Regrets Laser Tattoo Removal
ARMY AR 670-1
Tattoo Policy Unauthorized tattoo locations:
On the head, face, & neck, (anything above the T-shirt line to include on/inside the eyelids, mouth, & ears)
On the hands, fingers, wrists (below the wrist bone)
Each visible tattoo below the elbow or below the knee must be smaller than the size of the wearer’s hand (with fingers extended & joined with the thumb touching the base of the index finger)
Soldiers may have no more than 4 total visible tattoos (smaller than the size of the wearer’s hand) below the elbow or below the knee
Defines small tattoos within a 5 inch diameter as one tattoo
Visible band tattoos may be no more than 2” in width; Each band tattoo counts as one tattoo & Soldiers may have no more than one visible band tattoo
Sleeve tattoos on arms or legs are unauthorized Officers and Warrant Officers are also restricted to this same policy; Enlisted Soldiers exceeding the limit of four or in authorized locations cannot request commissioning/appointment (not grandfathered)
CATEGORIES OF UNAUTHORIZED OF TATTOOS
Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety or professionalism.
Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender but may not meet the same definition of “indecent.”
Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based 31 on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
TATTOO POLICY: VALIDATION
Commanders must validate all Soldiers’ current tattoos located above the neckline, below the elbows, or below the knees with a description of the shape and color on an official memorandum. Each tattoo will be a photo attachment.
Commander ensures it is submitted for filing into the Soldier’s Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR) Commanders will perform an annual check for new tattoos or brands in prohibited locations Soldier is given a copy for his/her records
PHOTOGRAPH AND UPLOAD REQUIREMENTS
Commanders use same local process to upload documents (such as award certificates) to a Soldier’s Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR)
File must be in multi-page black and white Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) in 300 dpi for upload No requirements for specific camera settings; photo must be clear and visible
Use nylon black and white ruler (available in supply system) to help identify tattoo size Photograph entire area (below arm or below leg) to help identify location
ANNUAL TATTOO CHECK
Commanders will also conduct an annual check for extremist, indecent, sexist, and racist tattoos Tattoos not above the T-shirt neckline, on the arms, or legs will not be documented on the memo
Check is done by the Commander in physical fitness uniform If found, Soldier must be processed in accordance with AR 670-1OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Soldiers are prohibited from willful mutilation of the body or any body manner parts in any manner.
Examples include, but are not limited to, tongue bifurcation (splitting of the tongue) or ear gauging (enlarged holes in the lobe of the ear, which are beyond the post hole size for conservative earring wearer, no more than 1.6mm).