Air Force: Woman may serve despite tattoo - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Air Force: Woman may serve despite tattoo

IRWIN, Pa. — The Air Force says a western Pennsylvania woman will be allowed to take basic training despite a tattoo that conflicts with a new regulation.

Nineteen-year-old Kayla Bresnan, of Penn Township, was sworn in for the Air Force's delayed entry program in April. Her tattoo of a theatrical mask on her right forearm wasn't a problem then.

But a new Air Force regulation went into effect Nov. 25 banning tattoos below the elbow on the "saluting" arm because they aren't covered by a uniform sleeve. So Bresnan was told her induction was in limbo until her case could be reviewed.

Lt. Col. Wendy Birch of the 311th Recruiting Squadron in Canonsburg said Wednesday evening that Bresnan will be grandfathered in and can leave for basic training on Dec. 15.

Bresnan says she plans to have the tattoo removed when she's on leave, just in case.