Joining the Air Force seems like the coolest idea in the world until your Air Force veteran uncle tells you that you can't join because of your sleeve. Times have changed, the and Air Force has finally followed other services in relaxing tattoo policies.
In this article, we are going to be exploring the conundrum of tattoos and what they mean within the Air Force.
We will be paying close attention to whether tattoos are allowed, and then looking at what kinds of tattoos are allowed and where on your body they can be.
So, if you have considered joining the Air Force but also want a tattoo (or even if you have one already), this article will be helpful for you!
What tattoos are not allowed in the Air Force?
The Air Force does not allow tattoos that are very visible such as on your face, neck, hands, wrists, and head. The rules have changed in recent years to include a little more allowance for tattoos, such as allowing tattoos when they cover less than 25% of the body and the removal of size stipulations.
Sleeves on the arm may also be allowed now. Tattoos on the lips, even if on the inside, are still considered visible and so they also incur a ban.
In terms of the design of the tattoos, the Air Force strictly bans any tattoo that is racist, sexist, homophobic, extremist, indecent in any way and any other tattoo that may be offensive. In our opinion, this is the right decision.
After all, the Air Force (as well as any other official police or military organization) should not allow for any form of discrimination in their employees, and a tattoo depicting such a thing is a sure sign that the person is a bad fit for such a role!
To be more specific, anything that can be classed as obscene under guidelines set by the USAF is not allowed. The Air Force also has a total ban on any tattoos that are associated or affiliated with gangs and gang activity. These banned tattoos are not allowed on any part of the body, even if they can be covered up!
Whilst hand tattoos are generally banned, the Air Force does make an exception for ring tattoos. There is an allowance for a ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.
This is to ensure that married personnel who have decided to mark their marriage with a tattoo instead of a ring do not need to be excluded.
Can you have a tattoo behind your ear in the Air Force?
No, you will not be able to have a tattoo behind your ear in the Air Force. Whilst it is covered by an ear and possibly hair, there is still a chance that the tattoo may be seen, and therefore against regulations.
As it stands, any tattoo on the head or face is banned, and, seeing as a tattoo behind the ear is still technically on the head, it will not be allowed in the Air Force.
As well as a ban on tattoos behind the ear, the Air Force also has rules regarding piercings of any kind, especially visible piercings on the face or ears.
Of course, piercings can be taken out, but tattoos cannot be as easily removed unless you want to fork out for expensive laser removal (which may not even remove the whole piece).
Can the Air Force deny you for having a tattoo?
Yes. The Air Force can deny you for having a tattoo if the tattoo in question exceeds their limits. For example, if you have visible tattoos on your face, head, eyelids, lips, hands, neck, and wrists, you will likely get denied as these areas are not allowed to be tattooed.
You may also get denied from the Air Force if you have a tattoo design that is prohibited. Prohibited tattoos include designs that may be racist or sexist. They may also include any tattoo that is extremist or supremacist or depicts any messages of this kind.
The Air Force also has a ban on any tattoo that is affiliated or connected to gangs and gang culture. The Air Force also bans any tattoo that is affiliated with extremist religion, philosophies, and any religious blasphemy.
The Air Force also has a ban on branding tattoos in all areas, visible or not. If you have a tattoo that fits into any of these above descriptions then it is highly likely that you will get denied.
If you happen to have a tattoo that is in any way obscene, such as depicting an obscene or disturbing act, or if it falls under the USAF guidelines for obscenity, then you will also get denied.
The rules around tattoos are relaxed in many ways, but the Air Force quite rightly has a ban on any obscene and discriminatory tattoos, meaning you will not be allowed to join if you have them.
What happens if you get a tattoo before basic training?
If you get a tattoo before basic training, it will depend on what tattoo you have and where it is. If you get a tattoo that is on the Air Force banned list before you start your basic training, then it is highly likely that the Air Force will not let you start your training.
If you have already completed your final physical for MEPS, then you'll want to discuss the repercussions with your recruiter if you get a new tattoo that wasn't previously reported. You may risk having to go back to MEPS to have it reported. You might want to consider waiting on any new tattoos until after BMT and Tech School graduation.
The banned list includes visible tattoos and obscene or discriminatory tattoos. If you were to get one of these banned tattoos before you shipped to basic training, then you run a high risk of being booted out of the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) for disobeying the rules.
However, if the tattoo in question is within the allowed limits, you will likely be fine. You may just want to consider the healing time needed for a tattoo and how the training might affect it.
New tattoos are prone to infection and often need a few weeks of healing time. There may also be restrictions on how often you can shower with a very new tattoo, which may interfere with your training if you get sweaty or dirty.
AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
3.4. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings. For purposes of this instruction, a tattoo is defined as a picture, design, or marking made on the skin or other areas of the body by staining it with an indelible dye, or by any other method, including pictures, designs, or markings only detectible or visible under certain conditions (such as ultraviolet or invisible ink tattoos). A brand is defined as a picture, design, or other marking that is burned into the skin or other areas of the body. Body markings are pictures, designs, or other markings as a result of using means other than burning to permanently scar or mark the skin. Members who violate the prohibitions and mandatory provisions in paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 are subject to prosecution under Article 92, UCMJ.
3.4.1. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings. (Unauthorized content/locations). Tattoos/brands/body markings will not be on the hands (except one ring tattoo on one finger on one hand), head, neck (anything visible above the open collar uniform), face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp. Tattoos/brands/body markings anywhere on the body that are obscene, commonly associated with gangs, extremist, and/or supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Indecent tattoos/brands/body markings are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety, or shocks the moral sense, because of its vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature, or its tendency to incite lustful thought. It is indecent if it tends reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts. It must not violate community standards. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) maintains information regarding gang/hate group, etc. on tattoos/brands/body markings. Commanders should contact their servicing AFOSI unit for additional information. Extremist tattoos/brands/body markings are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Sexually discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender. Racially discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Religiously discriminative tattoos/brands/body markings are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on religion. Tattoos/brands/body markings with unauthorized content that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or the content is of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited both in and out of uniform. Airmen may not cover up tattoos, brands, and/or body markings with bandages or 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 Temporary Duty 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, unfavorable information file, control roster, referral enlisted/officer performance reports, 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 chest and back (below the open collar uniform), arms, legs, and a ring tattoo on one finger on one hand (per para 3.4.1). Ring tattoos are limited to a single band of no more than 3/8 of an inch in width, below the knuckle and above the finger joint (portion closest to the palm). Airmen with tattoos on the hand prior to this policy may be grandfathered; however, hand tattoos other than as described above are unauthorized after 9 January 2017. Grandfathered tattoos on the hand must be documented on the member’s AF Form 4428, Tattoo Screening/Verification (see attachment 5 for form completion instructions). Hand tattoos that are grandfathered, and arm, leg, and ring-tattoos can be exposed and visible while wearing any uniform combination(s). Chest and back tattoos will not be visible through any uniform combination(s) or visible while wearing an open collar uniform. There are no size or placement limitations on tattoos as long as they are in accordance with this publication.
3.4.3. Cosmetic tattooing. Tattooing for cosmetic purposes is authorized when directed by licensed, qualified medical personnel to correct a medical condition, illness or injury for both men and women. When not medically directed, cosmetic tattooing is permitted for women if done to apply permanent facial makeup (i.e. eyebrows, eye liner); the cosmetic tattooing must have a natural appearance and be conservative, moderate, within reasonable limits, not excessive or extreme, and in good taste.