Do existing tattoos disqualify you from military service? Can you get tattoos if you join the United States Army? Which tattoos are banned and which are acceptable?

Since 2015, the United States Army has relaxed its policy regarding tattoos thanks to officials who felt the strict rules and regulations were costing them quality recruits. While the brave men and women who have enlisted are able to sport a variety of ink on their bodies, rules and restrictions must be taken into account for soldiers considering new ink, as well as for anyone with existing tattoos looking to enlist.  

This simple guide will outline changes to the US Army’s tattoo policy compared with other military branches, examine current standards regarding subjects and placement of tattoos, and explore popular tattoo trends among the men and women who serve our country.  

US Army tattoo policy prior to 2015 

In 2015 the US Army revised its existing policy regarding the number of tattoos a soldier can have on their arms and legs. Prior to this update in regulations soldiers were limited to four tattoos below the knee or elbow, with none exceeding the size of the palm of the hand. 

While the Armed Forces still prioritize higher standards of grooming and cleanliness, officials also realized the need to adapt to the changing world and evolving attitudes regarding tattoos. With nearly half of all millennials getting tattooed, something had to change.  

According to Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno, “Society is changing its view of tattoos, and we have to change along with that. It makes sense. Soldiers have grown up in an era when tattoos are much more acceptable and we have to change along with that.” 

An updated approach to tattoo policy

Under new guidelines enacted during Iraq and Afghan combat in 2015, the seemingly arbitrary number of four tattoos on the arms and legs was replaced with a more detail oriented approach. Under the new policy, the number of tattoos isn’t specified; instead limits are focused on where the ink can be located and its subject matter.