Can You Have Hand Tattoos in the Army? Facts to Know

There’s this misconception that tattoos are strictly not allowed in the military because it’s “defacing government property,” but this isn’t true. Can you have hand tattoos in the army is the question we’ll address today.

In fact, for the most part, it’s a “yes!” Specifically, soldiers can now have one tattoo on each hand as long as it doesn’t exceed 1 inch in length.

Learn more about the rules governing tattoos in the military by reading on.

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Can You Have Hand Tattoos in the Army?

In fact, you can have hand tattoos in the army, while there are some regulations.

Finger ring tattoos are permitted in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, one on each hand.

The finger ring tattoo cannot be wider than 3/8 inches, according to the Marine Corps.

Here are more rules about having tattoos in the military:

Hands: prohibited by the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force; limited permission from the Army and Coast Guard; full permission from the Navy.
Neck: prohibited by the Army, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard are allowed, but with restrictions, the Marine Corps and Air Force may also participate.
Head & Face: prohibited by all branches.
Arms & Torso: fully permitted by all branches.
Fingers: permitted with limitations by the Armed forces that the Navy fully authorizes include the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Legs: fully permitted by all branches.

As you can see, tattoos on the arms and torso are acceptable in the military because these areas are frequently covered by required uniforms. In terms of tattoo policies, the Navy is also the most tolerant among the branches. In light of this, the Navy is your best option if you have numerous tattoos and want to join the military.

So why is it that some military bases forbid tattoos while others allow them? In the end, serving in the military is a job. No, it’s nowhere near the same as civilian jobs as far as duties and lifestyle are concerned, but they still want to make sure “employees” (or service members, in this instance) appear professional.

Similar to the extremely detailed regulations regarding military uniforms and dress, restrictions on tattoos are justified.

General Rules and Prohibited Tattoos

The majority of all military branches forbid tattoos on the head, face, and neck.

The question is, where else? In the military, are hand tattoos permitted? The majority of branches, the answer is no. For a very long time, hand tattoos were forbidden in the military.

However, the Army recently updated its regulations regarding neck and hand tattoos due to a recruitment crisis. Soldiers are now permitted to have one tattoo, no longer than an inch long, on each hand. On the back of their neck, they are permitted to get one tattoo that is no longer than two inches.

As a general rule, the Armed Forces prohibits “tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are of a nature to bring discredit to their service.

Particularly, all of the policies outlaw material that promotes racism, sexism, and extremism. In addition, the Air Force forbids content related to gangs, and the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard all forbid content related to drugs and gangs.”

Each branch has the authority to decide whether or not a tattoo violates these content laws.

Conclusion on Can You Have Hand Tattoos in the Army

So can you have hand tattoos in the army?

The answer is Yes (though there are stipulations surrounding the size, content, and placement of tattoos).

But rest assured that no jurisdiction states that getting tattoos in the military is “defacing government property.”

FAQs

What Happens If You Get a Neck Tattoo in the Army?

There may be one tattoo on the neck or behind the ear, but it may not extend farther than an inch in any one direction. The front of the neck is off-limits for neck tattoo placement as well.

What Branch of Military Allows Hand Tattoos?

Navy Tattoo Policy.

Will Military Pay for Tattoo Removal?

Generally speaking, visits to a tattoo removal clinic will be on your own dime—the government will not pay for you to have a tattoo removed, nor will health insurance.