American military new policy against visible tattoos

By/Hailey Trealout

Polished boots, proper grooming and inkless skin are becoming regulation for new U.S. army recruits as a result of a new ban has been proposed.

Army Regulation 670-1 has been updated and is now awaiting the final signature of the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh. It states new recruits will not be allowed to have tattoos above the neckline or below the elbows and knees. Any extremist, indecent, sexist or racist tattoos are also banned. If already ‘inked’ in the listed areas, new recruits will have to pay for tattoo removal. While current soldiers may keep theirs.

Cpl. Pat Ryan of the Windsor Regiment got his first tattoo when he was 18 and has added onto his ink since, with sentimental art symbolizing his family and those who have fallen in combat. He said he would feel discriminated against if he was told to cover his tattoos.

“I don’t think a ban against tattoos is very fair. If artwork on someone’s body is tasteful, I don’t think that it should have to be covered up,” said Ryan. “I don’t think my tattoos define me, I wouldn’t say it’s who I am. I don’t think necessarily my job even defines who I am; it’s just something I have on me at all times.”

In Canada, new recruits are given guidelines about tattoos. The official dress-standards state that recruits may have non-offensive visible tattoos, except tattoos on the face.

Jennifer Perron, a sales operator and port facility security officer said she is not against tattoos but thinks people need to take into consideration where they are placing their tattoos.

“Somewhere under those tattoos is a person who wants to tell a story on their skin,” said Perron. “However, it could hold them back… if I think it shouldn’t. Everyone has a different opinion on what is tasteful or proper.”

Since the ban went public, a Facebook group has attracted more than 200,000 supporters was created in an effort to push against the policy.

“I think that we should be beyond judging people based on how they look,” said Minds Eye tattoo artist Kira Hansen. “Competency is more important than the way somebody looks.”

The policy is reportedly in its final stages of review and may have a completed copy of the policy in 30 to 60 days.

 

Sidebar

Deputy commanding officer John Hodgins of the Essex and Kent Scottish sent in the official dress regulation for Canadian Troops.

It states “9. Body Tattoos and Body-Piercing. As of April 1st, 2004, members are not to acquire any tattoos that are visible on the head, neck, chest or ears when an open collared shirt is worn.  Additionally, members shall not acquire visible tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (e.g., pornographic, blasphemous, racist or containing vulgar language or design) or otherwise reflect discredit on the CF. Visible and non-visible body piercing adornments, with the exception of women’s earrings and ear sleepers described in sub-paragraph 6.a., shall not be worn by members either in uniform or on duty in civilian clothing. The meaning of the term “on duty”, for purposes of dress and appearance, is Interpreted in Chapter 1, paragraph 20.”