MARADMIN 494/08 MARINE CORPS TATTOO POLICY (SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS)
MARADMIN 494/08, published 4 Sept 08, provides amplifying guidance on the Marine Corps Tattoo policy as it pertains to Special Duty Assignments.
Effective 4 Sept, 2008 Marines who were grandfathered for sleeve tattoos are not authorized to serve in Primary MOS (PMOS) 841, recruiter, or PMOS 8156, Marine Security Guard.
Marines grandfathered for sleeve tattoos may continue to apply to serve as a Marine Combat Instructor, PMOS 0913, Drill Instructor, PMOS 0911 or Marine Corps Security Forces Guard, PMOS 8152.
Grandfathered Marines currently on Special Duty Assignment as a recruiter or Marine Security Guard are authorized to remain on special duty until the end of their assignment.
Marines currently serving as recruiters who are already grandfathered for sleeve tattoos are authorized to continue in that billet unless relieved for cause for the good of the service approved by MCRC and M&RA. Requests for recruiters for follow-on service designation as a Career Recruiter, PMOS 8412, who have a grandfathered sleeve tattoo may not be favorably viewed but will be forwarded to DC M&RA for final adjudication.
The Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs is designated adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving retention or Special Duty Assignments.
The Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command is the adjudicating authority for any tattoo issue involving accessions (officer and enlisted), to include enlisted Marines who may apply for commissioning or warrant officer program.
Marines should refer to MARADMIN 494/08 for more information.
Posted by JWB at 9/13/2008 8:33 AM 
Categories: Marine Corps Uniform News
Tags: MARADMIN 494/08 Marine Corps Tattoo policy Special Duty Assignments Marine Corps Tattoo policy Special Duty Assignments
Categories: Marine Corps Uniform News
Tags: MARADMIN 494/08 Marine Corps Tattoo policy Special Duty Assignments Marine Corps Tattoo policy Special Duty Assignments
I think the tattoo policy is too harsh. I myself have a half sleeve (not passed the elbow) and have been denied to join the marines even though I scored high enough to have any job and my body is in perfect shape. I think it is nonsense that someone who scores less than half my score swears in while I sit and wonder why a half sleeve of roses disqualifies me from being a marine. I don't know about everyone else but I'd rather be fighting next to smart soldiers rather than rocks regardless what tattoo they may have
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We, the authors of this website, absolutely agree with you. The quality of the Marine, with or without tattoo's, is what should matter most. If he has demonstrated he has potential and can fight he should be allowed to serve period! Semper Fi
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I also agree id rather be with someone who knows what to do and when to do it and also not be as dumb as a box of rocks. I served in the corps for 9 yrs and i worked with some real pieces of work. they had like no brains whats so ever. Like you said your tatttoo is tasteful and not degrading at all.
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I completely agree with you all. I wish they would reverse the new tattoo policy. I understant the restrictions on offensive tattoos, recruiters, or MSGs. Marine Security Guards are often in the public eye, and so are recruiters along with meeting potential recruits parents. When it comes to your every day Marine weather a grunt of an air winger the tattoos have NOTHING to do with their quality of work or character. Guess I should have got my sleeves earlier.
Semper Fi.
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i tried to go back to the corps a year after i got out. but i had a few more tattoos and they didn't let me back in when all i wanted was to go back to the grunts and go back to iraq. never been in trouble, never had anything but good on my track record but yet, me...a combat NCO was denied cuz of my MARINE CORPS TATTOOS WERE TO BIG. WTF??? i fought it for 10 months and even helped my recruiters recruit while they were doing my paper work, i was in that office every single day for 10 months trying and i still got denied. wow. SEMPER FI?? I think. thnx LA MEPS, the commander there told me he didn't wanna send it up higher than him cuz he didn't wanna send up B.S. and make himself look bad. i was mind boggled. THIS HAS TO STOP! i feel like a teenage girl who just got used and left and now the Corps doesn't even care. I have so much love for the Corps that it's hard for me to bad mouth them..i would even be willing to lose all my rank and go in as a private just to go back..You might ask why, if you are, you probably were never a Marine. Semper Fi CPL Padilla Golf 2/5 0311 Infantry
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my name is justin levitt. i am trying to join marine corps but they said my TWO tattoos may stop me.
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Justin,
I assume you mean "Marine Recruiter" by they. If not, I recommend you speak with them as ask them if a waiver is possible.
While the authors of this blog don't agree with the policy, Marine Corps rules and regulations are to be followed whether a Marine likes them or not.
If you want to become a Marine bad enough, you'll find a way to comply with regulations even if it means having them removed in order to qualify for enlistment.
Semper Fi,
Leading Marines!
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So if I join can I get a tattoo on my forearm? Just words? Cause it seems like that's ok, as long as it's not actually a sleeve, right?
(Check with your local Marine Recruiter)
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I recently tried to enlist, talked to a recruiter over the phone..he asked me the usual questions. I have 3 tattos, one on my upper arm (very small), one on the back of my shoulder, and one on the back of my neck just along my collar (also small). He said I Didn't qualify because it's considered a neck tattoo. extremely irritating, it's 3 japanese symbols, & it barely shows. =(
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I would suggest you see him in person and if necessary get a second opinion from another recruiter at another location.
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The Marine Corps Order States (MARADMIN 198/07):
"TATTOOS OR BRANDS THAT ARE PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE AND MORALE, OR ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE MARINE CORPS ARE ALSO PROHIBITED. PREJUDICIAL TO GOOD ORDER, DISCIPLINE AND MORALE, OR ARE OF A NATURE TO BRING DISCREDIT UPON THE MARINE CORPS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, ANY TATTOO THAT IS SEXIST, RACIST, VULGAR, ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-SOCIAL, GANG RELATED, OR EXTREMIST GROUP OR ORGANIZATION RELATED."
Sgt Harper, Anthony L
USMC 0511
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