With the US military struggling to meet recruitment targets, officials are hoping a more lenient tattoo policy will attract more applicants, writes Tomi Ajayi.
New recruits are now allowed tattoos on their hands and the back of their neck, providing the tattoos are not "extremist, indecent, racist or sexist".
In 2005, the US military fell short of its 80,000 new recruit target by 7,000. Now, as it faces a growing tide of dissent, officials are realising that they cannot afford to keep turning hopefuls away on the basis of their body art. After all, beggars can't be choosers.
Of the 32 million Americans in the prime recruiting age group (17-24), the military deems the majority too obese, uneducated or flawed in some other way.
Recruits must be high school graduates or score in the top half of the military aptitude test. They may be rejected for having a criminal history, too many dependants or medical problems, reducing the pool of suitable candidates.
When you then take into account that 28%of Americans under 24 have been "inked", the task of getting new intake becomes as hard as finding a tattoo needle in a haystack. With enlistment levels at an all-time low, the military must be grateful for every new recruit.
In recent years, tattooing has found its way into the mainstream. As attitudes have changed, enthusiasm for it has grown. Now it is no longer the preserve of bikers, convicts and sailors.
Davina McCall, Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen all sport a tattoo, and even a 1999 Barbie came adorned with temporary tats.
As inclusive as it has become, this art is still not accepted in all quarters. US military policy states that tattoos must not distract from good military order and discipline, or violate good taste.
So the face, head and front of neck are still no-go areas for soldiers.
Similarly, British army guidelines warn: "Excessive visible, offensive and/or racist tattoos and excessive body piercing may debar a candidate."
Clearly, US military officials are trying to stay in tune with the MTV generation, for whom body art is not such a big deal. They may be adapting to change - but whether the more relaxed rules will attract more soldiers remains to be seen.
The changes mean women recruits can now wear permanent eyeliner, eyebrows and lip makeup. However, permanent make-up must be "conservative, complementing the uniform and complexion in style and colour".
Bizarrely, it's stressed that it must not be "trendy". GI Janes with stylish makeup need not apply.
