Air Force reconsiders recruit tattoo policy

26 Air Force recruits were turned away from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The situation was the result of tougher tattoo rules sent to recruiting personnel on 25 November banning tattoos on a recruit’s right “saluting arm.” The rule was approved by the Recruiting Service commander Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart and was created when an investigation of trainees found 80 to be non-compliant with the existing Air Force policy.

The Air Force’s official tattoo policy bans tattoos that are obscene or do not fit a “military image,” cover more than one-fourth of a body part, or are above the collarbone.

Several recruits that were affected by the ban were reportedly confused over the issue and did not understand the reason for the revised policy.

As the outcry from recruits was heard, Air Force officials held an emergency meeting at the Pentagon to review the situation. On Thursday, 3 December, the revised policy had been rescinded and the issue would be reviewed relative to the dress and personnel appearance regulations so that a standardized implementation could be formulated.

Of the 26 recruits affected by the situation, 20 were rebooked for shipping to basic training and three decided that the Air Force wasn’t for them.

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