Tattoo Thread - including current policy [MERGED]

[Eye In The Sky]

Kat, that post is going to cause mass anic: and OMG! WTF! HELP! threads in the Recruiting forums.  ;D

 

[ps387]

I did a search and couldn't find anything recent (or outside of recruiting), so I'll ask the question see what happens...

To the best of my knowledge, the tattoo policy states no new tattoos above the collar or below the cuffs. A co-worker says she saw a (she thinks) CANFORGEN last year saying the policy had been updated to include no new tattoos below the elbow. Anyone know anything about that?

I don't have access to DWAN for a couple more months so I can't look anything up that way either.

TIA

 

[dimsum]

The way I've always read it was that "cuffs" included the short-sleeved shirt.  So, a "no new tattoos below the elbow" policy would be already in place. 

That being said, I'm not planning to have any tattoos so I haven't been paying attention.

 

[slayer/raptor]

I've NEVER seen this rule implemented or anyone receiving consequences for getting tattoos.  There are many VanDoos who have R22eR on their fingers, and I don't exactly think they knew they would be VanDoos before joining the army.  I think the main one is the above the neck rule.

 

[pross182]

People in my unit have received extras for getting new tattoos like that. Naturally there are others who have tats in those places but they had them on enrollment so that's ok.

 

[ModlrMike]

There was a CANFORGEN published last year that prohibited tattoos below the elbow or on the neck. I don't have access to it now, perhaps someone will post it.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I just looked for it in 2010/11/12 and didn't see a CANFORGEN.

From 265, Section 2 - Appearance, Para 9:

9. Body Tattoos and Body-Piercing. As of April 1st, 2004, members are not to acquire any tattoos that are visible on the head, neck, chest or
ears when an open collared shirt is worn.  Additionally, members shall not acquire visible tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (e.g.,
pornographic, blasphemous, racist or containing vulgar language or design) or otherwise reflect discredit on the CF. Visible and non-visible body piercing adornments, with the exception of women’s earrings and ear sleepers described in sub-paragraph 6.a., shall not be worn by members either in uniform or on duty in civilian clothing. The meaning of the term “on duty”, for purposes of dress and appearance, is Interpreted in Chapter 1, paragraph 20.

 

[ARMY_101]

I can't seem to find a CANFORGEN on tattoos looking far back as 2009, which would seem to suggest this (as of 2011) is still current:

9. Body Tattoos and Body-Piercing. As of
April 1st, 2004, members are not to acquire any
tattoos that are visible on the head, neck, chest or
ears when an open collared shirt is worn.
Additionally, members shall not acquire visible
tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (e.g.,
pornographic, blasphemous, racist or containing
vulgar language or design) or otherwise reflect
discredit on the CF. Visible and non-visible body
piercing adornments, with the exception of
women’s earrings and ear sleepers described in
sub-paragraph 6.a., shall not be worn by members
either in uniform or on duty in civilian clothing. The
meaning of the term “on duty”, for purposes of
dress and appearance, is Interpreted in Chapter 1,
paragraph 20.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

non-visible body piercing adornments, with the exception of women’s earrings and ear sleepers described in sub-paragraph 6.a., shall not be worn by members
either in uniform or on duty in civilian clothing.

 

Guess I'll have to cancel the appointment for the Prince Albert and nipple rings until after retirement then :blotto:

 

[Haggis]

I checked the minutes of the National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee back to early 2009 and there is no new mention of tattoos.

 

[SentryMAn]

 

Guess I'll have to cancel the appointment for the Prince Albert and nipple rings until after retirement then :blotto:

I know more then one guy who is currently serving that claim to have the PA and more then one that have nipples done.

I've also been present when 3 individuals were charged for wearing a tongue ring while on duty after being ordered not too.

Interesting times!

haha

 

[OldSolduer]

I have never heard of the no tattoos below the elbow rule.

Seems to me I have violated that one myself.....

 

[AmmoTech90]

I had a soldier who worked for me get a tattoo on his hand, queried it, and there is no regulation, barring the offensive one, prohibiting it.

The Dress Regulations are fairly clear, they make reference to an open collar, not cuffs.

 

[Osotogari]

So the rantings of a certain Calgary-based brigadier in the early 1990s were mis-informed?
At least now my wife has one less reason to object to my getting sleeved!

 

[OldSolduer]

So the rantings of a certain Calgary-based brigadier in the early 1990s were mis-informed?
At least now my wife has one less reason to object to my getting sleeved!

There was no policy prior to that, until jjjjjjjjimmmy came on the scene.

 

[Container]

2012- when I was going through enrollment my hands, fingers and neck we re not a big deal.

It was explained at the CFRC that I wouldnt be able to get anymore above the collar once I swore in. But hands etc were fine according to "the rules".

On the recruiting website in the faqs it also says that you can enroll with neck and hands. Just no more neck and collar line tattoos after enrollment.

No face tattoos however....so my Tyson plans are out.

 

[Jarnhamar]

No face tattoos however....so my Tyson plans are out.

Be a man.

 

[Container]

Screw it. Im going for it.

An O/cdt stripe under my eye. That way people will know Im clueless in and out of uniform.

 

[The_Falcon]

People in my unit have received extras for getting new tattoos like that. Naturally there are others who have tats in those places but they had them on enrollment so that's ok.

Seems some people are over stepping their bounds, and aren't reading the regs properly (still).  If I was one of those members (barring that the extra's weren't for other included reasons) I would be re-dressing that.

 

[Ostrozac]

I checked the minutes of the National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee back to early 2009 and there is no new mention of tattoos.

Actually, look again at the 2012 minutes. MILPERSCOM has proposed relaxing the tattoo standards to allow neck tattoos. The minutes say it's approved, but I personally wouldn't recommend getting any neck ink until the Dress Pam is updated.

And forearm and hand tattoos are still good to go (as long as they don't violate the offensive/discredit to the CF restriction).