Air Force changing tattoo policy in bid to get more recruits
In a bid to accept more recruits, the Air Force is changing its tattoo policy next month. One of the major policies the Air Force said it is zapping out is the “25 percent rule,” which limited the size of tattoos outlines tattoos on the chest, back, arms and legs.
Matthew Soto is the general manager of Pumping Ink Tattoo, near Fort Bliss on Dyer Street in northeast El Paso. He said American tattooing was a way for military members to wear their experiences as a badge of pride.
“These people fight for our country and our freedom, and then kind of tell them that they cant express themselves freely,” said Soto.
Armando Varela said his father was in the Air Force in the 80s, and had an upper arm tattoo. “They specifically told him his wasn’t supposed to be above the elbow,” Varela told ABC 7 as he was getting his lower arm tattooed.
The Air Force said that rule is the number one reason recruits are disqualified, and come February 1, the policy will be discharged, and more recruits will be welcome.
“I’m positive that we’ll kind of see another run of people excited to get under the needle,” said Soto.
The change of policy on body art does not give free reign to tattoo your entire body, there are still limits. The Air Force said tattoos that are obscene, commonly associated with gangs, extremist, and supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination are still banned.
Tattoos on hands, with the exception of one ring tattoo on one hand, are not allowed, nor are tattoos above the collar bone.
Soto, who has a significant number of tattoos and body modifications, said he agrees with the Air Force setting body art limits on recruits.
“There should be some kind of regulation as far as what were presenting as a nation to, to the world,” said Soto.
He said when he consults with a service member who wants a tattoo he tries to get the story behind their decision.
“We’ve gotten some really incredible stories out of it,” Said Soto.”They get it immortalized on their body forever. It’s kind of awesome.”
