Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/West Point Academy-Tattoos

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/29/2010


Question
I have a sort of difficult question. I am currently serving active duty in the USAF and recieved a tattoo illegally while enlisted a half sleeve below the elbow. It is in good taste, not racist, sexist, etc. I am 20 years old, and was recommened to the USAFA by my commander, but when asked about a tattoo waiver I was told I would probably be disqualified. So I looked the Army Policy and I am withing regs according to it, so I was wondering if I could commision through the West Point Military Academy even though it is a training school. Thank your for your time.

Answer
Nathan,
It must be a large tattoo.  The AF regs say it cannot be over one-third of the body part which it is on.  Therefore if it's on your forearm (the average man's forearm measures approximately 7 inches from the wrist to the elbow) it can be no larger than 4.7 inches.

To answer your question, West Point Military Academy admission regulations say exactly, "Tattoos and brands visible on the neck, face or head are prohibited. Tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline and/or detract from a soldierly appearance are prohibited."

So from your description it sounds OK.

Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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