Navy Tattoos-Brands-Body Art

Before you get your next tattoo!

December 11th, 2008

If there was one branch of service that was synonymous with tattoos I think it would be the Navy. The days of the Sailor pulling into some exotic far east port, having a few drinks then heading to the local tattoo artist have been seriously hampered by political correctness. The Sailor can still get a tattoo but must consider a number of things before picking the location, size and content before moving forward.

The rules of tattooing, branding and body art extend to those wishing to join the Navy. Below I have quoted a section of the Navy recruiting manual which discusses the topic.

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 an 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 or location criteria.

(d) Cosmetic Tattoos. This regulation does not prohibit cosmetic tattooing to correct medical conditions requiring such treatment. For the purposes of this regulation, cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel.

(5) Mutilation. Intentional mutilation of any part of the body is prohibited. Mutilation is defined as the intentional radical alteration of the body, head, face or skin for the purpose of and or resulting in an abnormal appearance. Examples of mutilation include, but are not limited to a split of forked tongue; foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern; enlarged or stretched holes in the ears (other than a normal piercing); intentional scarring on the neck, face or scalp; and intentional burns creating a design or pattern.

(6) Dental Ornamentation. The use of gold, platinum, or other veneers or caps for purposes of dental ornamentation is prohibited. For purposes of this regulation, ornamentation is defined as decorative veneers or caps. Teeth, whether natural, capped, or veneered, will not be ornamented with designs, jewels, initials or other similar ornamentation.

While in the Delayed Entry Program, Future Sailors should not add any tattoos, body art, body piercings, etc. Not only is there a chance for infection, but the art or piercing itself may very well disqualify you and lead to your discharge.

UPDATE as of 15 OCT 2009: “Cosmetic tattoos applied in good taste so that colors blend with natural skin tone and enhance natural features are acceptable. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are not authorized. Permanent lipstick colors shall be conservative and complement the individual.”
UPDATE as of 28 May 2010: “Tattoos on the inner lip that are not visible with an open mouth are acceptable as long as they meet content criteria.”

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  • I had no idea the navy actually has regulations regarding the tattoos service men and woman can wear. If I was in the Navy I would find it frustrating if there was a tattoo I wanted to get but did not meet the regulations. I wonder if the regulations have tightened up over the years? Also I would wonder if someone that already has a non regulation tattoo is unable to join the Navy. maybe one of the other branches would accept them!

    Comment by Liz | libra tattoos — February 18, 2009 @ 4:12 pm

  • Liz, the regulations are similar across the services. My hope is that those who get tattoos understand that placement and even the art work itself may have a detrimental impact on being able to serve. Feel free to circulate this information to the widest audience, I’d hate to see someone get a tattoo who wants to join in the future unable to only because the tattoo is one inch too high onto the neck or some other reason listed in the instruction.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — February 18, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

  • To be honest alot of tattoos can be waivered as long as they aren’t insulting/disrespectful/anti-government or race. I serve in the USN, and work closely with every branch, as long as you keep your tats hidden it won’t matter, only when they are visible are they a serious issue and even then they have to fall under the areas I mentioned area but that goes with the ones hidden for we are obligated to report those kind of things. We do over look new tattoos acquired while in service, however those who join with tats get a bit more scrutny due to they are getting fully examined and people can plainly see these things. Honestly the navy is still very much a tat covered military unit, I think army is close to follow, those thinking marines do just so you know marines fall under the Department of Navy. I have to say the coast guard is probably the most strick due to they want to seem most military given they are sometime not seen as a military force. Only thing when it comes to tats you need to worry about is the content, but if it isn’t like the KKK, Nazi or the South Rise Again(Seen as anti-government sometimes over looked if got while in) tat you should be good.

    Comment by Honest — March 9, 2009 @ 12:01 pm

  • @Honest,

    Thank you for your input. Yes, those already serving may be granted more leeway in content/location but for those joining the rules listed above are absolute.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — March 9, 2009 @ 12:12 pm

  • Honest,

    Just wanted to get your opinion, I am very set on joining the Navy, I have a great GPA (college senior) a really hard work ethic and unfortunately two full sleeves of tattoos. None go below the wrist, all are tasteful and NONE are in any way offensive or prejudicial. To be quite honest, it was a dumb decision to get them, something I did when I was young and immature. I have high hopes for joining the Navy’s Healthcare wing, do you think they will give me a chance? Thank you for your time.

    Oh and this question is open to anyone who is currently serving and knowledgeable about this issue.

    -Worried

    Comment by Worried — April 13, 2009 @ 9:23 pm

  • @Worried,

    You tats will be a waiver as they exceed the individual size limit. Your best bet is to get the process started.

