The Marines reflect values, restrict skin
The Marines have made more restrictions on where and where you can’t get a tattoo. If you are a Marine, you won’t have large tattoos below your elbows and knees according to This article which states this policy was designed to keep soldiers from getting “sleeved”.
The article goes on to say that Marine commandant Gen. James T. Conway doesn’t think tattoos reflect American values.
I don’t want to get all political, but it is necessary. I think think this issue is ridiculous and the U.S.M.C. should reconsider. Especially ,as this article also states, that recruiting levels aren’t what they would like them to be, if desirable at all. Tattoos on an individual shouldn’t matter. I mean you are in the military for god sakes. And not to mention we are also in the 21st century. Tattoos matter to the enemy how? Apparently the General thinks that being “tattooed to the point contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us.”
I’m curious to know what that “point” is. Oh that’s right The General has already laid out that point for us.
It shouldn’t matter what’s on ones body. Tattoos don’t disable a person from performing a job or being professional.
read the article here:
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/062007/06032007/280360
June 11th, 2007 at 9:53 am
I agree this is a stupid rule. I do think that marines shouldn’t be allowed tattoos that are offensive or anti-us (it was their choice to join the military after all), but placement shouldn’t matter. Well…I wouldn’t mind a rule saying that tattoos must be able to by covered when in your uniform (ie, you can’t tattoo all over your face lol), but in a “professional” situation, most marines will be wearing their full uniform or a business suit, so if you can’t see the tats then, what’s the big deal?
June 15th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
You tell ‘em! I’ve always thought the whole tatt/military thing was stupid. If someone is willing to give their life for their country then I think the very least they could do is not give a shit about their tattoos! Geez.