The Army is about to impose more strict guidelines involving tattoos and grooming. Once the new regulations take effect, new recruits no longer will be allowed to have tattoos that are visible below the elbows or knees, or above necklines, Stars and Stripes reported in Sept. 23 issues. Though current soldiers will not be subject to the new regulations, tattoos considered racist, extremist, or sexist still would be banned. When the change takes effect, probably in a month or two, tattooed soldiers likely will have to sit down with their immediate superiors and explain what each tattoo means. If supervisors deem the tattoos unacceptable under the new guidelines, soldiers would be responsible for the expense of their removal. Defense Department health-care facilities stopped removing tattoos for free in 2006.
