Tattoo Question

[BMEJake]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm a pre-ODS Navy HPSP student and I've completed my commissioning process. I'm considering getting an existing, (documented) tattoo added to but I want to be 100% sure I can do so and not jeopardize my status in the program. The existing tattoo is on my upper shoulder, not visible in a crew neck t-shirt and the additional tattoo I want to get would be stylizing the existing tattoo as well as adding a florian cross and flame border (symbolizing my service as a firefighter). The tattoo would be 100% non offensive and within regs for size and location as well.

My question is this: When going through ODS would having the addition to the existing tattoo cause problems? Both my recruiter and friends who have served in the Navy have told me as long as its in regulations and doesn't detract from my professional appearance while in uniform, no one will raise a stink about it. I well aware of the regulations and would assume that since I am already an O1, as long as I'm within uniform regs I'll be all set. Would I need to report it anyway prior to reporting to ODS? I've gotten a lot of non-definitive answers and am leaning towards getting the addition, but I'm really hesitant to do anything and cross my fingers it that it will be OK. Does anyone have experience with this that can offer some insight? Again, the only place I can foresee anyone caring is ODS and that's only because I'm not sure what kind of screening one goes through there.

Also, if it makes any difference, the documentation of the existing tattoo will still be accurate, it just wouldn't mention the new florian cross border and flames or the addition of color. My recruiter said (off the record) that it should be fine, just say I've had the tattoo all along; I'm still hesitant.

Thank you for your advice, I've run Google dry in vain trying to figure this out.

 

[NavyFP]

I'm a pre-ODS Navy HPSP student and I've completed my commissioning process. I'm considering getting an existing, (documented) tattoo added to but I want to be 100% sure I can do so and not jeopardize my status in the program. The existing tattoo is on my upper shoulder, not visible in a crew neck t-shirt and the additional tattoo I want to get would be stylizing the existing tattoo as well as adding a florian cross and flame border (symbolizing my service as a firefighter). The tattoo would be 100% non offensive and within regs for size and location as well.

My question is this: When going through ODS would having the addition to the existing tattoo cause problems? Both my recruiter and friends who have served in the Navy have told me as long as its in regulations and doesn't detract from my professional appearance while in uniform, no one will raise a stink about it. I well aware of the regulations and would assume that since I am already an O1, as long as I'm within uniform regs I'll be all set. Would I need to report it anyway prior to reporting to ODS? I've gotten a lot of non-definitive answers and am leaning towards getting the addition, but I'm really hesitant to do anything and cross my fingers it that it will be OK. Does anyone have experience with this that can offer some insight? Again, the only place I can foresee anyone caring is ODS and that's only because I'm not sure what kind of screening one goes through there.

Also, if it makes any difference, the documentation of the existing tattoo will still be accurate, it just wouldn't mention the new florian cross border and flames or the addition of color. My recruiter said (off the record) that it should be fine, just say I've had the tattoo all along; I'm still hesitant.

Thank you for your advice, I've run Google dry in vain trying to figure this out.

Should be OK, but is there a rush to get this?
Why make waves.

 

[TheGoose]

Should be OK, but is there a rush to get this?
Why make waves.

Loving the Navy puns lately!!!

 

[ruiner]

I'm a pre-ODS Navy HPSP student and I've completed my commissioning process. I'm considering getting an existing, (documented) tattoo added to but I want to be 100% sure I can do so and not jeopardize my status in the program. The existing tattoo is on my upper shoulder, not visible in a crew neck t-shirt and the additional tattoo I want to get would be stylizing the existing tattoo as well as adding a florian cross and flame border (symbolizing my service as a firefighter). The tattoo would be 100% non offensive and within regs for size and location as well.

