Joining the military with tattoos?

Question

I'm a rising college sophomore with 2 tattoos, one on my right shoulder and one on my lower hip. My right shoulder has three small stars on it, and my hip has the phrase "Always towards better things" in Latin on it. I am planning to join the military after college...would these tattoos affect me in any way? Also, would having different languages on my body affect me joining? I plan on getting another one in Hebrew soon. My dog (who I had for 13 years) passed away earlier this year, and his name is a shortened version of a Hebrew name. Therefore, I was planning on getting "loyalty" tattooed in Hebrew in remembrance of him, and because the word "loyalty" means a lot to me family-wise. I don't mean to offend anyone; I'm not focusing strictly on the Hebrew language (it's just the one that applied to me). I'm just curious as to how the military looks at those with tattoos/those with tattoos in different languages.

Answer 1

as long as your tattoos are not racist or gang related- they let them fly. a lot also depends on what branch of service you apply for- I think the marines and AF do not allow tattoos on the hands and neck but the army does.

Answer 2

They might verify the Translation, then give you a waiver

Vet-USAF

Answer 3

it shouldnt affect you if you are able to cover them up in uniform. I know a former tattoo artist who was also a former Marine. He is know in my husbands flight class. He has tattoos covering his entire legs and forearms. He was able to get a wavier, but it was no problem getting one. my husband has one of his arm and he doesn't have to get a wavier for it since he is able to cover it up with his uniform. however, you can not have piercings.  

Answer 4

Air Force regs are any tattoos on forearms cannot cover more than 25% of your arm taking the circumference measurement into play. If it is covered by your uniform on other parts of your body, you have no problems.

Answer 5

The Marine Corps has a new rule out against any tattoos on the forearm but its only for present Marines so they cant get anymore past the elbows. Youll be ok. As long as there is no vulgarity, racist slangs or gang related c**p, its fine! :)