I want to apply to Air Force OTS. I have a large cross and skeleton on my left upper arm, and two tiny crosses on my inner wrists (about an inch in length and half inch wide). Will this be a problem?
The tattoo can only cover 25% of the exposed body part. Any space inside the tattoo that isn’t colored in does not count against you.
Here is the direct instruction concerning tattoos:
Tattoos/brands anywhere on the body that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or that are of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos that are commonly associated with gang affiliations are prohibited both in and out of uniform. Unauthorized (content): Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the implementation of this policy are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense upon notification by their Commander. Initial Accessions must disclose any tattoos and must complete removal of inappropriate tattoos prior to being accepted in the Air Force. Members failing to remove or alter unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation.
Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform. Members should not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Commanders should use these guidelines in determining appropriate military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in uniform. Air Force members with tattoos not meeting an acceptable military image should be required to (a) maintain complete coverage of the tattoos using current uniform items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/slacks, dark hosiery, PT running suit, etc.) or (b) remove tattoo(s). Depending on the circumstances, commanders may seek Air Force medical support for voluntary tattoo removal. PTDY is not authorized in this situation and is at member’s expense. Members failing to remove, cover, or alter excessive tattoos or who choose not to comply with acceptable military standards may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation.
March 20th, 2010 at 7:37 am
no current AF recruits are allowed to have tattoos on their extremities(anywhere on your Arms/visible parts of your legs when wearing shorts)
@NU: that is the policy for people already in the AF; New recruits can not have ANY visible tattoos(ie: on their extremities)(It can sometimes be wavered but the AF is not currently taking anyone with a waiver)
References :
March 20th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Didn’t think that tattoo would come up and bite you later on? You could’ve possibly still made it with the arm tattoo, but the ones on your wrist will be you albatross.
If you don’t get the allegory, then you’re probably not officer material anyway.
When I was a kid, I saw "Officer and a Gentleman", then "Off Limits". Richard Gere’s character regretted his upper arm tattoo and tried to cover it with a bandage. Fred Ward’s character lost a golden opportunity because of his tattoo.
I can thank those two movies for convincing me to never get inked. It was one less worry when I became an Army officer.
Tattoo regret: http://www.av1611.org/tattoos/regret.html
Tattoo removal: http://tattoo.about.com/od/tatremoval/a/tatremoval.htm
References :
March 20th, 2010 at 8:06 am
The tattoo can only cover 25% of the exposed body part. Any space inside the tattoo that isn’t colored in does not count against you.
Here is the direct instruction concerning tattoos:
Tattoos/brands anywhere on the body that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or that are of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos that are commonly associated with gang affiliations are prohibited both in and out of uniform. Unauthorized (content): Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the implementation of this policy are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense upon notification by their Commander. Initial Accessions must disclose any tattoos and must complete removal of inappropriate tattoos prior to being accepted in the Air Force. Members failing to remove or alter unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation.
Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform. Members should not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Commanders should use these guidelines in determining appropriate military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in uniform. Air Force members with tattoos not meeting an acceptable military image should be required to (a) maintain complete coverage of the tattoos using current uniform items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/slacks, dark hosiery, PT running suit, etc.) or (b) remove tattoo(s). Depending on the circumstances, commanders may seek Air Force medical support for voluntary tattoo removal. PTDY is not authorized in this situation and is at member’s expense. Members failing to remove, cover, or alter excessive tattoos or who choose not to comply with acceptable military standards may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation.
References :
7yrs AF cop