Attention! No More Tattoos
The U.S. Marine Corps has issued an order restricting tattoos. Beginning this Sunday, 01 April 2007, members of the corps can no longer get tattoos below the elbow or knee. Areas of the body that may be visible to other people. In a statement announcing the policy change Marine Corps General James T. Conway said, "Some Marines have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us," he said. "I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values."
Marines already sporting tattoos on the lower half of their arms or legs will be photographed by their units to ensure they do not continue to add ink in violation of the new policy. Understandably the new order is not popular with younger recruits. The anti-tattoo order has prompted a stampede of young leathernecks to local tattoo artist's studios to get inked before Sunday's deadline. After Sunday, getting a new tattoo in the visible body areas could result in up to two years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.
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Comments: 43
Some Marine got sunburned, and they strung him up for it for destroying government property. He'd been told to wear sunscreen, no lie.
I remember about 12 years ago, when my roommate enlisted in the army, he had one 3x3 inch tattoo of a phoenix on his chest. He was was on a delayed entry until the end of the then current semester of colloege and told not to get anymore tattoos prior to reporting for basic training.
Just trying to be topical some of the time. My life is not all adventure and jokes all the time. By the time I wake up in Tahoe in the morning, it is approaching mid-day on the east coast. When I log on to gather and see that nothing has been posted about some topics that have caught my attention, I figure they are fair game, even for an adventeur jokester like me!
Even the private sector is able to dictate dress codes, and "no visible tattoos" has been upheld as a reasonable rule. Employees can conform to the dress code by wearing clothing that covers any tatoos they have on say their arms. Vee, the dress uniforms do cover the areas referred to in the order. However, there are variations of daily uniforms, and in warm climates the uniform can be short sleeved shirts. As for shorts, probably not an official uniform for men in the service, but don't forget that women (Leti up above) serve in all branches including the Marines. Women's uniforms can include skirts and short legged pants besides full length troussers.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I do know that the Navy and Marines were a bit more liberal on their tatt policies at one time. My ex hubby is Navy and he had a tatt on his forearm that he got while on active duty.
And it is true that other business gruops outside the military have codes about tatts...I know Disney used to be one, because of the tatt my ex hubby couldn't work as a lifeguard for them so he ended up working in 'underground' doing costuming and what have you.
As a teacher with four tatts I had them put in places they won't be seen when I am wearing professional clothes. Seemed to me the professional way to do things but then that is probably my military upbringing and service coming out.
Interesting that women who served, such as yourself and Leti, seem to know the details. Where are your "fellow" soldiers, sailors, and airmen and their comments on the right to "bare" arms?
Just depends who your boss was if you could get away with tats or not.
It sometimes surprises me how people think the military is a democracy just because we protect democracy. It's a totalitarian atmosphere...with their own sets of rules..no Constitution there. Again, I understand this as a way to conform people to accomplish the mission, instead of worrying about individualism.
It's also for discipline.
That Marine I spoke of...he'd been sunburned before, so we told him to wear sunscreen. The guy ended up SIQ (sick-in-quarters) for almost a week because of the blisters, thus, putting him out of training and it pissed off the head honchos. After all, it's about operational readiness.
By the way, I had my first image pulled from a group and received the formal email. I feel like I have passed a huge hurdle. I now know for sure I can handle rejection! It hardly hurt at all. (I asked 6 people's opinion on it before I published it. They all gave me a thumbs up. Perhaps they set me up?) :-)
Bill..as I said in the private message, thank you! -grins-