Temporary Tattoos, But Permanent Patriotism: Laser Tattoo Removal Useful for Active Soldiers
Summer is often a patriotic time in which we reflect on our appreciation for soldiers who have served and are still serving our country both at home and overseas. Many service members often show their pride in their branch of the military or memorialize fallen comrades through tattoos. Tattoos often provide soldiers permanent reminders of their service and celebratory tokens of their accomplishments. While tattoos may seem like a rite of passage for many in the armed forces, the military has strict tattoo regulations for current and incoming soldiers.
Members of the armed forces are commissioned to represent the United States with the utmost professionalism whether in times of peace or during combat and any tattoos that detract from the polished look in uniform are often not allowed. These include tattoos that are visible when in dress uniforms such as those on the hands, neck, and head. Each branch has its own specific rules, but most follow the same general guidelines.
There has long been a stigma about tattoos and being “bad to the bone” – or in other words, there is a popular association between tattoos and deviant behavior. Considering this, a group at Texas Tech University conducted a decade long study to find a link between the two.