Can You Join the Air Force with Tattoos?
The US Air Force has a long history of accepting individuals with tattoos, but the rules surrounding tattoo acceptance have changed over the years. In 2015, the Air Force relaxed its tattoo policy, allowing airmen to have more tattoos in certain areas of their body. However, the decision to join the Air Force with tattoos still depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll delve into the current tattoo policy of the US Air Force and provide guidance on what to expect.
Tattoo Policy Overview
The US Air Force allows airmen to have tattoos, but there are some restrictions. The policy is divided into two categories: acceptable tattoos and unacceptable tattoos.
Acceptable Tattoos
- Head, neck, and face: Airmen can have tattoos on their head, neck, and face, but they must be smaller than 1 inch in diameter.
- Hands and feet: Airmen can have tattoos on their hands and feet, but they must be well-hidden and not visible when wearing a uniform or in a professional setting.
- Arms and legs: Airmen can have tattoos on their arms and legs, but they must be not excessive in size or number.
Unacceptable Tattoos
- Obscenity: Tattoos that are obscene or indecent are not allowed.
- Discriminatory symbols: Tattoos that promote discrimination or are hate-related are not allowed.
- Excessive size or number: Tattoos that are excessive in size or number may be considered unacceptable.
- Visible in uniform: Tattoos that are visible in uniform are not allowed.
The Decision to Join the Air Force with Tattoos
If you’re considering joining the Air Force with tattoos, here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Tattoo policy is not uniform: Each Air Force branch has its own tattoo policy, so it’s essential to research the specific policy of the branch you’re interested in joining.
- Tattoos must be well-hidden: Even if your tattoos are considered acceptable, they must be well-hidden and not visible in uniform or in a professional setting.
- Tattoos may affect your job: Certain jobs in the Air Force may have specific requirements for tattoos, so it’s essential to research the requirements for your desired job.
- Tattoos may affect your career: Having unacceptable tattoos may impact your career advancement opportunities or even lead to separation from the Air Force.
Tips for Airmen with Tattoos
If you’re already an airman with tattoos, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Conceal your tattoos: Use makeup or cover-ups to conceal your tattoos when in uniform or in a professional setting.
- Keep your tattoos hidden: Avoid showing off your tattoos in public or on social media, as this can create a negative perception of the Air Force.
- Be prepared for questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your tattoos from superiors or other airmen.
- Seek guidance: If you’re unsure about a specific tattoo or policy, seek guidance from your squadron or unit commander.
Conclusion
Joining the Air Force with tattoos is possible, but it requires careful consideration of the tattoo policy and its implications. Airmen with tattoos must be aware of the acceptable and unacceptable tattoo policies and take steps to conceal their tattoos when necessary. By understanding the tattoo policy and following the guidelines outlined above, airmen with tattoos can successfully join and serve in the Air Force.
Tattoo Policy Comparison
Here is a comparison of the tattoo policies of the different branches of the US military:
| Branch | Tattoo Policy |
|---|---|
| US Air Force | Acceptable tattoos on head, neck, and face (smaller than 1 inch in diameter), hands and feet (well-hidden), arms and legs (not excessive in size or number) |
| US Army | Acceptable tattoos on arms and legs (not excessive in size or number), unacceptable tattoos on face and neck |
| US Navy | Acceptable tattoos on arms and legs (not excessive in size or number), unacceptable tattoos on head, neck, and face |
| US Marine Corps | Acceptable tattoos on arms and legs (not excessive in size or number), unacceptable tattoos on head, neck, and face |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about tattoos in the Air Force:
- Q: Can I get a tattoo in the Air Force?
- A: Yes, but you must follow the Air Force’s tattoo policy.
- Q: Can I have a tattoo on my face?
- A: Yes, but it must be smaller than 1 inch in diameter.
- Q: Can I have a tattoo on my hands or feet?
- A: Yes, but it must be well-hidden and not visible in uniform or in a professional setting.
- Q: Will my tattoos affect my job in the Air Force?
- A: Yes, certain jobs may have specific requirements for tattoos.
