The Marine Corps has long upheld a tradition of discipline and sharp appearance, alongside a respect for the individuality of its Marines. In a recent update to its regulations, the U.S. Marine Corps released Marine Corps Bulletin 1020 (MCBUL 1020), a revised tattoo policy designed to strike a balance between these two important aspects. This new policy, superseding all previous guidelines, reflects the Marine Corps’ commitment to both maintaining its high standards and acknowledging the personal expression of its personnel through body art.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of the updated Marine Corps tattoo policy, ensuring both current and future Marines understand the regulations surrounding body ink. We will explore the permissible locations, size restrictions, and content limitations, providing a clear and concise overview of what is authorized and prohibited under MCBUL 1020. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for Marines to ensure they remain within regulations and uphold the professional image of the Corps.
Understanding the Core Principles of the Marine Corps Tattoo Policy
At its heart, the Marine Corps tattoo policy aims to prevent tattoos that could be deemed offensive or detrimental to the image and reputation of the Marine Corps. According to Sgt. Major Ronald L. Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, the policy development process involved direct engagement with Marines across different ranks and duty stations. This feedback was crucial in shaping a policy that is both practical and respectful of individual desires while upholding military standards.
The overarching principle is that no tattoo, regardless of its location, should express sexism, nudity, racism, vulgarity, or any content that could be considered offensive or bring discredit to the Marine Corps. This fundamental rule underscores the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful image at all times, both on and off duty.
Location and Size Regulations for Marine Corps Tattoos
MCBUL 1020 outlines specific regulations regarding the location and size of tattoos permissible for Marines. These regulations are designed to ensure that tattoos remain discreet and do not detract from the uniform appearance of Marines.
Authorized Tattoo Locations
Marines are granted considerable freedom regarding tattoos that are covered by the standard physical training (PT) uniform, consisting of a green t-shirt and green shorts. This means that tattoos on the torso and upper legs, when concealed by the PT uniform, are generally permitted without numerical limitations.
Prohibited Tattoo Locations
However, certain areas are designated as off-limits for tattoos to maintain a professional military appearance. These prohibited locations include:
- Head and Neck: Tattoos on the head and neck are strictly prohibited, ensuring a consistently professional and uniform appearance, particularly in dress uniforms.
- Inside the Mouth: Tattoos inside the mouth are also not allowed.
- Wrists, Knees, and Elbows: These joint areas are generally restricted from tattoos, contributing to a more standardized look.
- Hands: Tattoos on the hands are prohibited with one exception. Marines are permitted a single band tattoo on one finger, not exceeding three-eighths of an inch in width. This allowance provides a limited avenue for personal expression while maintaining overall uniformity.
Size Restrictions and Measurement Tools
To ensure compliance with size regulations for visible tattoos, the Marine Corps has introduced specific measurement tools: the elbow-measuring tool and the knee-measuring tool. These tools, along with the “hand measurement” technique, provide clear and objective standards for determining tattoo size.
The “hand measurement” rule dictates that if a single visible tattoo exceeds the size of the individual Marine’s hand (fingers extended and joined, thumb flush against the side), it is prohibited. This method applies to tattoos on the upper arms and legs, ensuring they remain within acceptable limits.
Specific Guidelines for Arm and Leg Tattoos
MCBUL 1020 provides detailed instructions for tattoos on the arms and legs, areas where tattoos are commonly sought by Marines.
Upper Arm Tattoos
Visible upper arm tattoos are permitted with certain restrictions. They can extend down and around the arm, but must not come closer than two inches above the center of the elbow. Furthermore, the size of the visible upper arm tattoo must not exceed the individual Marine’s hand, as described previously.
Lower Arm Tattoos
Marines are allowed only one lower arm tattoo on each arm, which must be located at least one inch below the center of the elbow and two inches above the wrist bone. This lower arm tattoo can be either a band tattoo, a single tattoo, or a collection of tattoos that can be covered by the Marine’s hand.
Upper Leg Tattoos
Similar to upper arm tattoos, visible upper leg tattoos can extend down and around the leg but must remain at least two inches above the center of the knee when the leg is straight. The size restriction of the individual Marine’s hand also applies to upper leg tattoos.
Lower Leg Tattoos
For the lower leg, Marines are permitted one tattoo, located at least two inches below the center of the knee. Like lower arm tattoos, lower leg tattoos can be a band tattoo, a single tattoo, or a collection of tattoos covered by the Marine’s hand.
Band Tattoos: A Special Consideration
Band tattoos, defined as tattoos that fully encircle a body part, are permitted but with specific limitations. The width of a band tattoo cannot exceed three inches or the width of the Marine’s four fingers joined (from the second knuckle of the index finger to the first knuckle of the pinky finger). Importantly, a band tattoo is considered a single tattoo, and only the visible portion needs to comply with size standards.
Tattoos and Uniform Regulations
The Marine Corps tattoo policy also addresses how tattoos interact with uniform regulations, particularly concerning leg tattoos and formal dress uniforms. If leg or foot tattoos are visible in Service A, Dress Blue A/B, Blue-White Dress A/B, or Evening Dress uniforms, slacks must be worn instead of the skirt. This ensures that even in formal settings, the professional appearance of Marines is maintained.
Officer and Enlisted Standards
While enlisted Marines adhere to the standard tattoo policy, officers face slightly stricter regulations regarding the number of visible tattoos. Officers may have no more than four visible tattoos when in the standard PT uniform. Enlisted Marines seeking to become officers must also comply with this more restrictive standard when applying for officer programs.
Impact on Special Duty Assignments (SDA)
Marines with tattoos compliant with MCBUL 1020 are eligible for special duty assignments, including recruiting duty, Marine security guard duty, drill instructor duty, and Marine combat instructor duty. Marines currently serving in or already ordered to SDAs with non-compliant tattoos will complete their tours but will not be eligible for future special duty assignments. This ensures that Marines in highly visible and influential roles within the Corps meet the updated standards.
Grandfathered Marines and Documentation
Marines who were “grandfathered” under previous tattoo policies are not affected by MCBUL 1020. However, within 120 days of the bulletin’s release, all commanders were required to ensure that Marines with tattoos not compliant with the new policy (and not previously documented) have those tattoos documented on Page 11 of their Electronic Service Record. This documentation serves record-keeping purposes and is not intended as a disciplinary action.
Marine and Leadership Responsibilities
Sgt. Major Green emphasized that it is the responsibility of each Marine to understand and ensure their tattoos comply with the updated policy. Leadership at all levels is also tasked with ensuring Marines are educated on the new regulations and that compliance is properly assessed and documented. Marines are encouraged to review MCBUL 1020, utilize the measurement tools provided, and seek guidance from their leadership to clarify any questions regarding tattoo policy.
Conclusion: Balancing Individuality and Marine Corps Standards
The updated Marine Corps tattoo policy, outlined in MCBUL 1020, represents a thoughtful effort to balance the personal desires of Marines with the enduring need to maintain high standards of professional military appearance. By providing clear guidelines on tattoo locations, sizes, and content, the Marine Corps aims to ensure that Marines can express their individuality through tattoos while upholding the esteemed image of the Corps. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is a fundamental aspect of Marine professionalism and contributes to the continued respect and admiration held for the United States Marine Corps.
