Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles that examines the current tattoo phenomenon. This installment looks at Army regulations concerning tattoos and the most popular types of tattoos worn by Fort Polk Soldiers. Next week The Guardian begins looking at tattoos of specific Soldiers.
FORT POLK, La. - It's often said the U.S. Army is a microcosm of the United States' general population. Nowhere is that statement more evident than in the wear of tattoos.
Tattoos were once traditionally limited to images of a topless lady in a hula skirt or a heart with "Mom" through its center on the arm of a Soldier returning from war. Today, a growing majority of young adults - both in and out of the Army - are using the tattoo art form to tell a story or give an indication of their personality. No longer limited to a small area on the arm, tattoos are now worn on most sections of the body and can range from dime-size to full body.
J.D. Beltz has been drawing tattoos - or creating body art - for the past 17 years. He said that for many Soldiers, he's more than a tattoo artist.
"I relate to them," said Beltz, a Vietnam veteran and member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. "We can sit down and talk about it. I'm usually one of the last civilians they see before they deploy and one of the first civilians to see them when they redploy. They'll often come in the first chance they get to get a tattoo."
Beltz said Soldiers seem to appreciate that he can relate to them and what they've been through.
"It seems to help that they can talk to a combat vet while they're getting their tattoo," he said.
For Soldiers on the cusp of deployment, Beltz said religious symbols are the favorite tattoo selections.
"Deploying Soldiers will get stuff for good luck, like crosses or praying hands," Beltz said. "Some will get a favorite Psalm or the Lord's Prayer before they go. That way, if they don't have access to a Bible, they can look down at their arm."Others will get what we call a 'meat tag,' a dog tag tattooed on the rib cage."
Beltz said returning Soldiers would often get tattoos that remind them of their deployment.
"They'll get the Soldier's cross or something to commemorate friends who were killed," he said.
While many Soldiers can find a tattoo design among the thousands on file at Beltz's place of employment, others design their own - with a little help from Beltz.
"A lot of Soldiers will have a vision in mind for a tattoo they want," Beltz said. "They'll think about it and sketch it out while they're still deployed. When they get back, they'll come here and we'll design it for them."
Steve Chappell retired from the Army in 2005 after a 23-year career. It took a tour in Afghanistan and Iraq to convince him to join the tattoo generation.
"Getting a tattoo was something I had always talked about, but never did anything about until I got back from Iraq in 2004," he said. "In Iraq and Afghanistan, I had life-changing experiences. While I had done other interesting things in the past, nothing had affected me like those tours. I decided to get a tattoo to bring attention to everyone over there, in both theaters."
Chappell said he was then hit with the "potato chip affect" - he couldn't stop at just one.
"The next was to show support for the Soldiers who have gone before us," he said. "Now, I'm working on another one."
When asked if getting a tattoo was painful, Chappell said, "It hurts a little bit, but it's therapeutic. There are other things that can hurt worse such as being around someone when they were killed."
Mike Palmer is a member of 7th Chemical Company, 83rd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, the CVMA and the Sandy Hills Volunteer Fire Department. He uses tattoos to pay respects to fellow firefighters and Soldiers. His most recent tattoo contains the Soldier's cross: the M16 rifle, combat boots, Kevlar helmet and dog tags.
"This is to honor Soldiers who have given their life and will be incorporated as part of a larger tattoo I'm designing," he said. "That one will honor everyone involved in 9-11, the reason I became a firefighter and a Soldier."
Palmer's other tattoos include a couple to honor firefighters, one to recognize his membership in the Combat Vets motorcycle club and one that has personal sentiment.
"While in Iraq, most everyone picks up a nickname," he said. "Mine was 'Pudge' because I was sort of pudgy. When we got back, the guys in my squad told me I had to get a 'Pudge' tattoo. I finally gave in and had 'PUDGE' tattooed across my back. But I made them pay for it."
Palmer said he doesn't know when he'll stop getting tattoos.
"I guess as long as I can afford them, I'll continue to get them," he said.
Beltz said much of his business is repeat business.
"People seem to like a new tattoo, the way it looks and feels," he said. "A lot of people have euphoria when they get a tattoo - a rush. The endorphins - natural pain killers - kick in and they enjoy it."
Tattoos have come a long way over the past 20 years, Beltz said. The state department has a list of rules that must be followed, including no reuse of needles and training in first aid and CPR. They've also become more mainstream.
"It's a lot like motorcycles," Beltz said. "The quality has come a long way and it's a lot safer now. We're not in dark smoky rooms any more. It's not just bikers stopping in any more. It's everyone, from all walks of life."
Beltz said there is no way to say what tattoos will be like in the future.
"I know it's a lot bigger business today than it was just a few years ago," he said. "You look at some of the tattoos today and wonder if they can get any wilder. This could be tame 50 years from now."
To tat or not to tat'
When deciding whether to get a tattoo, experts say there are a couple of things a person should consider.
1. The tattoo should meet military regulations. Tattoos worn by Soldiers must conform to Army Regulation 670-1, which governs the wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia and a Soldier's personal appearance. AR-670-1 bans the following tattoos:
Aca,!Ac Tattoos or brands anywhere on head, face and neck above the class A uniform collar;
Aca,!Ac Any type of tattoo or brand visible in the class A uniform, or
Aca,!Ac Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist or racist.
Existing tattoos or brands on the hands and back of the neck behind an imaginary line straight down and back of the jawbone that are not extremist, indecent, sexist or racist, but are visible in the class A uniform are authorized.
Unit commanders or executive officers have been given authority to make determinations for Soldiers on active duty.
2. Be sure you want the tattoo before you get it. Removing or covering a tattoo can be expensive and painful.
3. Don't get a tattoo when you've been drinking. If a person is drunk, they can't communicate very well, they move too much and they keep wanting to get up, whether it's to smoke a cigarette or go to the bathroom.
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