040315 el paso army tattoo policy change

They say a tattoo is forever but apparently the U.S. Army’s strict tattoo regulations on service members, is not.

The Army is changing course when it comes to heavily regulating the number of tattoos a soldier can get and where on his or her body they can get them.

The change could create a boost in soldier morale and for local businesses.

Located not too far from Fort Bliss, tattoo parlors like Tom Foolerie’s Tattoos say they didn’t see a big change in business even when the tougher regulations were in place.

“We didn’t really see a difference as far as how many people were walking through the door that are military,” said Richard Rodriguez, a tattoo artist at Tom Foolerie’s. “The only difference we really saw was where they were – the location of the tattoo. More of these pieces went on the ribs than on the arms, you know, rather than the things they were doing before.”

Rodriguez added that the change will mean doing about 10 to 12 tattoos a day to around 15 to 18. That’s an extra $400 to $500.

“It makes a nice difference,” Rodriguez said.

Last year’s regulations cracked down on tattoos visible in physical training attire, which is shorts and a T-shirt.

In the near future, a soldier is OK as long as the tattoo or tattoos are covered by the full uniform and it’s not offensive or derogatory.

The change in tattoo regulations could impact recruiting for the Army, tool.

“Well, obviously, people who already have full sleeves, if they change (the policy), will be able to look at joining,” one soldier told ABC-7.

Another soldier said, “a couple people told me they want to get sleeves or whatever. But I don’t judge people. I’m just not that big into tattoos.”

According to the Army Times, the changes in the policy are expected to become official in the “very near future.”