Tattoo Thread - including current policy [MERGED]

[Sh0rtbUs]

A Search for piercings;

http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?action=search2

I suggest the first thread, that will clear things up for you.


As for tattoos;

http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?action=search2

That topic will keep you busy for a while...

 

[xmarcx]

Not to beat a dead horse here, I know questions re: tattoos have been already been answered a few times on the forum, but I have a unique question.

I'm applying for DEO Infantry, and I have half sleeve tattoos on both my arms, complete coverage from shoulder to right above my elbows. They are by no means offensive, and although I am clearly biased, they are of extremely high quality and artistic merit - I didn't just wander down to the local shop, I've been travelling for and working on them for years.

What concerns me though is a conversation I had with a reg force artillery major a few weeks back who told me that tattoos on officers are very rare, and that they may jeopardize my career or even my enrollment prospects.

Is this BS or a legitimate concern? Or is the worst I'm likely to face a bit of mockery during BOTP for wasting my time and money on getting pretty colours pounded into my skin?

 

[Jarnhamar]

I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm sure there is some human rights clause that you can whip out suggesting the CF is violating some kinda right of yours.

Us people with tattoo's are visible minorities!

 

[elminister]

I don't see why they would have a problem with it, non-commissioned members have them. But hey I don't know so.

 

[twohig]

I know of several officers with tattoos, and one in particular has several and is enjoying his rank as an artilery major.  So it all depends more on how you project yourself as a leader.  I would'nt worry about it.

Ubique.

 

[jc5778]

Should not be a problem.  An officer from my old unit was all "sleeved up" ATT58 is dead on with his resonse.  Also think about this, during your application faze, testing, and interviews, wear long sleeves if you think it may hurt your chances.  Once your in, your in.  Just nothing visable and offensive and nothing above the coller from now on.

 

[SweetNavyJustice]

Below is an excert from an article written in "The Lookout" which is a CFB Esquimalt publication.  They did a segment on tat's and how they relate to the regs.  The general jist seems to be that forearm tattoos are okay, but no head, face or neck that are visible when wearing an open collared shirt. 

Specifically, as of April 2004 the CF policy forbids tattooing/body art/brands that will be visible on the head, face and neck, ears or chest of the individual when an open collared shirt is worn. It also prohibits tattoos that are of a pornographic, blasphemous, or racist nature, or containing vulgar language or designs. As well, any tattoo symbol that denotes gang affiliation, supremacist or extremist groups or drug use, or otherwise reflects discredit to the CF is forbidden.

Tattoos that were acquired before April 1, 2004, must also comply with the regulations. Additionally, other visible and non-visible body piercing adornments such as rings, pins, nuts and bolts, etc (except for women’s earrings and ear sleepers) shall not be worn by members of the CF in uniform or on duty while in civilian clothing.[/quote]

The link to the full article can be seen at:  http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/20060306_4.htm

 

[xmarcx]

I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm sure there is some human rights clause that you can whip out suggesting the CF is violating some kinda right of yours.

Us people with tattoo's are visible minorities!

That's perfect, my university degree is actually in Human Rights, they'll never know what hit them!  ;D

Thanks all for the replies! I will not worry...mostly because I'll be wearing long sleeve shirts.

 

[Jimmy C]

Just to add to make you feel better, I came across a picture on combatcamera that shows a Lt-Col with a neck tattoo as well as one on his wrist:

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=photos&template=detail_e.np&field=itemid&op=matches&value=11010&site=combatcamera

 

[Big Foot]

On another note, what is up with that LCol's sleeves? It looks like they're rolled under. I've never see that before.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm sure there is some human rights clause that you can whip out suggesting the CF is violating some kinda right of yours.

Us people with tattoo's are visible minorities!

Well considering 14 year old girls now get them as birthday presents from their mommies, I wonder if tattooed people really are a minority anymore?

 

[BKells]

Well considering 14 year old girls now get them as birthday presents from their mommies, I wonder if tattooed people really are a minority anymore?

What an unsubstantiated claim.

 

[Scott]

I'm with Michael, when I got my ink I was a minority, now every soccer mom I see has a dolphin on her ankle or a butterfly on her calf or a great big bejesus tramp stamp  ;D

I got my ink on my shoulders, I got it for me and don't need to flash it. In fact some of my closest friends are amazed to find out that I do have a couple of tats - they usually never see them and I rarely talk about them.

Piper, choose wisely, they are on you for life. And drink lots of water before your session, it helps. Also, avoid going if you've had any booze in the preceding 48 hours. Just some things that helped me from first to second session.

 

[Scott]

What an unsubstantiated claim.

And you can prove what you just said? I think Mike is right, in fact I know he is damn close. A friend of mine got a tat as a gift from her son, the young fella was 15 at the time.

Hmmm, that makes Mike's claim a hell of a lot better than yours.

 

[Scott]

And it's not just bad as far as judgement goes. You'll bleed like hell even if you're just suffering a hangover, also, and I got this from my artist, some guys puke in the chair when they're hungover. Something to do with the natural painkillers in your body being released and interacting with an already queasy gut. My first one I was suffering pretty bad but I decided to go through with it anyway. The whole thing sucked because I felt sooooo bad. Thank God the guy had been tattooing for years and had probably seen guys like me a million times before.

 

[kincanucks]

Just to add to make you feel better, I came across a picture on combatcamera that shows a Lt-Col with a neck tattoo as well as one on his wrist:

Yes isn't that special.

 

[Jimmy C]

Yes, it makes me all warm and fuzzy on the inside. 

 

[Jarnhamar]

Well considering 14 year old girls now get them as birthday presents from their mommies, I wonder if tattooed people really are a minority anymore?

Yes, still are. 

My advice is stay away from 'army' tattoos.  Your service number, a canadian flag with the words go army. The canadian forces badge/cornflake.  Most people who get that stuff done seem to regret it later.

 

[Rad]

I can't see that, as long as the info dosen't change.  I sometimes used to forgot my SN, so maybe they should tattoo it all all recruits ;D.

R.

 

[GO!!!]

I can't see that, as long as the info dosen't change.  I sometimes used to forgot my SN, so maybe they should tattoo it all all recruits ;D.

No, it changes.

Once you reach a unit, and realise "hey, I share this capbadge on my forearm with brand new recruits, sewer techs, PAffOs and reservists, I sure wish I'd gotten a PPCLI cap badge"

Wait until you are in a unit for at least a year before you get inked. There is one knob I met who got the WATC crest tattooed on him - he was on PAT platoon for that long. I've never seen so many guys in the shower point and laugh!!