Are Piercings Allowed in the Military?
The United States military has strict regulations regarding personal appearance and grooming standards, including tattoos and piercings. While the military does permit some types of piercings, others are prohibited or require special permission.
What Types of Piercings are Allowed in the Military?
According to the Department of Defense (DoD) standards, the following types of piercings are allowed:
• Earlobes: Piercings in the earlobe are permitted, as long as they are not excessively large or distracting.
• Upper cartilage: Piercings in the upper cartilage of the ear are also allowed.
• Lower lip: Piercings in the lower lip are permitted, but must be placed at least 1/4 inch from the bottom of the lip.
• Tongue: Tongue piercings are allowed, but must be small and not visible when the mouth is closed.
What Types of Piercings are Not Allowed in the Military?
The following types of piercings are prohibited in the military:
• Septum: Septum piercings are not permitted, as they are considered a "distracting" and "obvious" piercing.
• Eyebrow: Piercings in the eyebrow are prohibited, as they are considered a "display of self-adornment".
• Nose: Piercings in the nose are not allowed, except for small, tasteful stud piercings that do not protrude from the nostrils.
• Face: Any piercing on the face, including the cheek, forehead, and chin, is prohibited.
• Head: Any piercing on the head, including the scalp, is prohibited.
• Tattoos with religious symbols: Tattoos with religious symbols, including crosses, stars, and other religious imagery, are prohibited.
• Visible tattoos: Tattoos that are visible when the wearer is in uniform or participating in physical training are prohibited.
What About Existing Piercings?
If you already have a piercing and are considering enlisting in the military, you should be aware that some piercings may be acceptable, but require special permission. Current or planned piercings that may be allowed with permission include:
• Septum: Small, tasteful septum piercings may be allowed with permission from the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) officer.
• Nose: Small, tasteful nose piercings may be allowed with permission from the MEPS officer.
• Eyebrow: Some eyebrow piercings may be allowed with permission from the MEPS officer, depending on the style and location of the piercing.
How to Apply for a Waiver for a Prohibited Piercing
If you have a prohibited piercing and are eager to enlist, you may be able to apply for a waiver. Waivers are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and require a convincing argument and supporting documentation.
To apply for a waiver, you will need to:
- Get a doctor’s note: Obtain a doctor’s note stating that the piercing does not pose a health or safety risk.
- Gather supporting documents: Gather any relevant supporting documents, such as medical records, photos, and letters from commanding officers.
- Submit an application: Submit your waiver application to the MEPS officer or the military service you are applying to join.
Conclusion
While the military does permit some types of piercings, others are prohibited or require special permission. It is essential to be aware of the military’s piercing regulations before enlisting, as prohibited piercings can be grounds for denial of enlistment or even discharge from service. By understanding the regulations and requirements, you can ensure that your piercings meet the military’s standards and allow you to serve with pride.