My question is this: When going through ODS would having the addition to the existing tattoo cause problems? Both my recruiter and friends who have served in the Navy have told me as long as its in regulations and doesn't detract from my professional appearance while in uniform, no one will raise a stink about it. I well aware of the regulations and would assume that since I am already an O1, as long as I'm within uniform regs I'll be all set. Would I need to report it anyway prior to reporting to ODS? I've gotten a lot of non-definitive answers and am leaning towards getting the addition, but I'm really hesitant to do anything and cross my fingers it that it will be OK. Does anyone have experience with this that can offer some insight? Again, the only place I can foresee anyone caring is ODS and that's only because I'm not sure what kind of screening one goes through there.

Also, if it makes any difference, the documentation of the existing tattoo will still be accurate, it just wouldn't mention the new florian cross border and flames or the addition of color. My recruiter said (off the record) that it should be fine, just say I've had the tattoo all along; I'm still hesitant.

Thank you for your advice, I've run Google dry in vain trying to figure this out.

I really can't think of a time at ODS that anyone that might have anything to say about it would see it. i wouldn't worry about it as long as its regulation. if its too flashy some prior chief might call you out while waiting in line for the shower to be a smart ass but again as long as you're in regs you're fine. there is no full body scan or anything haha

 

[BOHICA-FIGMO]

I'm a pre-ODS Navy HPSP student and I've completed my commissioning process. I'm considering getting an existing, (documented) tattoo added to but I want to be 100% sure I can do so and not jeopardize my status in the program. The existing tattoo is on my upper shoulder, not visible in a crew neck t-shirt and the additional tattoo I want to get would be stylizing the existing tattoo as well as adding a florian cross and flame border (symbolizing my service as a firefighter). The tattoo would be 100% non offensive and within regs for size and location as well.

My question is this: When going through ODS would having the addition to the existing tattoo cause problems? Both my recruiter and friends who have served in the Navy have told me as long as its in regulations and doesn't detract from my professional appearance while in uniform, no one will raise a stink about it. I well aware of the regulations and would assume that since I am already an O1, as long as I'm within uniform regs I'll be all set. Would I need to report it anyway prior to reporting to ODS? I've gotten a lot of non-definitive answers and am leaning towards getting the addition, but I'm really hesitant to do anything and cross my fingers it that it will be OK. Does anyone have experience with this that can offer some insight? Again, the only place I can foresee anyone caring is ODS and that's only because I'm not sure what kind of screening one goes through there.

Also, if it makes any difference, the documentation of the existing tattoo will still be accurate, it just wouldn't mention the new florian cross border and flames or the addition of color. My recruiter said (off the record) that it should be fine, just say I've had the tattoo all along; I'm still hesitant.

Thank you for your advice, I've run Google dry in vain trying to figure this out.

Short of getting a Swastika, I can't really think of too many tattoos that would be disqualifying. Shoot, in the USMC, having one or more tattoos is practically mandatory! ;-)

 

[DocRGR]

I have multiple tattoos, no one really cares. Agree with not getting swastikas or pole dancers on your neck, otherwise you're golden.

 

[NightGod]

I really can't think of a time at ODS that anyone that might have anything to say about it would see it. i wouldn't worry about it as long as its regulation. if its too flashy some prior chief might call you out while waiting in line for the shower to be a smart ass but again as long as you're in regs you're fine. there is no full body scan or anything haha

MEPS is dam,n near a full body scan, unless things have changed. Standing around in your skivvies and doing a duck walk across the room in front of 20 guys you met 3 minutes ago pretty much qualifies. That said, if your ink meets the general description of what you had on record previously, and your additions aren't crazy things like swastikas or spread-eagle naked women, I tend to lean towards what your recruiter said as being true (OMFG, right? A recruiter telling you the truth)-a few embellishments to existing ink aren't going to matter. Honestly, you could go either way a) pretend it's always been there and earlier accounts were missing detail or b) mention you got some additions to your previous ink.The average MEPS sergeant or block house troop is going to look at you like your insane for mentioning b), for the record, because you just gave them extra paperwork for something that doesn't make a damn bit of difference. Seriously, unless things have drastically changed in the last ~20 year, tattoos are only a problem if they're 1) offensive (yours obviously wouldn't be) or 2) cause extra paperwork for someone (seriously, everyone in the military HATES extra paperwork, if you haven't served any time in a unit, you just don't know-you can get away with damn near anything as long as it results in zero to minimal paperwork, especially if you're willing to fill out the paperwork for the affected personnel). The main reason the ask about ink in the first place (assuming all the ink you have is within regs) is to be able to identify your body parts if your position gets blown to pieces. If you make a few changes, anyone who has seen you waiting in line for a shower or hit the bar with you will be able to identify you from a scrap of arm skin anyway,since military types love to show off ink.

