Moody reinforces current AF instruction tattoo policy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  On Sept. 8, 2008, the Air Force Chief of Staff initiated the mandatory wear of the blues uniform on Mondays.

Per the wing commander, the short-sleeve blues shirt was mandated as part of Moody's required uniform combination.

Since the release of Moody's uniform policy, a new topic has sparked multiple discussions at commander's calls, inside the workplace and within personal conversations; many Airmen are talking about the tattoo policy and how it will personally affect them.

"The first thing Airmen should know is that there is no new tattoo policy--there's has been one in place for 11 years," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, 23rd Wing command chief master sergeant. "The real issue is that when Airmen were mandated to start wearing the short-sleeve blues uniform combination, it was discovered that many individuals were in violation of the standard.

"For a long time, we were all wearing a utility uniform or flight suit every day of the week," he added. "Excessive tattoos were covered so it seemed like no one was in violation of the rules."

According to the Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, excessive is defined as any tattoo that exceeds one fourth of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone when wearing an open collar uniform.

Excessive tattoos are not authorized to be exposed or visible, which includes visibility through the uniform, while wearing the uniform.

Air Force members with tattoos that do not meet an acceptable military image are required to maintain coverage or remove tattoos.

Even though the AFI states that excessive tattoos can be covered, many Airmen do not know that there is additional guidance included in the regulations, said the chief.

It states that members who receive tattoos not meeting the standards after the implementation of the policy on March 15, 1998, are required to initiate tattoo removal at their own expense upon notification by their commander.

"There are Airmen who are getting excessive tattoos thinking that they can just cover them up," said Chief Parsons. "However, the only individuals exempt are those who received tattoos before March 1998.

"These individuals need to be held accountable for their actions," he added. "It's not about targeting people; it's about fair and consistent enforcement of instruction."

Staff Sgt. Adam Wylie, 823rd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, is aware of the regulations, but believes individuals should not be punished for having excessive tattoos.

"Tattoos are a form of self-expression and as long as they are not obscene, I don't see why individuals can't have them," he said.

Sergeant Wylie says that the most important thing is to continue working together to accomplish the mission.

"If I was required to remove my tattoos, then I would because I love my job, but I don't think there's a need."

There are individuals, however, who feel that the tattoo policy should be in place.

"In my opinion, it looks unprofessional when a person has a tattoo on their face or around their neck," Staff Sgt. Merrill Jones, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning journeyman. "We need rules and regulations in place to help individuals maintain a professional military image."

Despite the differing opinions from Airmen around base, Chief Parsons says that we all must still follow the rules.

"Until there's a change in the policy, we must uphold the standards that have been established," he said. "Leadership must be responsible for enforcing the standards for individuals who do not follow them."

Individuals who have questions about the tattoo policy should talk with their supervisor or first sergeant.