In regards to the Marine Corps Tattoo Policy
Public Comments (1,298)
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Aug 22nd, 2017Michael G. from Petaluma, CA writes:
I've been waiting 5 years for them to change their policy to allow tattoo sleeves, I have a whole sleeve on my right arm. I have a lot of friends and family that served in the Corps, I really don't want to join the Army regardless of their tattoo policy. I got very excited when the new policy was up in 2016 but I was shocked when the policy didn't allow sleeves. I honestly don't understand the why they didn't allow sleeves, because every Marine I know who served during the war in Fallujah & some in the Gulf War all have full sleeves and when they ask me why I don't join, I tell em because of my tattoos and they even think it's stupid. -
Jul 22nd, 2017Someone from Fort Hood, TX writes:
My husband wanted to reenlist and become a career Marine but bc his tattoo on his upper arm showed a little past his pt shirt he was denied. Now he is in the army bc he still wants to serve his country and their tattoo policy is relaxed but its been hard on him emotionally. He misses his brothers and the structure the Marine corps is known for. I feel that as long as the sleeve tattoos still follow the guidelines as not to be racist,sexist, vulgar etc they should be allowed to have them. Now in 2017 its more widely accepted for men and woman to have tattoos and still work in a professional type of job. I feel the Marine corps are losing many great potential leaders bc of this rule. I know out of my husbands whole company only 3 decided to reenlist the rest got out and the biggest reason was bc of the tattoo policy. Tattoos do not make the Marine less of a Marine. It doesn't affect their job nor does it make them less of a fighter. Why are some Marines allowed to stay in with NJPs page 11's but those with no marks on their record but have tattoos that don't exactly fit the guideline forced out? I feel the Marine corps is losing amazing and potential leaders who want to serve their country and belong to the best fighting branch there is to other branches bc their policy is way more relaxed. I propose that sleeve tattoos be allowed as long as they follow the guideline that they are not vugular etc.REPORT COMMENTS
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Apr 4th, 2017Joshua W. from Las Vegas, NV writes:
Tattoo restrictions exemplify discrimination in its purest form. Marine Corps uniforms cover all visible bodily areas aside from arms during the summer months and to prevent opportunities for those who have marked their body with spiritual or meaningful message or emblems is regressive. Prohibition on tattoos should only be implemented if they are gang affiliated, promote violence, or visible outside of a business suit (hands, neck face).REPORT COMMENTS
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Jan 3rd, 2017Someone from Terre Haute, IN signed.
Dec 21st, 2016Someone from Columbia, MO signed.
Dec 1st, 2016Marco A. from Placentia, CA signed.
Nov 1st, 2016John B. from Las Vegas, NV signed.
Sep 27th, 2016Someone from Rushville, IN writes:
"Those who know me, know how badly I want to be a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Bad enough that I'm considering going through painful hours of lazer tattoo removal. I will also be paying for those sessions myself, and its not cheap by any means. I will remove half an inch of a tattoo that at the time I got it, was in regulations with the Marine Corps policy. Due to the new policy I am told no. Unless you remove it, you are disqualified from D.I. school, recruiters school, and Marine security gaurd school. So I will hurt my wallet, damage my skin, and ruin a piece of art that in 2013 was completely ok for me to have. In a generation of whiney, complaining, entitled youth I dont want to say I'm a victim, but I feel as though I'm being let down by the very institution I just offered four more years of service too. I love my God, I love my country, and I love my Corps. Alter the tattoo policy to allow for grandfathered tattoos to truely be grandfathered. Please, before we loose too many great Marines. Semper Fidelis -Sgt of Marines.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelSep 18th, 2016Someone from Key West, FL writes:
Fighting for what is important is something that resides deeply with me and something I take very seriously. This is what makes me respect the USMC so much. They embody the warrior spirit and are not just a job but a calling. Before I started looking into the military and thinking about joining I got several tattoos. None of which are offensive and on the contrary I think stand for the same things the USMC stand for. Things like honor, respect, and humility. But because of the number and location of these tattoos quite possibly the most important thing in my life might not come to fruition. I cannot express how disappointed I am that all this passion and drive I have to serve among some of the greatest men and women in the world might be wasted because of something so trivial as a tattoo. For me and all others like me I beg you to reconsider.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 22nd, 2016Someone from Las Vegas, NV writes:
I am a transgender male, 21 years of age. Since sophomore year of high school I've wanted to be a Marine, at first for over compensation reasons, then because I want to fight for my country. Then I found out that I can't serve my country because of something that I didn't choose and which had no bearing on my qualifications for the job. When the ban was turned over this year, I was excited that I would finally get my chance. Only to be turned away by the recruiter because of my tattoos... Implementing the change they just did for transgender people was momentous and difficult, yet now I'm being discriminated against for something so arbitrary as tattoos? Wow, America... that's what I have to say to that. What was I wanting to fight for when my country is imposing limit after limit on my freedom in something voluntary and life-endagering like the Marines. Are they not professional warriors who should look the part? War is dirty and often traumatizing, yet we are denied the ability to express that in a tasteful manner we think befits us and the Corps we want to represent? I don't get it...REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 19th, 2016Someone from Schenectady, NY signed.
Aug 11th, 2016Someone from San Diego, CA signed.
Aug 5th, 2016Someone from Hanover, MA signed.
Aug 4th, 2016Someone from Oceanside, CA writes:
I was just recently denied further information on joining due to having a tattoo on my wrist that is 1 inch in height and 1.5 inches in width, with placement 1 inch exactly above my wrist. I expressed my determination to have it removed in order to join and was given milultiple all different excuses about why it wouldn't be possible though I'm 10 months away from the age deadline to join. Only one recruiter has been kind enough to look more into it and offer me hope in joining from the 4 recruiters I have contacted. I have received all different information, all contradicting, which sound more like made up excuses not to have to put in the work with me. With the exception of the last recruiter I contacted who has been of great help! If I feel upset and discriminated against and I haven't even been given the opportunity to join, I can only imagine the men and women serving our country, who have sacrificed so much feel about this. It is not equal opportunity when positions, promotions, billets etc are being given to some and denied to others simply for choosing to express themselves in the form of tattoos! The ink in their skin does not interfere with their commitment to the Corps and this country. A great leader is not determined by the ink on their skin, but by the will to sacrifice for the well being of others.REPORT COMMENTS
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No, CancelAug 2nd, 2016Someone from Morgan Hill, CA signed.
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May 8th, 2016Someone from Lake Forest, CA writes:
I've personally seen the current tattoo policy ruin great marines careers. This must change.REPORT COMMENTS
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