Before you get your next Tattoo!

If there was one branch of service that was synonymous with tattoos, I think it would be the Navy. The days of a Sailor pulling into some exotic Far East port and having a few drinks, and then heading down to the local tattoo artist have been seriously hampered by the latest instructions. A Sailor can still get a tattoo, but he or she must consider a number of things before picking the location, size, and content.

The following policy holds true for those seeking enlistment or commission, Future Sailors, and those currently serving. So, before you get your next tattoo, keep reading!

According to COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8N, there are four criteria the Navy will use to determine whether tattoos, body art, or brands are permitted for Navy personnel, and they are content, location, size, and cosmetic.

The Tattoo's Content

Tattoos, body art or 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 Navy are prohibited. This includes tattoos that are obscene (e.g. profanity), sexually explicit (e.g. displays nudity), or advocate discrimination based on sex, race, religion, ethnic, or national origin. Additionally, tattoos, body art, or brands symbolizing affiliation with gangs, supremacist or extremist groups, or advocate illegal drug use are prohibited. A tattoo waiver will not be given for tattoos with prohibited content.

The Location of the Tattoo

No tattoos, body art or brands on the head, face and scalp. Multiple Tattoos are authorized on the back of the neck or behind the ear with an approved COMNAVCRUITCOM waiver. The area of the neck is defined as between the collar line of a crew neck T-shirt and the base of the jaw bone. Tattoos on the inner lip not visible with an open mouth are acceptable provided they meet content criteria. Additionally, otherwise permissible tattoos, body art or brands will not be visible through white uniform clothing. Waivers will not be given for tattoos not meeting these requirements.

The Size of the Tattoo

A single tattoo on the neck or behind the ear that does not exceed one inch in any dimension (height or width) is unauthorized, but can receive a waiver by the local Navy Talent Acquisition Group Commanding Officer. A single or multiple tattoos on the neck or behind the ear exceeding the maximum size of one inch will require a waiver by Navy Recruiting Command prior to entering the Delayed Entry Program.

Note: COMNAVCRUITCOM has been granted special provisions to waive the size restriction of visible neck and ear tattoos, multiple neck and behind the ear(s) tattoos for new accessions via a NAVCRUITCOM waiver.

Cosmetic Tattoos

Cosmetic tattoos are authorized to correct medical conditions requiring such treatment. Cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel.

Cosmetic Permanent Makeup (Women)

Cosmetic permanent makeup is authorized for eyebrows, eyeliner, lipstick, and lip liner only. Permanent makeup will be in good taste and blend naturally with the skin tone to enhance a natural appearance. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are not authorized and will not be obtained.

Approved permanent makeup colors are:

  1. Eyebrows will be shades of black, brown, blonde, or red and will match the applicant’s natural hair color.
  2. Eyeliner will be shades of black, brown, blue or green and must match the applicant’s natural eye color and will not extend past the natural corner of the eye.
  3. Lip liner and lipstick will be the color of the natural lip or shades of pink and moderate reds only.
  4. Permanent makeup is considered an elective medical procedure that is accomplished by qualified medical professionals to enhance natural features and requires careful planning and consideration of associated risks and liabilities to the individual.

Mutilation

The 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, or resulting in an abnormal appearance.

Examples of mutilation include, but are not limited to, a split or forked tongue, foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern, enlarged or stretched holes in the ears (e.g., ear gauging) greater than a normal piercing. Intentional scarring on the neck, face, or scalp, and intentional burns creating a design or pattern can be considered on a case by case basis.

Dental Ornamentation

The use of gold, platinum, or other veneers or caps for purposes of dental ornamentation is prohibited. 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.

If you have any questions after reading the article, either contact your local recruiter, or you can ask me directly.

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