Tattoo Thread - including current policy [MERGED]

[Fishbone Jones]

Thanks, recceguy, there wasn't any reason to be so rude.

MilitaryGirl88

Like Scott said. I just gave you bare facts. If you are so easily offended by straight talk that doesn't cater to your senses, you are in for a real shock when you get to training.

I certainly wasn't rude and I don't think you really want to see me rude.

Sorry for posting over the lock Scott

 

[Hazard696]

I've read the FAQ and the rules about tattoos in the army, but I'm still not quite sure if my tattoo is acceptable. I have the letters "CFH" in a custom font, tattood on the inside of my upper forearm. It stands for "Cowboys From Hell" which is a heavy metal song and album title. I had this done before I thought about joining the military. From what I understand after reading the rules though, that shouldn't be a problem. But I'm slightly worried about the "Hell" part, and it being a band tattoo. I'm certain that I'd get a hard time for it regardless though, I can just imagine what my superiors would be thinking after I explained this.

If I were rejected because of this tattoo that would be extremely dissapointing, because believe it or not the tattoo does mean something to me. But if it means scraping it out of my skin with a cheese grater to get in the army, I'll do it.  >

 

[CFR FCS]

It shouldn't be an issue. The CF are mostly concerned with racial or gang tattoos. The CFRC will advise you more.

You can always say the CFH stands for Canadian Forces Hopeful!

 

[Hazard696]

It shouldn't be an issue. The CF are mostly concerned with racial or gang tattoos. The CFRC will advise you more.

You can always say the CFH stands for Canadian Forces Hopeful!

Haha, well I wouldn't want to lie to them. That would slip up sooner or later for sure anyways, but thanks for your input, I think I'm in the clear I just want to see some opinions before I walked into the RC.

 

[mariomike]

You can always say the CFH stands for Canadian Forces Hopeful!

Very good!  ;D

 

[FDO]

Your right, we look for tattoos that could be discriminatory or offensive. If you had Nazi or tats or something like that it would be an issue. Also we look for tats that are on your face, neck or hands. As long as they can be covered when your in 1As (Dress uniform) then your OK. Someting like the one you have won't be a problem.

 

[Steve_D]

Hands? That could be a problem for me.  In anticipation of joining the Navy, I advised my wife that I would not be wearing my wedding band while on board ship for safety reasons.  So we went and got wedding bands tatooed on our fingers.  They are a simple celtic knot pattern.  I guess that I could cover it up with my regular wedding band, but that would defeat the purpose of getting it in the first place.

FDO. Do you see that as an issue?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Occam]

Hands? That could be a problem for me.  In anticipation of joining the Navy, I advised my wife that I would not be wearing my wedding band while on board ship for safety reasons.  So we went and got wedding bands tatooed on our fingers.  They are a simple celtic knot pattern.  I guess that I could cover it up with my regular wedding band, but that would defeat the purpose of getting it in the first place.

FDO. Do you see that as an issue?

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/4024/post-686255.html#msg686255

 

[Steve_D]

Thanks. Works for me.  Based on this information, I am good to go.

Cheers and have a great day.

Steve
;D

 

[DBark]

Wondering if any can shed some light on what the recruitment policies are for tattoos when applying for CSOR?

I know the usual, no hands - no face - no neck, but are the policies for CSOR a little more strict? The website doesn't even seem to touch it.

Cheers in advance!

 

[MikeL]

Um have you tried emailing the CSOR Recruiter? Surprisingly enough, they are helpfull an can answer your questions within reason ie nothing OPSEC.

AFAIK the regulations they follow are the standard CF ones, nothing special for them.

 

[Journeyman]

While CSOR recruiting doesn't specifically address tattoos, there are no additional restrictions.

CF Dress Regs, Chap 2 - Policy and Appearance, state:
Members shall not acquire visible tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (e.g., pornographic, blasphemous, racist) or otherwise reflect discredit on the CF.

Another component of CANSOFCOM, JTF-2, has elaborated on their website

Myth 8 - You cannot have any tattoos to be eligible for service with JTF 2.
Answer - Tattoos or other physical identifiers do not have any bearing on a Canadian Forces member’s eligibility for service with JTF 2. A prospective candidate who successfully completes the JTF 2 selection process and is deemed eligible for service may be given an opportunity to serve with the unit.

Same union rules as CSOR

 

[Fishbone Jones]

.......and another tattoo thread gets put to bed.

Milnet.ca Staff

 

[Major_Malfunction]

So, the search function is broken and I'd like some advice. Apologies if you've answered tattoo questions till you're blue in the face...

The docs saw all my tattoos and didn't really make a big fuss about them because they weren't offenssive in any way. I got "Hey, that's one's nice" from one of the guys...

Should i make them aware of any more that I get between now and BMQ or am I being too cautious? I mean, they're not going on my face, neck, or hands...

normally I'd wait till Monday and just call the recruiting center and ask, but my appointment is on Sunday. Just one of those things you never think of until someone say "Hey, think the CF are going to like you doing that before you get there?"

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/80362.0
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/91428.0
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/869.0.html

 

[Michael OLeary]

So, the search function is broken .....

When you find problems with the search function use Google as an alternative.  Add site:army.ca to your search to limit results to the forum.

This will also work for site:navy.ca, site:air-force.ca, or other versions of the Milnet.ca url.

 

[SteveT]

Hi all, I've been seriously considering joining the armed forces, but the only things that I am concerned about are whether I'll get overlooked due to my tattoos/piercings, I took out my gauged ears and my lip piercings for this, all that remains are two that I am able to hide and I know this is may not an issue but it still worries me. I have been reading the Canadian Forces website and I've downloaded the application forms and everything but I am worried about my physical appearance because I am very interested in joining and am willing to do whatever it takes just as much as the next guy. I read the jobs that are offered in the land armed forces and I was considering going for Materials Technician because of my background in Welding, Auto-body and Auto mechanics in high school. I'm just looking for any information regarding this at all, anything at all will be helpful and I'd really appreciate it I'm just confused in the whole process and am just looking for a bit of guidance. Thanks alot!

 

[jwtg]

Having piercings and tattoos is usually fine, within reason.  A giant swastika on your face could be a problem.  Typical tattoos are usually not too problematic.  My interviewing officer had one on his arm, and I have an armband.  I also have piercings.  None of them were problems, provided I conform to dress regulations when in uniform.

That being said, you've been pretty vague in describing what it is you're worried about.  I have no idea how many/what type/what location of tattoos you have. 
Only place to get a good answer is to go down and speak to a recruiter (also giving them the opportunity to see you face to face) and ask your questions about your particular tattoos/piercings.

 

[SteveT]

I have letters on my knuckles and large lettering on my forearm and a tattoo on my left bi-cep and I have my septum pierced but that can be hidden/taken out if need be. I checked the CF site and the closest recruiter to me is in Hamilton I believe.

 

[Mudshuvel]

What jwtg said.

As long as you don't have offensive or racially charged tattoos visible and you are willing to remove any visible piercings while in uniform, there shouldn't be a problem. Depending on the letters on your knuckles, as long as they don't say something like F your Mom or F the system (you catch my drift) I can't see there being a problem.