Next battle for U.S. Marines: tattoos - CNN.com
OCEANSIDE, California (AP) — Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton’s right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word “Death.” He planned to add a tattoo spelling “Life” on his left arm, but that’s on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect Sunday.
The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps’ spit-and-polish image.
Slaton and other grunts are not pleased.
“I guess I’ll get the other half later,” grumbled the 24-year-old leatherneck from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. “It’s kind of messed up.”
For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, or “Always faithful.”
At a time when enlistment is low, they go and lock themselves out again. I can understand the restriction and regulations on vulgar or offensive tattoos, and yes, I am sure what is vulgar and what is offensive can be debated, but really… we all know the difference. To put a total ban on tattoos below the elbow and knee is just a slap in the face. You can fight our wars, but you can’t have any color exposed.
I wonder how many people will not re-enlist or join because of this?
The Navy is doing the same stupid stuff with tat’s. It is defiantly having an impact on recruiting.
We can go to war, but don’t get any visible tattoo’s.
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