Airmen weigh in on possible changes to tattoo policy

Airmen took to social media and emailed Air Force Times iIn response to an earlier report about the upcoming modification, airmen took to social media and emailed Air Force Times to share their thoughts. Service leaders say theythe Air Force remains are determined to work on policies that reflect the current social culture. 

Those airmen who said they would like to adopt the Army’s plan, which changed for the service last year, argued that it makes the most sense. Under the Army's new rules, tattoo sleeves, which typically cover the arm from shoulder to wrist, are once again authorized as long as they don't extend past the wrist. Tattoos, which are taboo restricted on the neck, head, face, wrists or hands, also cannot be visible anywhere while in uniform. 

Many airmen said the Army policy, if adopted, would  applies best because it finally gives airmen who’ve been "itching to get their sleeves" done the ability to ink on more, but still maintains professionalism while in uniform. 

Other airmen would like Air Force regs to mirror taking on the Navy’s new policy, the most tolerant of all the services thus far. The Navy last month began allowing its sailors to sport neck tattoos, sleeves and even markings behind their ears. 

The Air Force last updated its policy on tattoos in 2010, when there was a change to how the chain of command could determine, or even measure, a tattoo to be "excessive." If airmen have excessive tattoos — anything defined as covering more than 25 percent of an exposed body part or readily visible when wearing any uniform other than PT gear — they must need to fill out a form for their commander to document that an excessive tattoo has been waived and the individual has been authorized to cover the tattoo with his or her uniform.

Are the rules limiting tattoos stopping airmen from re-enlisting? It is not clear whether it's a huge problem, but it The issue may not be that grave, but it could be stopping some new talent from joining the rankscoming in.

One reader, Katlyn Hamilton, said she anticipated joining the Air Force, but added, "I wish they would let individuals start their process of joining while undergoing tattoo removal of a tattoo or tattoos that would otherwise disqualify them." Hamilton said she has a tattoo behind her ear, and it will take some time to remove it. "It would give great security knowing that nothing else disqualifies me from joining and that I'm not spending thousands of dollars for no other reason," she said. 

"Ever since this issue has risen, I have felt singled out and judged by the ink I have on my skin instead of my work performance and my performance as a United States airman," said Senior Airman Noah TeGrootenhuis, stationed at  said. TeGrootenhuis, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. When he appeared in his PT uniform recently, he explained how standing in his PT uniform recently had his superiors began eyeing if the tattoos on his arms to see if they were more "excessive" than previously documented, thus warranting his removal.

"If we can serve abroad and risk our lives for our country, shouldn't we be able to make our own choices for our bodies?" Staff Sgt. James Morel askedsaid. "There should be no issue, as long as we can complete our mission as directed."