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MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR STANDARDS OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
POLICY
In accordance with Marine Corps Uniform Regulations, Marine Corps Order 1020.34H,
Marines will present the best possible image at all times and continue to set the
example in military presence. Marine Corps Uniform Regulations strictly prohibit
mutilation of the body or any parts in any manner, and attaching, affixing or
displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to, through or under the skin,
tongue or any other body part. Tattoos on the head (including in or around the
mouth), neck area, hands, fingers, elbows, knees, and within two inches of the wrist
and any tattoos on other parts of the body, that are prejudicial to good order and
discipline, gang or extremist group related, or bring discredit to the Marine Corps
are also prohibited.
UNDERSTANDING
I understand that mutilation of the body or any body parts in any manner is
prohibited and that attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or
ornamentation to, through or under the skin, tongue or any other body part is
prohibited with the exception of females wearing earrings consistent with the Marine
Corps regulations.
I understand that tattoos located anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good
order and discipline, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps,
are prohibited (Examples include, but are not limited to, tattoos that are drug-
related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist, or racist).
I understand that tattoos on the head or neck, including in or around the mouth area,
are prohibited and that tattoos on the chest or back must be covered by wearing a
properly fitting crew-neck undershirt with no portion of the tattoo showing.
I understand that any band tattoos that are visible from outside the PT uniform may
not exceed three inches or the width of my four fingers extended and joined,
whichever is greater. If a band tattoo is partially covered and partially visible
while wearing the PT uniform, the visible part must not exceed the width as indicated
above.
I understand that upper arm tattoos that are visible while wearing the crew-neck
undershirt may extend down the arm on all sides no further than a line around the
circumference of the upper arm measured two inches above the elbow and may not exceed
the bounds of my hand with my fingers extended and joined with the thumb flush
against the side of my hand.
I understand that elbow tattoos are prohibited and there must be an area from at
least two inches above to at least one inch below the elbow, measured from the center
of the elbow that is free of tattoos, and separates any tattoos on the upper arm from
any tattoos on the lower arm.
I understand that lower arm tattoos may extend down not further than a line around
the circumference of the wrist measured at two inches above the wrist bone and may
extend up no further than a line around the circumference of the lower arm measured
at one inch below the elbow and are limited to one of the following: a single band
tattoo, a single tattoo or a single collection of tattoos that can be covered by my
hand with my fingers extended and joined with the thumb flush against the side of my
hand (Tattoos of larger size or greater number on the lower arm are prohibited).