tl;dr get your embellishments done and keep your mouth shut when it comes to official paperwork, no one is going to care

 

[ruiner]

MEPS is dam,n near a full body scan, unless things have changed. Standing around in your skivvies and doing a duck walk across the room in front of 20 guys you met 3 minutes ago pretty much qualifies. That said, if your ink meets the general description of what you had on record previously, and your additions aren't crazy things like swastikas or spread-eagle naked women, I tend to lean towards what your recruiter said as being true (OMFG, right? A recruiter telling you the truth)-a few embellishments to existing ink aren't going to matter. Honestly, you could go either way a) pretend it's always been there and earlier accounts were missing detail or b) mention you got some additions to your previous ink.The average MEPS sergeant or block house troop is going to look at you like your insane for mentioning b), for the record, because you just gave them extra paperwork for something that doesn't make a damn bit of difference. Seriously, unless things have drastically changed in the last ~20 year, tattoos are only a problem if they're 1) offensive (yours obviously wouldn't be) or 2) cause extra paperwork for someone (seriously, everyone in the military HATES extra paperwork, if you haven't served any time in a unit, you just don't know-you can get away with damn near anything as long as it results in zero to minimal paperwork, especially if you're willing to fill out the paperwork for the affected personnel). The main reason the ask about ink in the first place (assuming all the ink you have is within regs) is to be able to identify your body parts if your position gets blown to pieces. If you make a few changes, anyone who has seen you waiting in line for a shower or hit the bar with you will be able to identify you from a scrap of arm skin anyway,since military types love to show off ink.

tl;dr get your embellishments done and keep your mouth shut when it comes to official paperwork, no one is going to care

nope meps definitely still the same (unless its change since i went through a few years ago), but got the impression hes already through that. anyway, to the op, definitely do it if you want it, you will be fine

 

[Charlie0318]

What about a post BOLC army HPSP that has no history of a tattoo? I was considering getting one with my brother on my chest of our family crest. I know army is tightening their standards, but since it is in a place no one would see wasn't sure what the process for reporting it is like, or if I should just say nothing until someone notices?

I am starting my 3rd year and have done MEPS and BOLC.

 

[BMEJake]

Thanks for all the advice! I went ahead and got it and it came out really well, if I do say so myself. I'm through MEPS, and checked the HPSP handbook which has no mention of having to report changes in appearance that do not affect your health. All that seems to apply is uniform standards which, as many of you have pointed out, this tattoo is well within.

Attached are the before and after photos. Thank you all again for the help!

 

[narcusprince]

Thanks for all the advice! I went ahead and got it and it came out really well, if I do say so myself. I'm through MEPS, and checked the HPSP handbook which has no mention of having to report changes in appearance that do not affect your health. All that seems to apply is uniform standards which, as many of you have pointed out, this tattoo is well within.

Attached are the before and after photos. Thank you all again for the help!

Nice tat. You have definetly helped me make up my mind. Im 100 percent sure im going to get my name tated on my lower back in chinease letters somewhere around L4-5. Lol. In all honesty I do not have any tats but I respect ur artwork.

 

[backrow]

Gingers don't have souls, I'm surprised they let you in 🙂

 

[BMEJake]

Gingers don't have souls, I'm surprised they let you in 🙂

Apparently having a soul wasn't an application requirement. I'm just as surprised as you are.

