Strict Army Policy Will Limit Tattoos

But it only applies to new recruits

  • Share
  • Read Later
© Matt McKnight / Reuters / REUTERS

Stacy Pierce of the 63rd battalion from Spokane, Washington, displays her tattoo on June 23, 2013. Under the new Army policy, this skin art would still be allowed since it is not visible in uniform.

The Army is set to crack down—on tattoos. New rules awaiting a final signature will further restrict where soldiers can place tattoos, Stars and Stripes reports.

According to the policy, tattoos can’t show below the elbows and knees or above the neckline, cutting short a tradition of body art in the Army. If you’re a current soldier with a tattoo in one of those banned areas, your tattoos have been grandfathered in. The new rules should go into effect within 60 days.

Army Regulation 670-1 will change the existing policy, which only prohibits tattoos on the head, face and neck above the class A uniform collar. Soldiers and new recruits will have to “self-identify” their tattoos.