Can You Have Tattoos In The Navy? Updated Policy

The Updated Navy Tattoo Policy

Did you know? The Navy has updated its tattoo policy as of April, 2018. The policy has not changed much from the last update in 2016, aside from a few additions. A large factor in this new policy was the rising popularity of tattoos in modern time. In order to reach more candidates, the Navy updated its policy. The Navy is ensuring that they are not missing any chances, which is great cause for the change in policy. Especially to bring in skillful, young men and women who are willing to serve. Furthermore, it was also done out of respect to those currently serving. The updates to the policy are:

• Sailors may now have one tattoo on their neck, as long as it does not exceed one inch in any direction.
• Sailors with sleeve tattoos are now able to be a part of the Recruit Training Command and Recruiting Command positions. (Which the old policy did not allow.)
• Sailors may now have visible tattoos below the elbow or knee. The policy no longer limits the size or the amount of the tattoos.

Restrictions

The Navy’s tattoo policy content restrictions will remain the same.

• No tattoo may be located any where on the body that can be prejudicial to good order or discipline and morale.
• In addition, no tattoo may be of a subject that brings discredit upon the naval service.
• As mentioned above, a neck tattoo cannot exceed the height/width of one inch. However, a neck tattoo that exceeds the max size of 1-inch x 1-inch could be considered. The recruiter must be the one to approve such an exception. To comply with the policy, this tattoo must be on the back of the neck. It must not touch the hair line or go behind the ears at all.
• Also if your tattoos are in any way offensive, racist, sexist, extremist, or discredit America, they will not follow the policy.
• The policy does not allow any tattoos that may discriminate against religion or national origin.
• Any tattoos that may suggest gang affiliation or the use of illegal drugs are not allowed. Likewise, tattoos that are deemed as “offensive” will not be accepted within the policy.
• You cannot have any tattoos on your head or scalp, and none on the actual ear itself.
• Furthermore, the navy does not allow body mutilation by any means.

For more info or resources, visit our source – https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter7/Pages/7101.aspx#tattoos

For more history, be sure to check out The History Of Black And Grey Tattooing for a glance at the history of early tattoos in the Navy.

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