 

[DocArmy]

Here's the Navy regs on tattoos:
You just have to meet the location rules. Size looks like it's waiverable.

Navy Regs:
3. TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS. FOUR CRITERIA WILL BE USED TO
DETERMINE WHETHER TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS ARE PERMITTED FOR NAVY
PERSONNEL: CONTENT, LOCATION, SIZE, AND COSMETIC.
A. CONTENT. TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS LOCATED ANYWHERE ON THE
BODY THAT ARE PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE, AND MORALE OR
ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE NAVAL SERVICE ARE
PROHIBITED. FOR EXAMPLE, TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS THAT ARE OBSCENE,
SEXUALLY EXPLICIT, AND OR ADVOCATE DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX,
RACE, RELIGION, ETHNIC, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN ARE PROHIBITED. IN
ADDITION, TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS THAT SYMBOLIZE AFFILIATION WITH
GANGS, SUPREMACIST OR EXTREMIST GROUPS, OR ADVOCATE ILLEGAL DRUG USE
ARE PROHIBITED.
B. LOCATION. NO TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS ON THE HEAD, FACE,
NECK, OR SCALP. THE NECK AREA FOR PURPOSES OF THIS REGULATION IS
ANY PORTION VISIBLE WHEN WEARING A CREW NECK T-SHIRT OR OPEN COLLAR
UNIFORM SHIRT. IN ADDITION, OTHERWISE PERMISSIBLE TATTOOS/BODY
ART/BRANDS ON THE TORSO AREA OF THE BODY SHALL NOT BE VISIBLE
THROUGH WHITE UNIFORM CLOTHING.
C. SIZE. INDIVIDUAL TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS EXPOSED BY WEARING
A SHORT SLEEVE UNIFORM SHIRT SHALL BE NO LARGER IN SIZE THAN THE
WEARER S HAND WITH FINGERS EXTENDED AND JOINED WITH THE THUMB
TOUCHING THE BASE OF THE INDEX FINGER. TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS THAT
EXCEED SIZE CRITERIA ARE WAIVERABLE PROVIDED THEY DO NOT VIOLATE THE
CONTENT AND/OR LOCATION CRITERIA.

 

[DocArmy]

Here are the Army regs. Abide by these, and you can point out to anyone who says otherwise that your tat's are within regulations as prescribed by the DOD and the US Army. Quoting chapter and verse is always a useful tool. If anyone orders you something that is other than regulation, ask for it in writing as official orders.

e. Tattoo policy
(1) Tattoos or brands anywhere on the head, face, and neck above the class A uniform collar are prohibited.
(2) Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within units.
(a) Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender or
ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S.
Constitution, Federal, or State law (see para 4–12, AR 600–20).
(b) Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or tendency to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts.
(c) Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent.”
(d) Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

So there you go. Don't be racist, vulgar, obscene or sexist and keep it coverable in Class A's and you're within regs.

Though, this kind of flies in the face of the recent Army Times panty twisting about "new, tougher standards on appearance." As it stands, if you can't see it while in a suit and tie (Class A) then you can get it. Whatever the regs change to eventually, they'll have to grandfather in a bunch of people anyway.

 

[Aegis]

Here are the Army regs. Abide by these, and you can point out to anyone who says otherwise that your tat's are within regulations as prescribed by the DOD and the US Army. Quoting chapter and verse is always a useful tool. If anyone orders you something that is other than regulation, ask for it in writing as official orders.

So there you go. Don't be racist, vulgar, obscene or sexist and keep it coverable in Class A's and you're within regs.

Though, this kind of flies in the face of the recent Army Times panty twisting about "new, tougher standards on appearance." As it stands, if you can't see it while in a suit and tie (Class A) then you can get it. Whatever the regs change to eventually, they'll have to grandfather in a bunch of people anyway.

Nope..Never once met an Army dude with a racist, vulgar, obscene or sexist tattoo...