Tattoos

[ChrisBrit81]

I had a tattoo before I joined the RAF, a small tattoo on my upper arm.
I then had a tattoo done whilst I was in the RAF, again, just a small tattoo on my chest.

You can't see any of my tattoos when I'm in uniform, however I've just gone and had another tattoo on my forearm which is very visible when wearing short sleeve shirts. Now no-one at work has expressed any objections against it, I even approached my WO (albeit a navy WO) about where I should get it done and there seems to be no problem with me having it.

I'm just wondering though, I'm thinking of getting another one done and I just don't want to start getting into trouble if there's an official policy about tattoos that I may be going against if I go too OTT.

Does anyone know of where (if at all) tattoos are mentioned in regs or JSPs?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Max Reheat]

Can't direct you to JSP's but there was a bloke I was on a course with who had 2 full sleeves, he used to wear a short sleeve shirt and nobody mentioned it to him

 

[Dragoon]

There's a mate of mine who has loads of tattoos all over both arms, all very visible, and nobody has expressed any issues with them.

 

[Dave-exfairy]

A lad I knew in trade training had swallows on his hands and tatt's all up his arma, no hassle then. Also a Flt Sgt Rock at Colt had very visible tatt's and wore short sleeves with no probs, in fact he's a copper now in Norfolk.

 

[ChrisBrit81]

After putting off this most recent tattoo for a while, now that I've had it done I think I've caught the bug. I want to get a little more adventurous now and some slightly larger tattoos, was just hoping I wouldn't get into any bother.

I've seen plenty of people with full sleeves too, but if I recall correctly, I thought the service didn't mind if you had them upon application to join, but frowned upon getting them in visible places once you were in.

If I can't find any regs/jsps that forbid them, then I'm off to book myself in for my 4th tat this weekend.

 

[Cake or Death]

There is a jap ref for tats. i dont know where it is myself but my mate has read it in depth. he said It states where they are allowed and according to him gives measurements. It also states that even if you have one and is offensive (say a swastika or writing like kill the queen etc) that is covered and noone can see it the RAF can apparently boot you out, this includes if you having it removed.

 

[Bitburger]

A real Liney would have a spider's web tattoo done on his face. I double dog dare you, for a shiney Liney Pound

 

[tats]

As long as it will be covered when you wear your No1 uniform then you are permitted pretty much anything, as long as its not offensive, as far as I am aware DT_Xtremez_30: which sucks a bit cos I want one that wouldn't be due to us normally wearing skirts in No1's, ah well.

 

[True Blue Jack]

The detail is in QRs (I'll be able to tell you exactly where when I'm in work tomorrow). In essence, as long is it's not offensive and is not visible when in No1s then your tattoos are your own business.

 

[Barch]

from AP 1358, CHAP 1

Detailed rulings and administrative instructions on tattooing are contained in AP 3392 Vol 5 which is the definitive document for the RAF policy on tattooing.

 

[YellowPeril]

I'm heavily tattooed on both forearms and had no problems whatsoever when wearing short sleeve shirts. I could be wrong but I think tattoos on hands were frowned upon as well as anything on the neck that could be visible above the collar. Also anything of offensive or sexual nature.

 

[busby1971]

Read the regs

Read the regs

The policy on tats exists and you should read it before venturing into the parlor.

Tats are more common these days and have become more accepted by people younger than I, although I don't mind them myself, despite having mine removed.

The main areas for concern are, too numerous, offensive or on the hands/wrists and neck and above.

Your collar bone is a good indicator of where your neck begins and if you look at your hands palms up where the wrinkles start on your wrists or where you would normally wear a watch is the limit for this area.

Don't forget when you march your sleaves ride up and when you salute considerably so on the right hand.

Don't forget that the inside of your mouth, in the hair or behind the ears are all above your collar bone.

I know one person who had them behind their ears because she couldn't see them.

Read the regs it's your body and your responsibility.

 

[ChrisBrit81]

Thanks guys, I've had a good read of AP3392 Vol 5 leaflet 123 and unless anyone is offended by my Daughters name, I think I'm going to be ok.

for people who are having trouble finding the document, heres a summary:

RAF Policy prohibits any tattoos that are obscene or offensive, or any other tattoo that is visible above the neck collar, below the sleeve cuff or below the trouser cuff.

Personnel are not permitted to have any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, which are obscene or offensive (eg racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drugs related or of an extreme political nature).

Personnel are not permitted to have any tattoos that are that are above the neck collar, on the hands and wrists or on the ankles in such a manner as to be visible in No 1 HD.