FORT BRAGG, N.C. (March 11, 2015) -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey revisited Fort Bragg to conduct a town hall meeting with Soldiers to gain an understanding of Soldiers' and Family members' concerns, March 9.
Dailey told the attending Soldiers that by voicing their concerns he can ensure their opinions are heard and actions are taken when necessary.
Dailey said he had an idea of some of the concerns he would hear, including a discussion regarding the Army's revised tattoo policy.
"I'd bet my next paycheck that someone in here wants to talk about tattoos," Dailey said.
Dailey then asked who in the room wanted to talk about the tattoo policy, resulting in about a third of hands raised enthusiastically.
One Soldier stood up to state his preference for the "pre-surge" standards, meaning tattoos are allowed if they are not visible while a Soldier wears his or her Class A uniform.
"Does that sound fair?" Dailey asked the room.
An affirmative "hooah" echoed through the chapel.
"We have to live by the standards," Dailey said. "I think that standard should be the standard that the American people set in regards to their perception of what an American Soldier should be. So when America says, 'this is our Army,' that's how we should be."
When asked to give his own personal opinion on the subject, Dailey agreed with what most of the Soldiers had said would be an acceptable standard.
"I think the standard should be that you can't see [tattoos] anywhere in a dress uniform," he said.
He reminded Soldiers that decisions come from a much higher level and are not always what they want to hear, but Dailey assured them their opinions will be shared with senior leaders at the Pentagon.
"This is a very emotional topic and it affects a lot of people," Dailey said. "But we're still Soldiers and if there is a change, or if there is not a change in the future, what I need you to do is - I need you to Soldier up, because that's what we do. We're Soldiers and we will always be held to a higher standard."
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