This is something that you may consider printing out and sending to your Airman. Why? Because they don't always tell us that they are getting a Tattoo.
Unauthorized (content). Tattoos/Brands anywhere on the body that are obscene, advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform.
Any member obtaining unauthorized tattoos will be required to remove them at their own expense. Using uniform items to cover unauthorized tattoos is not an option. Members failing to remove unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner will be subject to involuntary separation, or punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Inappropriate (military image). Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/brands that exceed ¼ of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform.
Members will not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Commanders will use the above guidelines in determining appropriate military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in uniform. Air Force members with existing tattoos not meeting an acceptable military image should be required to:
• maintain complete coverage of the tattoos using current uniforms items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/slacks, dark hosiery, etc.) or
• volunteer to remove tattoo(s).
Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the effective date of this policy (1998) are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal upon notification by their Commander at their own expense (may not use Air Force Medical Centers for removal). Members not complying with these requirements will be subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with Air Force Standards and may be involuntarily separated.
REVISED:
From AFI 36-2903: 3.4.1. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings. (Unauthorized content/locations). 75 Tattoos/brands/body markings will not be on the head, face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp. 76 Tattoos/brands/body markings anywhere on the body that are obscene, commonly associated 77 with gangs, extremist, and/or supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or 78 religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Indecent tattoos/brands/body 79 markings are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety, or shocks the moral sense, 80 because of its vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature, or its tendency to incite lustful thought. It is 81 indecent if it tends reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts. It must not violate 82 community standards. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) maintains 83 information regarding gang/hate group, etc. on tattoos/brands/body markings. Commanders 84 should contact their servicing AFOSI unit for additional information. Extremist 85 tattoos/brands/body markings are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist 86 philosophies, organizations, or activities. Sexually discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings 3 87 are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender. 88 Racially discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings are those that advocate a philosophy that 89 degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Religiously 90 discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades 91 or demeans a person based on religion. Tattoos/brands/body markings with unauthorized content 92 that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or the content is of a nature that tends to bring 93 discredit upon the Department of the Air Force are prohibited both in and out of uniform. 94 Airmen and Guardians may not cover up tattoos, brands, and/or body markings with bandages or 95 make-up in order to comply with unauthorized content tattoo policy.
- 3.4.1.1. Members who have or receive unauthorized content tattoos/brands/body markings are required to initiate tattoo/brand/body marking removal/alteration. At the commander's discretion, members may be seen, on a space and resource available basis, in a Department of Defense (DoD) medical treatment facility for voluntary tattoo/brand/body marking removal. When DoD resources are not available, members may have the tattoo/brand removed/altered at their own expense outside of DoD medical treatment facilities. Permissive TDY is not authorized for this purpose; therefore, travel is at member's expense. Members who fail to remove/alter unauthorized tattoos/brands/body markings in a timely manner, or who choose not to comply with appropriate military standards, will be subject to a variety of appropriate quality force actions, including but not limited to reprimand, UIF, control roster, referral EPRs/OPRs, military justice action (Article 15, UCMJ punishment), ineligibility for schools and assignments and administrative discharge. If removal at government expense is not possible, the member's affirmative responsibility for complying with this AFI or the Air Force's responsibility to enforce it with any or all available options does not change.
- 3.4.2. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings (Authorized). Tattoos are authorized on the 98 chest and back (below the open collar uniform), arms, legs, feet, hands, and neck. One tattoo on 99 the neck is authorized and will not exceed 1-inch in measurement in any direction. The neck 100 tattoo will only be placed behind a vertical line at the opening of the ear orifice around the back 101 to a vertical line at the opening of the other ear orifice and includes behind the ear (See Figure 102 3.7). Ring tattoos are limited to a single band, on one finger of each hand, no more than 3/8 of 103 an inch in width below the knuckle and above the finger joint (portion closest to the palm). In 104 addition to the ring tattoo, a single tattoo is authorized on each hand; the tattoo will not exceed 105 the size of 1-inch measured in any direction. Hand, arm, leg, neck, and ring tattoos can be 106 exposed and visible while wearing any uniform combination(s). Chest and back tattoos will not 107 be visible through any uniform combination(s) or visible while wearing an open collar uniform. 108 Members may request an exception to policy (ETP) for location or size of tattoos in accordance 109 with paragraph 12.5 prior to receiving applicable tattoo. Approved tattoo ETPs will be 110 documented on the AF Form 4428, Tattoo Screening/Verification. An ETP request for tattoos 111 with unauthorized content will not be considered.
