Tattoos are a mark of history and they represent an expression involving individuality. Tattoos are personal expressions that have relations between self and society. They are signs of personal identities and markings of difference between people. Tattoos represent a cultural significance of body are as a form of generational self-branding body modification.

Tattooing is the injection of ink into the skin that creates a permanent image that can often lead to difficulties with getting a job. Many people challenged the appearance policies because they want the right to expression through body images and body art. In some opinions, discriminating against how a person expresses him or herself is no different than race, color, religion, age, national origin or gender.

Many tattooed people think their First Amendment rights to freedom of expression protect them but in the workplace, corporations have the right to discriminate against “optional” appearance-related traits. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers are allowed to impose dress codes and appearance policies as long as they do not discriminate or hinder a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, or gender.

The body image involving tattoos is growing, as tattoos have been a part of military history for many years. Sailors were originally got tattoos to record where they had sailed and others as a way to commemorate their experiences. Those who are in or have been in the military stake out the identity to record places and experiences commemorate what they went through.  Some members of the service want to remember what they experienced, and they want memories to last forever, just like tattoos.

US Army, Pfc. fire support specialist Brandon Keeney says he personally doesn’t mind tattoos. He has one of a scripture that he lives by every day, “walk by faith, not by sight.” He said “It’s hard to say how many have tattoos; they have new regulations on tattoos in the military now. But personally I think 75 percent or more have at least one tattoo.”

In the military, everyone wears the same uniform, and tattoos make individuals stand out. “The new regulations say that new recruits aren’t allowed to have tattoos that show below the elbows and knees or above the necklines. Current soldiers may be grandfathered in, but they all are still barred from having any tattoos that are racist, sexists or extremist,” said Keeney.

According to former Army officer Nate Rawlings, the Army is said to have the strictest tattoo policy of the four branches of service. The entire military prohibits racists, extremist or gang-related tattoos, but each branch will have its own rules. The army is looking to trim down 80,000 troops in five years. A smaller force will allow affordability in being more selective. “This appearance of tattoos detracts from a uniformed service,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Raymond Chandler.

The Air Force updated its standards in 2011 saying that tattoos cannot be excessive meaning they can’t cover more than 25 percent of an exposed body part (like a forearm) when wearing any uniform. The Air Force also added a measuring tool so commanders can determine if a tattoo is considered excessive.

The Marines last revised their tattoo policy in 2010 stating that commissioned and warrant officers can only have four tattoos or brands visible when wearing a physical training uniform. Enlisted Marines can’t have tattoos on their hands, fingers, wrists, or inside their mouths, and any tattoo visible from a physical training uniform can’t be larger than a fist.

In 2006, the Navy allowed tattoos visible when wearing a uniform shirt as long as they are smaller than an extended hand, which meant sailors, could have tattoos on their torsos, but nothing visible through the white uniform. The Navy as the oldest on the books, but the Navy Office of information said there is no immediate plan to change the regulations.

Hood College Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadet (ROTC) Raymond Rivera said, “I know there are a lot of reasons as to why individuals decide to get tattoos and I myself have at times wondered about whether or not to get one but on the other side of that I know others feel that it's your body and you shouldn't be marking it up.” Rivera doesn’t have any tattoos possibly because neither of his parents have any. He thinks at least 50 percent of the current military soldiers have some sort of tattoo. “I know that there is a rule on tattoos and the amount one is allowed to have as well as the locations that one isn't allowed to place any tattoos,” he said.

Soldiers have dog tags of fallen brothers tattooed to their calves, initials of platoon mates with the dates they were killed, and thousands of reminders of people they fought beside, immortalized on the skin of those still living. Soldiers can continue to do so, but they may want to carefully consult the uniform manual first.

Do you think Tattoo's to influence whether or not a person should be allowed in the Military?