    “(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 or location criteria.”

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — April 14, 2009 @ 7:15 am

  • I wanted to join the united states cost guard but was not allowed because of my tattoo .. so they said but it could have been an excuse for being 15 pounds over weight . i looked in to the navy and tattoo regulations messed me up and my father would not allow me to join the army because he is x navy . so i cant do anything

    Comment by delt with it — May 26, 2009 @ 8:40 pm

  • hey,
    i’m a 22 yr old woman who wants to join the navy and i have a few tattoos… i was told my tiny cross tattoo on the back of my neck would be waivered because it would be covered by my hair(i have it as far up in my hairline as possible) and collar. however, i have a rose that is on my ankle and foot. i’ve looked everywhere and haven’t found an answer… i will report having the tat but will i be turned away for it? i’m talking about when i wear dress whites and i have to wear a skirt and pumps… i’ve covered it up with makeup before and u couldn’t even tell it was there. that’s the only one i’m worried about.
    any info would be great!
    thanks, ROSIE

    Comment by rosie — October 9, 2009 @ 12:52 pm

  • Rosie,

    A tattoo on your neck is disqualifying; even if the tat is covered with your hair.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — October 9, 2009 @ 4:59 pm

  • i think the navy should allow people with tattoos cause to me thats like racisum in itself cause not all people with tattoos are thugs and when there dreams of getting into the navy are dashed its hard for them to pick themselfs up again. i should know.

    Comment by janine — October 28, 2009 @ 4:15 am

  • So, a tattoo behind the ear, on the neck is automatically up for disqualification? Is there any waiver?

    Comment by worried — January 6, 2010 @ 6:56 pm

  • Worried,

    No waiver would be authorized.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — January 9, 2010 @ 1:25 pm

  • You can get a waiver for any tatoo. I was in the navy for six years and I have tatoos on my neck and wrist. They have tightened the rules a bit but that is to not allow offensive/gang related tatoos. Anyhow all they can do is tell you “no.” Go see.

    Comment by adrian — July 12, 2010 @ 11:19 am

  • Adrian,

    No waiver will be approved for a tattoo on the neck for enlisting. A waiver may be granted for those already serving, but not a new enlistment.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — July 12, 2010 @ 11:25 am

  • I just went through MEPS yesterday. Because I’m a female and have only male recruiters, they couldn’t see my tattoo before going down to be processed. So at MEPS they took a photo. I have a 10in x 6in tattoo of Bettie Page on my side, naked. They figured that it wouldn’t be an issue because I’m a girl and my side would always be covered up. The photo went through about 6 or 7 people, and in the end was not approved because she’s “too naked”. They said I could get a whole bunch of Wrecking Ball, or put some sort of clothing on her. I’m absolutely fine with this, and she’ll be getting a new bikini sometime soon! But just because you CAN get the waiver, doesn’t mean you’ll be APPROVED for it.

    Comment by Ern — August 13, 2010 @ 9:44 am

  • Ern,

    You are correct. Because you can get a waiver, it doesn’t mean you will, but from what you describe, I think if you did cover up the nakedness – chances are pretty good you should be OK.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 15, 2010 @ 3:39 pm

  • ok so i have a kanji symbol on my neck its about a inch and a half big and i really want to join the navy besides laser removal see as how expensive it can get any other options or hope of me being able to join?

    Comment by daimo — August 15, 2010 @ 5:00 pm

  • Daimo,

    There are no waivers for tattoos the neck – removal would have to be complete.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 15, 2010 @ 5:24 pm

  • To all people having questions about joining the navy with tattoos as long as they arent offensive you will get them waived. Im stationed in charleston right now at the nuclear training base and their are a couple people with sleeves and a cpl girls with small neck tattoos. Heck i joined with a huge eagle tatted on my back and a forearm tattoo and got waivers. Ive also got 3 tattoos since ive been in and getting them approved is easy as hell.

    Im saying that if a someone like me can get into the nuclear program (one of the hardest to get into other than seal) with a forearm tat thats bigger than regulations i dont see why anyone else cant. Last year when i was in bootcamp ive seen people with hand tattoos with waivers and neck tattoos with waivers

    Comment by MM3 McGrady — August 18, 2010 @ 11:59 pm

  • MM3,

    Those neck tattoos you saw would not have received a waiver for enlistment; they had to have been over looked/missed by the Navy liaison and MEPS medical staff – it occurs when there is hair covering the neck and the applicant fails to disclose it. Also, there is not a separate tattoo requirement for nuke; all tats are viewed for overall enlistment eligibility – your tats qualify for the Navy, they qualify for all programs.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — August 19, 2010 @ 10:22 am

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