The U.S. Army has officially updated its tattoo policy, now permitting recruits and serving soldiers to have tattoos on their hands, the back of their ears, and the back of their necks. This significant change, formalized by Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, aims to streamline the recruitment process and broaden the Army’s appeal to a wider pool of talent. The updated directive, signed today, addresses previous restrictions that required waivers for tattoos in these areas, often causing weeks of delays for potential recruits.
A Soldier from 325th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division poses after executing physical readiness training showcasing updated Army tattoo policy acceptance, including back of ear tattoos, at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, May 18, 2022.
Under the new guidelines, soldiers are allowed to have one tattoo on each hand, not exceeding one inch in any dimension. In a notable inclusion, Back Of Ear Tattoos are now permissible, with soldiers able to display one tattoo no larger than one inch behind each ear. Additionally, the policy accommodates one tattoo up to two inches on the back of the neck, and tattoos between fingers are acceptable as long as they are not visible when fingers are closed.
“We consistently evaluate our policies to ensure the Army remains a viable option for as many qualified individuals as possible who desire to serve,” stated Maj. Gen. Doug Stitt, Director of Military Personnel Management. “This revised directive is logical for our current soldiers and importantly, opens the door for more talented individuals to join our ranks.”
Streamlining Recruitment and Reflecting Societal Trends
Previously, the necessity for waivers for tattoos on hands, behind ears, and necks created bottlenecks in processing new recruits. These waivers could extend processing times by weeks. By removing this hurdle, the Army anticipates a more efficient recruitment process.
Sgt. Maj. Ashleigh Sykes, the uniform policy sergeant major, highlighted the evolving societal acceptance of tattoos. “Individuals choose to get tattoos for a multitude of reasons,” Sykes, who has tattoos herself, explained. “For some, it’s a creative outlet, for others, it represents individuality, and for some, tattoos may even hold cultural significance. Tattoos are increasingly embraced in society; it’s a cultural shift we recognize.”
Data from Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) supports this shift. Through May 2022, recruiters processed over 650 waivers for active duty and reserve recruits. Research indicates that 41% of individuals aged 18 to 34 have at least one tattoo, demonstrating the growing prevalence of body art among the younger demographic. The Army first permitted tattoos in 2015, acknowledging the need to adapt to evolving trends and allow for greater personal expression.
David Andrews, Army Training and Doctrine Command enlisted chief, pointed out that lengthy waiver processes could deter potential recruits. “Some might reconsider joining or opt for another service branch with less stringent tattoo policies,” Andrews noted. He mentioned that the Navy and Marine Corps currently have more lenient tattoo regulations. Army Recruiting Command and TRADOC jointly recommended these policy changes to senior Army leadership to address these recruitment challenges.
“Potential recruits might change their minds or pursue opportunities elsewhere if faced with excessive waiting times,” Sykes added. “Or they simply become unwilling to wait any longer.”
Maintaining Standards and Prohibited Tattoo Zones
While embracing greater tattoo freedom, the Army maintains standards regarding tattoo content and placement. The directive explicitly prohibits tattoos featuring offensive, extremist, or hateful language or imagery. Company commanders conduct annual tattoo inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with Army regulations.
Soldiers found to have tattoos that violate service restrictions will receive counseling and a 15-day period to decide whether to pursue tattoo removal or alteration. Non-compliance can lead to separation from service.
Facial tattoos remain prohibited under the updated policy, although exceptions may be considered for religious reasons. Previously, only ring tattoos were permitted on hands.
“[This directive] allows us to onboard qualified individuals with these types of tattoos more quickly,” Andrews emphasized. “We aim to prevent otherwise qualified individuals from being deterred from Army opportunities.”
The Army initially relaxed tattoo restrictions in 2015 by updating Army Regulation 670-1, eliminating limits on the number of tattoos permitted on arms and legs. Andrews reiterated that previous tattoo limitations were hindering the Army’s ability to attract top-tier talent.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hagensick, an Army Ranger and Madison, Wisconsin native with numerous arm tattoos, is an example of a soldier who joined the Army after the 2015 policy update. Hagensick went on to be recognized as the 2018 Soldier of the Year. This highlights how adapting to societal norms can broaden the Army’s recruitment pool and enrich its ranks with diverse talent.
