WASHINGTON (April 10, 2015) -- The Army published the revised uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, April 10. The new regulation lifts restrictions on the size and number of tattoos authorized for Soldiers, and changes the rules for the wear of the Army Combat Uniform during commercial travel.
The new language allows Soldiers to have as many tattoos on their arms, legs and body as they want. Additionally, there are no longer any size restrictions on those tattoos.
However, Soldiers are still prohibited from having tattoos above the T-shirt neckline - meaning anywhere on the neck, face and head. Additionally, Soldiers are limited to no more than one "ring tattoo" on each hand, below the wrist line. What has not changed in the revised policy is the ban on extremist, indecent, sexist or racist tattoos.
An Army G-1 spokesperson said the change to Army tattoo policy is not tied to what is or is not visible while wearing any particular Army uniform. Instead, the policy spells out locations on the body where tattoos are prohibited.
The same Army spokesperson said the revision of Army policies "are not taken lightly." Such policies and regulations are under "perpetual review." The recent changes to AR 670-1 came after much feedback from the force and an extensive review of the September 2014 version of the regulation.
Army leadership wanted AR 670-1 to better represent the perspective of Soldiers, the spokesperson said. At the same time, revisions to the policy had to ensure that Soldiers maintain an appearance that is both professional and aligned with how the American taxpayer views their military.
The changes in tattoo policy apply also to civilians, who want to enlist in the Army. Civilians contemplating an Army career will be held to the same standards regarding tattoos as Soldiers already in the Army.
OTHER UNIFORM UPDATES
Under the new AR 670-1, Soldiers traveling commercially on official business are authorized to wear the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU.
Previously, Soldiers were directed to wear their dress uniform during commercial travel. They could wear the ACU when deploying, on rest and recuperation leave to and from the combat theater, or if their commander authorized the wear for emergency leave or casualty assistance duties.
New language in AR 670-1 also clarifies the wear of Army uniforms at off-post establishments that sell alcohol. Soldiers wearing their uniform may enter a liquor store to purchase package liquor, for instance. They may not, however, wear their uniform while drinking in a bar.
The G-1 spokesperson said the new policy does not prevent a uniformed Soldier from having dinner with his family or lunch with his co-workers at a restaurant that also serves alcohol. But the policy does prevent that same uniformed Soldier from having a drink in an establishment whose primary business is selling alcohol.
"The intent of the policy is for Soldiers to not wear their uniform in an establishment where consumption of alcohol is the primary activity," the spokesperson said.
The revised AR 670-1 also updates wear-guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for wartime service during Operation Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of shoulder-sleeve insignia for former wartime service during Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel; updates wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Enduring Freedom; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Inherent Resolve; adds wear guidance of overseas service bars for Operation Freedom's Sentinel; and clarifies approval of distinctive unit insignia.
The updated AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1, and training package can be found online at: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform.
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Army.mil: Inside the Army News
As a seasoned expert in military regulations and uniform policies, I want to delve into the details of the article discussing the revised Army uniform and appearance regulation, AR 670-1, and DA PAM 670-1, published on April 10, 2015. I possess a deep understanding of military protocols, having extensively studied and kept abreast of changes in military regulations up until my last knowledge update in January 2022.
In the revised policy, the Army has lifted restrictions on the size and number of tattoos allowed for Soldiers, a significant departure from the previous version of AR 670-1. Now, soldiers are permitted to have as many tattoos as they desire on their arms, legs, and body, without any size limitations. However, the policy still prohibits tattoos above the T-shirt neckline, which includes the neck, face, and head. Soldiers are also limited to one "ring tattoo" on each hand, below the wrist line. This showcases a strategic balance between allowing personal expression and maintaining a professional appearance.
Noteworthy in the revised policy is the continued ban on extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist tattoos. This emphasis on maintaining a high standard of conduct reflects the military's commitment to professionalism and adherence to ethical principles. The changes were not made with the visibility of tattoos in mind but rather focus on specific locations on the body where tattoos are not permitted.
The modifications in the tattoo policy are not arbitrary; they stem from feedback from the force and an extensive review conducted in September 2014. Army leadership aimed to ensure that AR 670-1 better represented the perspective of Soldiers while upholding a professional image aligned with public expectations.
Moreover, these changes extend to civilians interested in enlisting in the Army. The standards for tattoos are consistent for both civilians and active-duty soldiers, reinforcing the idea of a unified and standardized appearance within the military.
Beyond tattoo regulations, the article addresses updates to the wear of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) during commercial travel. Previously, soldiers were directed to wear their dress uniform, but the new policy authorizes the wear of ACU for official business travel. This adjustment aligns with practical considerations and enhances the comfort and functionality of soldiers during such journeys.
The article also touches on uniform wear in off-post establishments selling alcohol. Soldiers in uniform are allowed to enter a liquor store to purchase package liquor, but they are prohibited from wearing their uniform while drinking in a bar. This nuanced policy aims to strike a balance between personal freedoms and maintaining a respectable image for the military.
Lastly, the revised AR 670-1 includes updates on the wear guidance for shoulder-sleeve insignia related to wartime service during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Additionally, it clarifies the approval process for distinctive unit insignia.
For those seeking more information or the full details of the updated AR 670-1, DA PAM 670-1, and associated training materials, they can be accessed online at the official Army website (). This transparency and accessibility underscore the Army's commitment to keeping its personnel well-informed and in compliance with the latest regulations.
