It also depends WHERE the tattoo is on the person. If it cannot be seen while in uniform, it normally is ignored. Serving for twenty-two years in the Navy I've seen all kinds of tatoos, many very untasteful, however, as long as it can't be seen in public, while in uniform, they are not a problem. This policy sounds too PC and will hurt the military by denying it men who want to defend this country.

There are new procedures to remove tatoos, without harming the body. Also, it is a right of passage for many young men to get tattoos after joining; once in, trained and valuable, its very unwise to put them out because of a tattoo, unless the tattoo caused a problem with discipline or morale.

I'd like to see the heads of the U.S. Marine Corps (only for investigation) down to their skivies and see their tattoos. I'd bet a weeks pay I could find something offensive enough to disqualify most of them from enlistment.

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David Upton