The answer to whether one can join the Army with tattoos is generally yes, though strict regulations govern the placement and content of any body art. The United States Army has significantly modernized its appearance standards over the last decade, recognizing that body art is increasingly common and should not automatically disqualify qualified individuals from service. These updated policies represent a deliberate shift away from more restrictive historical rules. The primary focus now is on maintaining a professional military appearance while expanding the pool of eligible recruits.
Current General Army Tattoo Policy
The Army’s current policy eliminates restrictions on the number and size of tattoos on areas typically covered by the standard issue uniform. Recruits may have full sleeves or extensive body pieces on their arms, legs, and torso without concern for the total surface area covered. This change reflects a broader acceptance of personal expression, provided it does not compromise military professionalism.
The core principle of the appearance standard is that body art must not be visible while wearing the Army’s dress uniform. For areas that are not frequently covered, such as the hands and neck, the rules are much more specific and detailed. This foundational eligibility rule applies equally to individuals seeking to enlist in the Active Army, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.
Location-Specific Restrictions
Regulations are extremely specific concerning areas visible when wearing most standard uniforms, such as the service uniform or the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). Tattoos are prohibited on the face, head, inside the mouth, eyelids, and ears. This ensures that the most prominent areas of the body remain free of ink, preserving a traditional military bearing.
The neck and hands have recently received exceptions, allowing for small, limited-size tattoos. An applicant may have one tattoo on the back of the neck, but it must not exceed two inches in size and cannot be visible from the front or sides when wearing a standard crew-neck t-shirt.
For the hands, the policy permits one small tattoo on each hand, provided it does not exceed one inch in measurement in any direction. These hand tattoos are restricted to the area above the wrist bone. A single ring tattoo is authorized on each hand where a wedding band would typically sit. Tattoos placed between the fingers are also allowed, but only if they are not visible when the fingers are closed together. Tattoos on the lower limbs, such as the legs, are generally permissible without size or number restrictions, provided they are not visible below the knee when wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform shorts.
Content and Subject Matter Bans
Content restrictions are universal and apply to every tattoo, regardless of its location. Even if a tattoo is entirely covered by the uniform, its meaning or imagery can still disqualify an applicant from service. The Army expressly prohibits any body art that promotes discrimination, violence, or criminal behavior.
This ban includes any tattoos determined to be extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist. Content that advocates for discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin is strictly forbidden. Similarly, symbols or imagery associated with gang affiliation, criminal organizations, or drug use will result in immediate disqualification.
The determination of whether a tattoo falls into a prohibited category is initially assessed by the recruiter and later reviewed by higher authorities during the enlistment process. Recruits must be prepared to explain the meaning and context of all their tattoos to demonstrate compliance. These content prohibitions are absolute, meaning an exception or waiver cannot be granted for violations of these standards.
The Documentation and Waiver Process
Any individual seeking to enlist with existing tattoos must disclose all body art to their recruiter at the beginning of the application process. This administrative requirement involves thorough documentation to verify compliance with all current regulations. The recruit must provide color photographs of every tattoo, including close-up shots and images showing the tattoo’s placement.
For any tattoos close to a restricted area or potentially violating a size limit, the recruiter will take precise measurements, often using a ruler in the photograph for scale verification. This information is compiled into a formal document, sometimes referred to as a Statement of Intent or Tattoo Screening Form. This documentation confirms that the tattoos are compliant in both location and content.
If a tattoo slightly violates a location or size restriction, the applicant may need to request an Exception to Policy (ETP), which is a formal waiver request. This process usually occurs after the applicant has successfully passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and the initial medical screening. Waivers are not guaranteed and are granted on a case-by-case basis by a higher command authority, depending on the Army’s current needs and the specific nature of the violation.