sailors and tattoos

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Donna on November 11, 2008 at 1:48pm

I am truly hoping my son doesn't get a tattoo.. so far it has been a yr and a half and so far none that I have seen or told about.. I am hoping that he has learned from his grandfather who retired from the navy and has tatoos up and down his arms and hates them..and has always told Bryan how much he wished he hadn't gotten them..so I hope he will listen to this..

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Regina on November 11, 2008 at 1:54pm

Hi Carol I really don't know how you feel about a tattoo. And all i can say is express your concerns about it with Courtnery and then allow her to make her own decisions. If our children are grown enough to decided to go to the military let them be grown enough to make other decisions. Mine got one and he's only been there for 3 months. But I don't feel like I have the right to make his decision only to show him my concerns about his decision.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by CarolJ * Courtney's Mom * on November 11, 2008 at 1:57pm

i'm mixed... My hubby was in Navy has one tat. Courtney I believe will have a few... Not against them so to speak, just don't care for them in public view and I believe they should MEAN something. Not just to get/have one. She is an adult now and can make her own decisions, I just hate to see her regret placement when she gets older.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tammy on November 11, 2008 at 7:54pm

I know what you mean. I have 3 and I gave each one thought for at least a year to make sure I did want it still. And I got them on each ankle and one by my boob. One is from when I went to Maui. I feel bad for the ones who are covered because can you imagine what that'll look like when they're 70 or 80?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by m1pad on November 11, 2008 at 1:57pm

I work for an infectious disease doctor and have sent many a nasty picture of tats on wrong. Along with VD gone worse. He still choose to get one..... The tattoo that is.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by m1pad on November 11, 2008 at 2:02pm

That was tats gone wrong

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amy (Ezra's Mom) on November 11, 2008 at 2:06pm

I have always told all my children that as when they became 18, whatever they decided to do with their bodies, whether it be piercing or tatoos, that would be up to them. Just as long as its tasteful and doesnt involve putting anyone's name on his body, I would be fine with it. Always kind of wanted one myself, but never had the nerve.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JerseyMom on November 11, 2008 at 2:07pm

Hmmm... - let's see. My son went into boot with 3 stars on his arm. From boot camp to A school in Pensacola to Japan (for 2 years) and now back in Florida for C school - he has acquired 9 more tattoos. He even bought a tattoo kit and has done tattoos on himself and fellow sailors - guys AND gals. He is heading to the Reagan soon - hope he looses that kit overboard!!

I just have one tattoo - a long stem yellow rose on my right shoulder. So I can't really say anything.

Good luck!
Carol

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ReneeB on November 12, 2008 at 7:23am

Jersey Mom, This has nothing to do with tattoos, but I just saw that your son is headed to the Reagan and there is a mom (Barbara) in my N4M Anonymous Group that has a son there right now. She has alot of great info.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anti M on November 11, 2008 at 2:07pm

From Navy Regs on civilian attire:

http://buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/508/unireg/chapter7/ch...

4. EARRINGS. Earrings are prohibited for male personnel in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or in any military vehicle, or within any base or other place under military jurisdiction or while participating in any organized military recreational activities. When considered appropriate by the prescribing authority under . earrings may be prohibited while in foreign countries.

5. BODY PIERCING. Not authorized while in uniform. No articles, other than earrings (one earring per earlobe) for women, shall be attached to or through the ear, nose, or any other body part. Additionally, body piercing is not authorized in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or in any military vehicle or within any base or other place under military jurisdiction, or while participating in any organized military recreational activities. When considered appropriate by the prescribing authority under , body piercing may be prohibited while in foreign countries.

6. TATTOOS/BODY ART/BRANDS. Three Criteria will be used to determine whether tattoos/body art/brands are permitted for Navy personnel while wearing civilian clothing: content, location and cosmetic.
a. Content. Tattoos/body art/brands located anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order, discipline, and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service are prohibited. For example, tattoos/body art/brands that are obscene, sexually explicit, and or advocate discrimination based on sex, race, religion, ethnic, or national origin are prohibited. In addition, tattoos/body art/brands that symbolize affiliation with gangs, supremacist or extremist groups, or advocate illegal drug use are prohibited.
b. Location. No tattoos/body art/brands on the head, face, neck, or scalp. The neck area for purposes of this regulation is any portion visible when wearing a crew neck T-shirt or open collar uniform shirt. In addition, otherwise permissible tattoos/body art/brands on the torso area of the body shall not be visible through white uniform clothing.
c. Cosmetic. This regulation does not prohibit cosmetic tattooing to correct medical conditions requiring such treatment. For the purpose of this regulation, cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed, qualified medical personnel.

7. MUTILATION. Intentional mutilation of any part of the body is prohibited. Mutilation, is defined as the intentional radical alteration of the body, head, face, or skin for the purpose of and or resulting in an abnormal appearance.
a. Examples of mutilation include, but are not limited to:
(1) A split or forked tongue;
(2) Foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern;
(3) Enlarged or stretched out holes in ears (other than a normal piercing);
(4) Intentional scarring on neck, face, or scalp; or
(5) Intentional burns creating a design or pattern.
8. DENTAL ORNAMENTATION. The use of gold, platinum, or other veneers or caps for purposes of dental ornamentation is prohibited. For purposes of this regulation, ornamentation is defined as decorative veneers or caps. Teeth, whether natural, capped, or veneered, will not be ornamented with designs, jewels, initials, etc.

Tattoos may be the least of a mom's worries! Hubby has two small tats, one above each bicep, tasteful and meaningful to him. I have a tiny one way up on my shoulder which I got for my 40th birthday. There are many more reliable, licensed and safe tattoo artists out there than ever before. Just hope your sailor finds one of them, one who's a good artist too! I've always felt one or two good and meaningful tatts were alright. I'm a wimp or I'd have a second one.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cynthia (#410) on November 12, 2008 at 11:00am

Thanks AntiM - should have known there were regs on this issue - tattoos have been part of Navy culture since the beginning. Thanks for the education!! :)

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dianne on November 11, 2008 at 2:22pm

I believe they have to get a CHIT to get a tattoo, they just can't go out and get one without permission.

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last