Tattoos in Navy - How Many Is Too Many?

[Suzan]

Hi all, my son is an MA. He keeps getting tattoos. (They are hidden by his uniform.) Today he told me the Navy no longer has tattoo restrictions as long as they are not gang or drug affiliated. Is this correct? He has some on his legs and some on his upper arms and one on his chest. I like the artwork, but I wish he'd stop getting them, I'm afraid he'll get disqualified from the Navy or something! Does anyone know if what he is telling me is true? Thanks. Sooz

[Hoppi aka Angie]

The USN STILL has restrictions on tattoo's.

[Suzan]

Hoppi what are they? As you can tell, my son is a real pip! He says his command doesn't care, but he does make sure they are hidden by his uniform. Personally, I like tatts, but I kinda wish he would stoooooooop!

[Arwen]

There is no rule about how many tattoos a sailor can have, only content and placement.

Tattoos may not feature gang symbols, violence or obscenity. They may not be on the neck, face, below the elbow, or other locations that may show while in uniform. That includes calves, ankles and feet for women, since women sometimes wear skirted uniforms.

There are also some rules about "sleeve" type tattoos, limiting total area.

[Lisa, Nuke Wife]

My husband said the rule for arms is if it is below the elbow is has to be able to be covered up by the palm on their hand. Apparently above the elbow is okay. He probably told you that they don't have restrictions because certain bases/commands and areas are very relaxed about them, it depends on so much really, I know in school they're more strict obviously. I just think its one of those rules that isn't enforced all the time so it makes the guys think that its okay to bend.

My husband has said the worst thing they can make you do to a tattoo is they'll give you a notice to have it removed promptly (and pay for it yourself) and if you don't follow orders then they'll take other steps against you. Not sure how true that is or not though!

[Hoppi aka Angie]

I have seen people seperated due to not following the reg's regarding tattoo's.

[Achseh]

This is true- a reg is a reg is a reg and just because one command is lax doesn't mean the next will be.

[Suzan]

Okaaay, well he has four and they are ALL hidden by his uniform so let's not scare me about separation yet. None are gang or drug related, and all have a special meaning to him. He did double check for me today and he says he is still within the guidelines for okay tattoos. Some of his friends have like 9. I tend to get over anxious about things and that is why I posted this. Thanks to Lisa (Nuke Wife) - your answer helped me put it into perspective and not alarm me. A's tattoos fall within what your hubby says, so hopefully he will be okay. And yeah, A is pretty careful to follow all regs so I'm not too worried there - he loves his job (he's an MA) and would do nothing to jeopardize it (as he reminded me not so gently last night).........