Army Tattoo Policy Explained: What You Need to Know Today

Getting a tattoo in the Army used to come with a lot of limits.

These days, things are clearer and honestly, a bit more flexible.

You can now have one small tattoo on each hand, but it can’t be bigger than one inch. Other tattoos need to stay covered while you’re in uniform, so the Army can keep that professional look for its Soldiers.

Tattoos are now okay in a few new places, like behind your ears or a small one on your neck.

Still, you definitely can’t get tattoos on your face or head.

It’s worth knowing these rules before you make any decisions about new ink.

This guide breaks down the Army tattoo policy, what kinds of designs are allowed, and what you really need to avoid.

Key Takeways

• One small tattoo per hand is fine, even when you’re in uniform.
• Tattoos on your face, head, and certain neck areas are still off-limits.
• Some new spots are allowed, but there are limits.

Army Tattoo Policy Overview

You’ll want to know exactly where tattoos are allowed and which rules matter most.

The Army keeps a close eye on tattoo size and placement to keep things looking sharp.

Official documents spell out the do’s and don’ts, so you’re not left guessing.

Current Regulations and Key Documents

Tattoos can’t show when you’re wearing the standard Army uniform.

That means no tattoos on your neck above the collar, face, head, or wrists.

Army Regulation 670-1 (AR 670-1) is the main rulebook for Army uniforms and how you’re supposed to look.

The Army Publishing Directorate sets these guidelines.

They want to keep discipline and make sure everyone looks unified.

For hand tattoos, you’re mostly out of luck—except you can have one small ring tattoo on each hand.

Policy Updates and Recent Revisions

The Army made some changes in 2022 and 2024 to loosen things up a bit. Army Directive 2022-09 now lets you have one tattoo per hand, as long as it’s under one inch.

That’s a big shift from the old rules that banned hand tattoos completely.

Even with these changes, you can’t have tattoos on your face, neck above the collar, or wrists.

So, if you’re planning new ink, you’ll need to think about placement.

Tattoo Placement, Designs, and Exceptions

The Army has pretty clear rules about where tattoos can go, what designs are okay, and when you might get an exception.

Some spots are allowed, but there are size limits and certain themes that just won’t fly.

Visible and Prohibited Tattoo Locations

You can have tattoos on a lot of your body, but some areas are totally off-limits.

Tattoos on your face or the neck above the collar aren’t allowed.

You can put a small tattoo (up to 2 inches) on the back of your neck.

Behind each ear, you’re allowed a tattoo no bigger than one inch.

On your hands, you can have one ring tattoo per hand, as long as it’s within a one-inch space.

Tattoos between your fingers are fine and don’t have size limits.

Just avoid tattoos on your wrists or other visible parts of your hands, except for those ring tattoos.

Your arms, legs, back, and chest are mostly fair game, as long as your designs fit within the Army’s rules.

Size, Themes, and Approved Designs

Tattoos on your hands can’t be bigger than one inch.

Tattoos on the back of your neck can be up to two inches.

There aren’t strict size limits elsewhere, but huge tattoos shouldn’t mess with your uniform or good order.

The Army draws the line at tattoos with offensive, racist, sexist, extremist, or hateful messages.

You can still show off your style, but you need to respect military values and keep it professional.

Simple, neat tattoos that don’t mess up your uniform’s look are usually fine.

Chest and arm tattoos are common, but they need to stay respectful.

Waivers, Exceptions, and Enlistment Considerations

If you already have tattoos that break the rules, you might need a waiver to join or keep serving.

Waivers don’t come easy—they depend on the tattoo’s size, location, and meaning.

During enlistment screenings, tattoos that suggest extremist or hateful beliefs can get you disqualified.

Both the regular Army and the Army Reserve take tattoo rules seriously, since they affect professionalism and recruiting.

If you want a tattoo behind your ear or on your hand, make sure it’s within the size rules to avoid headaches later.

Commanders can approve exceptions in rare cases, like for religious reasons.

Discipline, Social Norms, and Professional Image

Your tattoos shape how people see you in the Army.

Tattoos that break the rules can hurt discipline and teamwork.

During inspections, leaders check tattoos to make sure you’re following the rules.

The Army wants to keep a professional image, so they balance personal expression with military standards.

You can still show some personality with your tattoos.

The Army is okay with individuality, but you need to respect social norms and keep things professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might wonder exactly where tattoos are allowed or which ones are banned.

There are limits on size, placement, and what the tattoo says.

What are the current regulations for tattoos in the Army?

You can have tattoos that don’t show when you’re wearing your uniform.

Tattoos that are offensive, extremist, or gang-related are not allowed.

Tattoos on your head, face, and neck above the t-shirt collar are banned.

Are there any restrictions on neck tattoos for Army personnel?

Yes, tattoos visible above the t-shirt collar on your neck aren’t allowed.

If a neck tattoo shows when you’re in uniform, you’ll have to cover or remove it.

How has the Army tattoo policy changed in recent years?

The Army relaxed some rules lately.

You can now have one tattoo per hand, as long as it’s not bigger than one inch.

Other limits still apply, so you can’t just get a tattoo anywhere.

Can soldiers have tattoos on their fingers or hands?

You can have one small ring-type tattoo on each hand.

Other tattoos on your fingers or hands aren’t allowed if they show in uniform.

Is it permissible to have a tattoo behind the ear while serving in the Army?

Tattoos behind the ear aren’t specifically allowed if they show above your uniform collar.

So, a tattoo behind the ear usually isn’t permitted.

Where can I find the latest version of the Army tattoo policy in a PDF format?

You’ll usually find the latest Army tattoo policy on official Army websites.

Sometimes, recruitment offices have it too.

If you want the PDF, just ask them directly.

That way, you’ll know you have the current version.