An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Revised uniform policy changes rules for tattoos, wear of combat uniform

By Ms. Lisa Ferdinando (ARNEWS Org Page)April 13, 2015

Revised uniform policy changes rules for tattoos, wear of combat uniform
The Army published the revised uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, April 10. The new regulation lifts restrictions on the size and number of tattoos authorized for Soldiers, and changes the rules for the wear of the Army Com... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON (April 10, 2015) -- The Army published the revised uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, April 10. The new regulation lifts restrictions on the size and number of tattoos authorized for Soldiers, and changes the rules for the wear of the Army Combat Uniform during commercial travel.

The new language allows Soldiers to have as many tattoos on their arms, legs and body as they want. Additionally, there are no longer any size restrictions on those tattoos.

However, Soldiers are still prohibited from having tattoos above the T-shirt neckline - meaning anywhere on the neck, face and head. Additionally, Soldiers are limited to no more than one "ring tattoo" on each hand, below the wrist line. What has not changed in the revised policy is the ban on extremist, indecent, sexist or racist tattoos.

An Army G-1 spokesperson said the change to Army tattoo policy is not tied to what is or is not visible while wearing any particular Army uniform. Instead, the policy spells out locations on the body where tattoos are prohibited.

The same Army spokesperson said the revision of Army policies "are not taken lightly." Such policies and regulations are under "perpetual review." The recent changes to AR 670-1 came after much feedback from the force and an extensive review of the September 2014 version of the regulation.

Army leadership wanted AR 670-1 to better represent the perspective of Soldiers, the spokesperson said. At the same time, revisions to the policy had to ensure that Soldiers maintain an appearance that is both professional and aligned with how the American taxpayer views their military.

The changes in tattoo policy apply also to civilians, who want to enlist in the Army. Civilians contemplating an Army career will be held to the same standards regarding tattoos as Soldiers already in the Army.

OTHER UNIFORM UPDATES

Under the new AR 670-1, Soldiers traveling commercially on official business are authorized to wear the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU.

Previously, Soldiers were directed to wear their dress uniform during commercial travel. They could wear the ACU when deploying, on rest and recuperation leave to and from the combat theater, or if their commander authorized the wear for emergency leave or casualty assistance duties.

New language in AR 670-1 also clarifies the wear of Army uniforms at off-post establishments that sell alcohol. Soldiers wearing their uniform may enter a liquor store to purchase package liquor, for instance. They may not, however, wear their uniform while drinking in a bar.

The G-1 spokesperson said the new policy does not prevent a uniformed Soldier from having dinner with his family or lunch with his co-workers at a restaurant that also serves alcohol. But the policy does prevent that same uniformed Soldier from having a drink in an establishment whose primary business is selling alcohol.

"The intent of the policy is for Soldiers to not wear their uniform in an establishment where consumption of alcohol is the primary activity," the spokesperson said.

The revised AR 670-1 also updates wear-guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for wartime service during Operation Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for former wartime service during Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel; updates wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Inherent Resolve; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Freedom's Sentinel; and clarifies approval of distinctive unit insignia.

The updated AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1, and training package can be found online at: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform.

Related Links:

Army News Service

Army to revise tattoo policy

Army.mil: Inside the Army News

AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1, and training package

ARNEWS on Facebook