Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Monday, July 14, 2014

Tighter Tattoo Policy Means Smaller Recruit Pool

Uncle Sam still wants you -- just not as heavily inked.

More than three months after the Army implemented a more stringent tattoo policy, recruiters say they are the ones feeling the pinch.

"It certainly makes our job a little more challenging," said Staff Sgt. Carrington Oliver of the South Holland recruiting station.

The new regulations, which went into effect around April 1, mean turning away about 10 to 12 potential recruits at his office each month, Oliver said.

Still, he endorsed the changes. "It's all about projecting a more professional image."

The tighter rules, which went into effect around April 1, ban body art on the head, face, neck, wrists, hands and fingers. Soldiers are allowed a maximum of four visible tattoos below the elbow or knee, but they must be smaller than the wearer's hand, which means that "sleeves" are also prohibited. (Extremist, sexist and racist tattoos have always been taboo.)

8 comments:

Jack K Richards said...

Should be the feelings for all employers

Anonymous said...

so having a tat makes one a bad soldier or employee? Maybe we can not hire them for what the drive or what the eat, too!!

Anonymous said...

Yet gay is ok?

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't hire anyone with visible tats. My age and older folks don't think they are so cool. Unfortunately first impressions only happen once. Think about that before you put permanent ink on your face or neck.

Anonymous said...

My dad and grandfather wouldn't be allowed to serve because of the hula girl each one had on his inner arm. When we were kids, we all got a kick out of them making the girls dance.

Anonymous said...

11:38 You will die off soon enough.

Anonymous said...

Everybody I know with a neck tat has been incarcerated. It's on their resume.

Anonymous said...

Local police should start monitoring their officers and their "art work".