- 3.4.4.1. Each Component’s Senior Waiver Authority [as defined by the Air Force 114 Accessions and Training Division (AF/A1PT) in coordination with Space Force Accession and 115 Training Division (SF/S1PT)], per paragraph 3.4.4, may allow for individual exceptions to policy 116 to potential Air Force and Space Force applicants with hand tattoos (anywhere on the hand) that 117 are no more than 25% of the hand. The hand is defined as the end part of a person’s arm beyond 118 the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb. All content tattoo restrictions still apply. This 119 authority may be further delegated at the discretion of each Component’s Senior Waiver Authority 120 but no lower than RCS/CCs (RegAF/Reserve) and Recruiting & Retention Chiefs (ANG). This 121 authority will only be used for exceptionally qualified applicants as determined by the Waiver 122 Authority and is limited to critical career fields/specialties where the USAF/USSF are 123 undermanned and are unable to fill shortages with applicants unless an ETP is granted to the 124 applicant. Exceptionally qualified applicants include those with critical skill sets, degrees, certifications, or experience directly related to the specialty for which they are being considered.
It goes on to discuss the AF Form 4428 and how to fill it out to document an airman's tattoos... A7.2.1. Commander indicates tattoo/brand/body marking(s) with a number on body diagram, enters number, location, description on chart below and has member initial each.A7.2.2. Commanders photograph and describe tattoo(s)/brand(s)/body marking(s) and complete the corresponding blocks below with number, location and complete description of the documented tattoo, ensure member initials each corresponding tattoo block. (Photo(s) filed with form in Airman's record.)
And due to my security clearance the AF years ago, yes I had to have my Tattoo on my breast measured and pictures taken for records...
- 3.4.6. MAJCOM/CCs may impose more restrictive standards for tattoos/brands/body markings and body ornaments, on or off duty, in those locations where Air Force-wide standards may not be adequate to address cultural sensitivities (e.g., overseas). Additionally, MAJCOM/CCs may impose more restrictive standards on those performing highly visible special mission requirements or special duty positions (e.g.; more restrictive standards for permanently assigned recruiters, reserve officer training corps (ROTC) cadre, Officer Training School (OTS) cadre, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadre, Military Training Instructors (MTI), Military Training Leaders (MTL), instructors in any training environment, etc.).
- It goes on to discuss the AF Form 4428 and how to fill it out to document an airman's tattoos... A7.2.1. Commander indicates tattoo/brand/body marking(s) with a number on body diagram, enters number, location, description on chart below and has member initial each.A7.2.2. Commanders photograph and describe tattoo(s)/brand(s)/body marking(s) and complete the corresponding blocks below with number, location and complete description of the documented tattoo, ensure member initials each corresponding tattoo block. (Photo(s) filed with form in Airman's record.)
- I did a lot of research for my Airman that wants to get her commission and wanted a tattoo. Although personally I'm not against them, the commissioning enlisted to officer regulations stated any body modifications (other than pierced ears for females) will be denied. I spoke with a LTCol that used to sit the commissioning boards and he said if their were tattoos they pushed the record aside. Even though the tattoos were not visible in uniform. She also checked around and read the commissioning regulations... Her unit told her it would be better to wait until she is commissioned. Why have a little ink stop her from her dream. Funny is direct in to officer from civilian is easier to have a tattoo than the enlisted to officer commissioning... So the uniform regulation 36-2903 states all the requirements for having them, the commissioning regulations are stricter.
- Q: We need to find out if this all pertains to Active Military only or AirGuard as well?
A: That is easy ma'am! The front of all regulations state who they are applicable to! And AFI 36-2903 states: It applies to all active duty Air Force members, members of the Air Force Reserve Command and members of the Air National Guard, retired and separated members.
- Body Piercing
In Uniform:
Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through the uniform). EXCEPTION: Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earring should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. (EXCEPTION: Connecting band on clip earrings.)
Civilian Attire:
1.Official duty: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). EXCEPTION: Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earring should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. (EXCEPTION: Connecting band on clip earrings)
2.Off duty on a military installation: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). EXCEPTION: Piercing of earlobes by women is allowed, but should not be extreme or excessive. The type and style of earrings worn by women on a military installation should be conservative and kept within sensible limits.
Above Information Derived from AFI 36-2903 and the Air Force News Service Tattoos/Brands
lgs as compiled by Diane Dickey for Air Force MOMS BMT