<p>Does anyone really know how West Point feels about tattoos, even if they are about to be removed? I know they dont neccessarily like them, but say they except them under certain circumstances. I was just wondering if anyone had any information on the subject</p>
<p>Knowing WP, I would imagine that they would only except them if they are large, visible, and inappropriate.</p>
<p>lol, gotta love that rivalry</p>
<p>From what I know you can have one, but it can't be obscene. It can't be some gang sign/Neo Nazi stuff. Has to be reasonable.</p>
<p>Tattoo policy straight out of C/O 2011 instructions for candidates offered admission:</p>
<p>"In accordance with Army Regulation 670-1, any tattoo or brand anywhere on the head or face is prohibited except for permanent makeup. Tattoos that are not extremist, indecent, sexist or racist are allowed on the hands and neck. Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within units.</p>
<p>Once accepted for admission to the Academy, candidates are encouraged to remove brands or tattoos which fall into the prohibited categories above. Additionally, candidates should not receive additional tattoos or brands prior to R-day. On R-day cadet candidates will agree to receive no additional body modifications, such as tattoos, brands, or body piercings while attending the Academy and will have all tattoos, brands, and body piercings inspected for compliance with stated standards."</p>
<p>I think that is pretty clear. </p>
<p>USNA69 - I always thought it was sailors that were required to have the large, visible, and inappropriate tattoos? ;)</p>
<p>I guess I have to call off the swastika branding at the gathering tonight. I was really looking forward to it, too.</p>
<p>Thats why I always wear the wash-off kind.</p>
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<p>WAMom, much to my chagrin we except those at USNA.</p>
<p>On R-Day there will be a body check and photos will be taken of tattoos.</p>
<p>many poeple here have tattoos, its common sense, if its bad-you cant have it. if it can be seen in full dress, you cant have it. pretty much other than that its fair game.</p>
<p>you're not supposed to get more...but I have several friends who did, as well as one room mate who got two piercings while on a trip section...</p>
<p>Conservative south. We have a new teacher from up north. Young kid. Was a Marine. First year teaching. Throughout initial teacher workdays, he wore a long sleeve shirt. It has been 100d+ every day. I kept joking with him. Administration passed out short sleeve polo shirts and told us to wear them for freshman orientation. Guess what he had been hiding? Two arms full of tattoos. Before one gets a tattoo they might want to think of sitting at a conference table in Baghdad with a half dozen senior officers and MOCs, doing a brief. There are still large segments of society who consider them unacceptable.</p>
<p>oh trust me, Ive already FULLY recognized the consequences and Ive only had it 2 weeks. But mine is small, and no where close to being obscene. It's a dragonfly for my Grandpa who died recently, and it turned out horrible. Either way, its being removed but not before my medical exam, so I just wanted to get upto date on the policy. Thanks guys</p>
<p>USNA, one of the LTGs that I know here is a West Pointer, and he has tattoos on both of his forearms. He has enough pride to show them, and he never hides it from public.</p>
<p>USNA - With the current uniform policy being that you can never roll your sleeves, and the current tattoo policy, saying you can't have anything on your hands or above your shoulders, no one at that table would ever see your tattoos. </p>
<p>Also...congrats on the new PT uniforms? They're a little...bright... :)</p>
<p>And not more than a couple of years ago, the owner of the company at which I was Senior VP would not allow me to hire a highly competent well recommended individual because she had a tattoo which was visible while wearing normal business dress. Just pointing out that there are still two schools of thought on this issue.</p>
<p>I don't think you're getting the point, Mr. Sinister. What USNA69 said is correct, there are large parts of society that consider them unacceptable. Maybe, just maybe, they might be sitting on a nomination board or an admissions board and have final say over who gets to go the big dance and who doesn't. They don't even have to say why, but it might be enough of a character issue for them to choose someone else. </p>
<p>Think of it this way. Say you're at your interview for a nomination and you show up with tattoos that one of the board members finds offensive. You are asked about them, why you have them and then you spout off with "Well one of the LTGs that I know is a West Pointer, and he has tattoos on both of his forearms. He has enough pride to show them, and he never hids it from public view". Would that be a good argument or a bad argument to win over someone who doesn't like tattoos and who holds your fate in his hands?</p>
<p>If one wants to attend an academy, then one should pay attention to the advice given by their elders. They just might know something you don't.</p>
<p>
Current policies are called such because they are current. They change. The rolled up sleeves are still authorized in the latest version of the Army uniform regs. Therefore, on a joint staff a Navy Commander would be perfectly justified in requiring all members of the staff to conform to a policy of rolled up sleeves.</p>
<p>I am not casting judgement. Just pointing out that there are still two schools of thought on the issue and what is considered appropriate in some circles may not be in others. Example: Last year the USMC had a major crack down on tattoos. If the Commandant thought they were appropriate, it would not have happened.</p>
<p>So according to the regulation, I can get a phrase tattooed on my side, and I'll be good for entrance to the Academy?</p>
<p>How do they feel about more than one ear piercing on a female? I do not usually wear earrings but i still have an extra hole...</p>