1. References
- Army Directive 2020-09 (Appointment and Enlistment Waivers), 20 August 2020
- Army Regulation (AR) 600–20 (Army Command Policy), 24 July 2020
- AR 601–210 (Regular Army and Army Reserve Components Enlistment Program), 31 August 2016
- AR 670–1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia), 26 January 2021
- Department of the Army Pamphlet 670–1 (Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia), 26 January 2021
2. Purpose
This directive announces a change in policy for the allowable placement of tattoos for currently serving Soldiers and applicants for enlistment or appointment.
Changes to the Army tattoo policy allow individuals who meet all other qualifications for appointment or enlistment the opportunity to serve.
They also support the Army’s People Strategy, our number one priority, by offering Soldiers options for appearance that take into account professional appearance and good order and discipline.
3. Applicability
The provisions of this directive apply to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
4. Policy
a.
Effective immediately, Army policy governing tattoos authorizes:
(1)
one visible tattoo on each hand (including the palm), not to exceed one inch in measurement in all directions;
an unlimited number of tattoos between the fingers as long as they are not visible when the fingers are closed;
and one ring tattoo on each hand.
(2)
one tattoo on the back of the neck, not to exceed two inches in measurement in all directions
(Tattoos are still prohibited on the head and face (except for permanent makeup as provided in reference 1d, paragraph 3–2b(2)) and inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears.
Previously documented tattoos on the neck or hands, for which Soldiers have a tattoo validation memorandum, remain authorized.)
(3)
one tattoo behind each ear, not to exceed one inch in measurement in all directions, not to extend forward of the ear lobe
b.
Prohibitions on type of tattoo or brand remain in effect.
Exceptions to policy will be submitted in accordance with reference 1d, paragraph 3–3.
Soldiers may continue to submit religious accommodation requests for a waiver to Army regulations using the procedures outlined in AR 600–20.
Referenced Regulation: AR 600–20
5. Proponent
The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) is the proponent for this policy.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 will incorporate the provisions of this directive into AR 670–1 within 2 years of the date of this directive.
Referenced Regulation: AR 670–1
6. Duration
This directive is rescinded on publication of the revised regulation.
Referenced Paragraph: reference 1d, paragraph 3–2b(2)
Eccentric, exaggerated, or faddish cosmetic styles and colors, to include makeup designed to cover tattoos, are inappropriate with the uniform and are prohibited.
Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as long as the makeup conforms to the standards outlined above.
Eyelash extensions are not authorized unless medically prescribed.
Referenced Paragraph: reference 1d, paragraph 3–3
3–3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation policy
Note. This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers.
Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.
a.
Tattoos and brands are permanent markings that are difficult to reverse (in terms of financial cost, discomfort, and effectiveness of removal techniques).
Before obtaining either a tattoo or a brand, Soldiers should consider talking to unit leaders to ensure that they understand the Army tattoo and brand policy.
The words tattoo and brand are inter-changeable in regards to this policy.
b.
The following types of tattoos or brands are prejudicial to good order and discipline and are, therefore, prohibited anywhere on a Soldier’s body:
(1) Extremist
Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philoso-phies, organizations, or activities.
Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate ra-cial, sex, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law.
(2) Indecent
Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism.
(3) Sexist
Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on sex.
(4) Racist
Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
c.
Tattoos or brands, regardless of subject matter, are prohibited on the head, face (except for permanent makeup), neck (anything above the t-shirt neckline to include on or inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), below the wrist bone, and hands, except Soldiers may have one ring tattoo on each hand, below the joint of the bottom segment (portion closest to the palm) of the finger.
The wrist bone is defined as the joint that bridges the hand to the forearm.
Previously documented tattoos on the neck or hands, for which Soldiers have a tattoo validation mem-orandum, continue to be grandfathered.
Accessing applicants must adhere to this same policy.
DISTRIBUTION:
- Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Commander
- U.S. Army Forces Command
- U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
- U.S. Army Materiel Command
- U.S. Army Futures Command
- U.S. Army Pacific
- U.S. Army Europe and Africa
- U.S. Army Central
- U.S. Army North
- U.S. Army South
- U.S. Army Special Operations Command
- Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
- U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command
- U.S. Army Cyber Command
- U.S. Army Medical Command
- U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (CONT)
DISTRIBUTION: (CONT)
- U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
- U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
- U.S. Army Military District of Washington
- U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command
- Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy
- Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center
- Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
- Commandant, U.S. Army War College
- Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
CF:
- Principal Cyber Advisor
- Director of Business Transformation
- Commander, Eighth Army