Tattoos: Military Doesn't Like Them Either

According to CBSnews, the United States Marine Corps has banned tattoos that go below the elbow and/or knee. The ban was aimed at sleeve tattoos. Marines already with tattoos are grandfathered in, however, but anyone found with a new tattoo can be faced with disciplinary action, even to the extent of being sent to prison for up to two years and being dishonorably discharged. Tattoos on the face and neck have also been banned. These tattoos have been banned due to the belief that they do not hold up to the traditional image and values of the Marine Corps. Many Marines are furious about the new rules pertaining to tattoos. Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton, who has the word "Death" tattooed down his right arm and planned on getting "Life" tattooed down his left, has stated, "I guess I'll get the other half later... It's kind of messed up." Another Marine, Cpl. David Nadrchal, said, "The fact I can't put something on my body that I want - it's a big thing to tell me I can't do that." The Army has also changed their tattoo rules, but the new revisions have actually lifted some of the restrictions. The old rules limited soldiers to four visible tattoos that were smaller than that soldier's hand. The new rule lifted this restriction. The revision also lifts some of the rules with the way a soldier in the Army can wear their hair. Personally, I believe that a soldier should be allowed to get any tattoo he wants, as long as it is not offensive. The United States Marine Corps and United States Army are the forerunners in the fight overseas. They are dying and protecting all Americans who do not have the ability to fight. This being said, I have no right to question a rule the Marines set in place. They say something is not allowed, well then it is not allowed.