeve" tattoos, the large and often elaborate designs on the biceps and forearms of many Marines. Similar designs on the lower legs will be forbidden as well. So will very large tattoos on the upper arm, if they are visible when a Marine wears his workout T-shirt. Small, individual tattoos will still be allowed on the arms and legs. (The Marines already ban them on the hands.)
Marines already tattooed are exempt from the ban but cannot add to their designs; anyone caught with fresh ink in the wrong places could be barred from re-enlistment or face disciplinary action. Getting a prohibited tattoo could constitute a violation of a lawful order, punishable by up to two years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Brian Donnolly said.
Unit commanders must photograph and document sleeve tattoos to ensure Marines do not add to their ink.
The Marines and the other branches of the military already ban tattoos that could be offensive or disruptive, such as images that are sexist, vulgar, gang-related or extremist.
The Army, which has been doing most of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and is struggling to fill its ranks, actually relaxed its tattoo restrictions last year. Soldiers can now get ink on the back of their hands and the lower back of the neck.
The Navy last year decreed that tattoos visible while in short-sleeve uniform cannot be larger than the wearer's hand. The Air Force says tattoos should be covered up if they are bigger than one-quarter the size of the exposed body part.
Tattoo artist Jerry Layton at the Body Temple Tattoo Studio in Oceanside said he was booked up with Marines rushing to beat the deadline.
"These are guys that are dying in the war," Layton said. "They can fight, but they can't get a tattoo? It's ridiculous."
Marine Corps Puts Limits on Tattoos
By THOMAS WATKINS
AP
OCEANSIDE, California (March 28) - Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton's right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word "Death." He planned to add a tattoo spelling "Life" on his left arm, but that is on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect Sunday.
The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps' spit-and-polish image.
Slaton and other Marines are not pleased.
"I guess I'll get the other half later," grumbled the 24-year-old. "It's kind of messed up."
For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, short for Semper Fidelis, or "Always faithful."
Dozens of Marines from Camp Pendleton, the West Coast's biggest Marine base, made last-minute trips to tattoo parlors in nearby Oceanside before the ban kicked in.
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Nadrchal said he is unsure whether he will re-enlist: "There's all these little things. They are slowly chipping away at us."
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway announced the policy change last week.
"Some Marines have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us," he said. "I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values."
The ban is aimed primarily at "sleeve" tattoos, the large and often elaborate designs on the biceps and forearms of many Marines. Similar designs on the lower legs will be forbidden as well. So will very large tattoos on the upper arm, if they are visible when a Marine wears his workout T-shirt. Small, individual tattoos will still be allowed on the arms and legs. (The Marines already ban them on the hands.)
Marines already tattooed are exempt from the ban but cannot add to their designs; anyone caught with fresh ink in the wrong places could be barred from re-enlistment or face disciplinary action. Getting a prohibited tattoo could constitute a violation of a lawful order, punishable by up to two years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Brian Donnolly said.
Unit commanders must photograph and document sleeve tattoos to ensure Marines do not add to their ink.
The Marines and the other branches of the military already ban tattoos that could be offensive or disruptive, such as images that are sexist, vulgar, gang-related or extremist.
The Army, which has been doing most of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and is struggling to fill its ranks, actually relaxed its tattoo restrictions last year. Soldiers can now get ink on the back of their hands and the lower back of the neck.
The Navy last year decreed that tattoos visible while in short-sleeve uniform cannot be larger than the wearer's hand. The Air Force says tattoos should be covered up if they are bigger than one-quarter the size of the exposed body part.
Tattoo artist Jerry Layton at the Body Temple Tattoo Studio in Oceanside said he was booked up with Marines rushing to beat the deadline.
"These are guys that are dying in the war," Layton said. "They can fight, but they can't get a tattoo? It's ridiculous."
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hmmm, not sure about this one. on one hand i hate tattoos and think they are sometimes a sign of a trashy person. on the other hand i think if someone is a marine and serving their country who cares what tattoos they have. also, arent marines basically completly covered in clothing anyway ? maybe they should draw the line at tattoos on face or hands or neck or something. i dont know. 0 -
After you turn all the men into boyscouts, will you be surprised to lose the war?
PC rears it's ugly head.0 -
IIRC you always could receive a GCM, with the charge of "Distruction of Goverment Property" for a tat (I know one guy that got a GCM for a off duty sunburn).
Look at the back of a military ID, note that it says "Property of the US Goverment" and they ain't talking about the ID card.
If you think having a tat makes you a marine (or other branch), than you need to be used to test bulletproof vests.0 -
Marines tighten them, and the Army loosens them. Now you can have tattoos on your neck. 0 -
I think the Commandant's statement as shown is in keeping with past standards as it might pertain to hair, be it head or facial, or rings (jewelry), such as those for the ear, nose, lip, tounge, eyebrow, etc. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by p3skyking
After you turn all the men into boyscouts, will you be surprised to lose the war?
PC rears it's ugly head.
I find myself agreeing with you again.0 -
p3skyking-
Exactly ... [V]
quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
Nadrchal said he is unsure whether he will re-enlist:
"There's all these little things. They are slowly chipping away at us."
Personally I don't have or want any tat's, I don't care for them ... I've seen too many old guys with tat's that have faded, wrinkled and heard regrets from them about ever getting them in the first place ... but I don't see a reason to "ban" them, its just more of the government influence over our lives.
We have a couple guys at work with them and they have to cover them ... they don't come across as professional.0 -
I would LOVE to see EVERY U.S. MARINE get Semper Fi tattoed across their arms in protest.
The US Marines are a force to scare the living chet out of our enemy. Not be clean white boys with polished boots and ironed uniforms.
Phuck this reg.0 -
the american military did just fine without men who had lots of tattoos. 0 -
toche'
The American military did just fine when they didn't pay it's militia members and allowed them to use their own firearms and ammunition.
Wasn't until the mid-1900's when the National Guard (militia) started getting paid.
The American military did just fine when it allowed it's military to have beards and smoke tobacco.0 -
i think the overall point is that the american military did just fine BF (before liberals) 0
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