The USMC wants to ensure that it gets the right people to fill its ranks and remove unnecessary barriers that prevent them from joining or being retained.
On October 29, 2021, the Commandant of the Marine Corps released Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, which made several significant changes to the current tattoo policy that was published on June 2, 2016.
In October of 2022, this bulletin was extended to October of 2023. Incorporation into the “official” Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (MCO 1020.34H), last updated in 2018, is still pending.
Over the years, the tattoo policy has changed several times to support mission accomplishment and to maintain the expected military appearance and professionalism of its Marines.
For the first time since 2007, the USMC has completely overhauled its tattoo policy.
Below is the 2016 policy compared to the current 2023 tattoo policy.
Note: This article discusses the new USMC tattoo policy changes for 2023 in detail. With that said, our article here discusses the overall policies and regulations in much more detail.
This includes pictures of examples of what is and what isn’t allowed, and much more.
Table of Contents
#1. Old USMC Tattoo Policies (2016)
With the old policy, Marines could have tattoos on most of their body with several restrictions that were put in place.
The old policy was very strict and had exact guidelines to follow.
If any part of the policy was broken, a Marine might face non-judicial punishment.
Below are the highlights of the previous policy.
- Tattoos were not authorized on the hands, head, neck, elbows, or knees.
- Sleeve or half-sleeve tattoos were strictly prohibited.
- There were no restrictions on the number of tattoos for enlisted Marines if it was covered by the physical fitness uniform (crew-neck t-shirt and shorts).
- It restricted officers to four visible tattoos.
- Legs tattoos outside of PT gear had to be 2 inches above or below the knee.
- Upper arm tattoos had to be 2 inches above the elbow and no larger than 3 inches or the width of the Marine’s hand.
- All forearm tattoos had to be 1 inch below the elbow, and 2 inches above the wrist.
- A single/collection of tattoos visible outside of PT gear could not be larger than the Marine’s hand.
- Only one single/collection of tattoos was allowed per zone outside of PT gear.
- A single 3/8 inch ring band tattoo was allowed on one finger.
- Offensive, obscene, gang-related, and racist tattoos were not authorized.
It was almost essential to bring the Marine Corps policy with you to a tattoo parlor along with a ruler if you wanted to get an authorized tattoo.
With the new policy, there are fewer restrictions placed on how many tattoos and where you can get them.
Related Article – Air Force Tattoo Policy
New USMC Tattoo Policies (2021 – 2023)
The USMC has made significant changes to its tattoo policy with the release of Marine Corps Bulletin 1020.
#2. What Stayed the Same?
Below is what stayed the same with the new policy.
- Head or neck tattoos are still not authorized. No tattoos are allowed above the collarbone or seventh vertebrae.
- Tattoos on the hand, fingers, or wrist are restricted except for one 3/8-inch band on one finger.
- Extremist, obscene, sexist, and racist are still not allowed. There is a zero-tolerance policy for the above content. Tattoos will be reviewed routinely.
- Special Duty Assignments may deny selection for high visibility units.
#3. What Changed?
Those interested in joining the Marine Corps have some exciting changes in the new policy.
Tattoos are authorized on any area of the body except for the head, neck, and hands (besides the one 3/8-inch ring band on the one hand).
This means:
- Sleeve tattoos are allowed up the wrist bone.
- Tattoos on knees and elbows are permitted.
- They removed tattoo restrictions for officers.
Any questionable tattoos will be submitted for review at HQMC.
If it is found not in compliance, further disciplinary actions will take place.
It is essential to know that even though the policy has changed, it is necessary to get all tattoos properly documented following the order.
Failing to get a tattoo documented may affect your ability for retention if the policy changes again.
Related Article – Dishonorable Discharge: Reasons, Consequences, and More
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
#4. Do ultra-violet (UV) tattoos fall under the same restrictions as standard tattoos?
Yes. Regardless of whether they can be seen or not with UV lights, all tattoos fall under the same guidance.
#5. Are brands allowed, and do they follow the same rules?
Brands are authorized and follow the same requirements set in the bulletin.
#5. What content is not allowed on tattoos?
Anything that is against good order and discipline. Extremist tattoos, obscene, sexist, and racist tattoos are not authorized. This would include Confederate flag tattoos.
#7. When or how does the Marines verify what tattoos I have?
Your recruiter will submit all your tattoos for review during the enlistment or commissioning process to ensure they follow the policy. Once in the USMC, tattoos will be verified during height/weight verifications, special duty assignment requests, and retention requests.
#8. What happens if the policy changes?
If you received your tattoo while it was authorized, your current documented tattoos will be grandfathered, and no negative actions can be taken.
#9. What happens when a person violates the bulletin while in the Marine Corps?
Any violation of this bulletin is punishable under Article 92 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Forced separation from the military, retention denial, and a loss of rank and pay may occur.
#10. I’m in the Navy. Do I need to follow this policy?
All Navy personnel who wear the USMC uniform must comply. All other personnel will follow the Navy tattoo policy here.
#11. Can I get a tattoo on the inside of my lip?
No, any tattoo on the face to include inside the mouth is not authorized.
#12. Is there a waiver to join the Marine Corps if I’m outside the policy?
Yes. They have exceptions to policy waivers on a case-by-case basis. However, it is highly unlikely that it would be approved. Additionally, extremist, obscene, sexist, and racist tattoos would not be considered.
#13. Can I have a tattoo on the “V” area of my chest?
Yes. However, you will be required to wear a crew-neck undershirt while in uniform.
#14. I got an unauthorized tattoo before they changed the policy. Can I still be charged under the UCMJ?
Yes. You could still be punished under Article 92 of the UCMJ if you got an unauthorized tattoo before the policy change.
#15. Is the Confederate flag considered offensive according to the Marine Corps?
Yes. The Confederate flag is now considered an offensive tattoo.
Related Article – Marine Corps Grooming Standards
Conclusion
With the release of Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, there have been significant changes in the current tattoo policy.
One of the most significant changes was the authorization to have full-sleeve tattoos up to the wrist bone.
Back in 2007, the USMC banned sleeve tattoos because of operational requirements and military appearance.
Officers and warrant officers now have the same requirements as enlisted Marines.
Previously, if a Marine had over four visible tattoos while applying for a warrant officer, they had to sign an agreement not to receive any more tattoos.
Marines need to know that even if a tattoo is authorized, it may prevent them from being assigned specific, highly visible duties.
Over the last two decades, the tattoo policy has changed several times.
If you are interested in getting a sleeve tattoo, you may want to consider getting it now before the policy changes again.
While this policy may change again in the future, one thing for sure is that tattoo parlors around Marine Corps bases are about to get busy.
References / Resources
Official Marine Corps Bulletin 1020
USMC Bulletin 1020 (Old Policy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps
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