Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 expressed concern that

potential enlistees’ tattoos had become a deterrent to meeting recruitment

goals in previous years.

Studies commissioned by DOD have suggested

and related effects on recruitment and retention.

the extent to which (1) tattoo policies exist for potential and current

members of the armed forces, (2) the armed forces assess any effects of

their tattoo policies on recruitment and retention of members, and (3) the

armed forces have waiver processes for unauthorized tattoos.

To address these objectives, we analyzed the armed forces’ current

2022, as available. We also reviewed tattoo-related studies and

information used by the armed forces.

We compared the armed forces’

tattoo policies on waivers for unauthorized tattoos with federal standards

for internal control.

Specifically, we compared the policies with the

internal controls on communicating the necessary quality information to

in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain

sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our

findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that

the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and

conclusions based on our audit objectives.

the size and location of tattoos, the armed forces’ policies became less

restrictive during 2016 through June 2022.

Corps, and Coast Guard also prohibit content related to drugs and gangs,

and the Air Force prohibits content related to gangs.

Size and location. The armed forces have made the policies less

restrictive regarding the size and location of tattoos. Specifically, the

current tattoo policies have evolved to permit tattoos for recruits and

service members almost anywhere on the body, except for on the head

and face (see fig. 1).

armed forces allow waivers for certain unauthorized tattoos. However, not

all of the armed forces have clearly documented in policy whether these

waivers are available for both recruits and service members, and none

have provided clear guidance on tattoos eligible for waivers, waiver

approval authorities, and other necessary conditions for waiver

consideration or approval. By providing clear policies on tattoo waivers,

the armed forces could clarify whether tattoos are a barrier to future or

continued military service.

We are making a total of six recommendations, one to each of the armed

required for waiver consideration or approval. (Recommendation 1)

The Secretary of the Navy should ensure that the Commandant of the

Marine Corps updates the Marine Corps’ tattoo policy, as appropriate, to

better ensure that it clearly documents whether waivers to the tattoo

policy are available for both recruits and service members; and provides

authority, requirements for requesting a waiver, and on any other

conditions required for waiver consideration or approval.

(Recommendation 2)

provides clear guidance on tattoos eligible for waivers, the waiver

approval authority, requirements for requesting a waiver, and on any

other conditions required for waiver consideration or approval.

(Recommendation 6)

We provided a draft of this report to the Departments of Defense and

Homeland Security for comment. In written comments, reproduced in

appendix I, DOD and the military services generally agreed with the draft

report’s five recommendations (Recommendations 1 – 5) addressed to

them. Specifically, the Army and the Marine Corps concurred, and the

Navy, Air Force, and Space Force partially concurred with the

We believe these changes address the concerns expressed.

Brenda S. Farrell, Director

Defense Capabilities and Management