The Updated Navy Tattoo Policy

Did you know? The Navy has updated its tattoo policy as of April, 2018. The policy has not changed much from the previous update in 2016, aside from a few additions. A large factor in creating this new policy was the increased popularity of tattoos. It was updated in respect of those currently serving, along with the population from which the Navy draws its recruits. Its meant to ensure that the Navy does not miss chances. Especially to bring in skillful, young men and women who are willing to serve. The updates to the policy are:

• Sailors may now have one tattoo on their neck, as long as it does not exceed one inch in any direction.
• Sailors with sleeve tattoos are now able to be assigned to the Recruit Training Command and Recruiting Command positions. (Which the previous policy did not allow.)
• Sailors may now have visible tattoos below the elbow or knee. The policy no longer restricts the size or the amount of the tattoos.

Restrictions

The Navy’s tattoo policy content restrictions will continue to remain the same.

• No tattoo may be located anywhere on the body that can be prejudicial to good order or discipline and morale.
• No tattoo may be of a nature that brings discredit upon the naval service.
• As previously mentioned, a neck tattoo cannot exceed the height/width of one inch. However, a neck tattoo that exceeds the max size of 1-inch x 1-inch could be considered. The Navy recruiting commander must be the one to approve such an exception. To comply with the policy, this tattoo must be located on the back of the neck. It must not be touching the hairline or reaching behind the ears at all.
• If your tattoos are in any way offensive, racist, sexist, extremist, or discredit America, they will not follow the policy.
• The policy does not allow any tattoos that may discriminate against religion or national origin.
• Any tattoos that may suggest gang affiliation or the use of illegal drugs are not allowed. Likewise, tattoos that are deemed as “offensive” might not be acceptable within the policy.
• You cannot have any tattoos on your head or scalp, and nothing on the actual ear itself.
• Furthermore, the navy does not allow body mutilation by any means.

For further information/resources, we recommend our source – https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/uniforms/uniformregulations/chapter7/Pages/7101.aspx#tattoos

For more history, be sure to check out The History Of Black And Grey Tattooing for an explanation of the significance of early tattoos in the Navy.