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Marine Cpl. Anthony Williams, stationed near Fallujah, Iraq, sports a USMC tattoo on his back. New Marine Corps policy restricts 'excessive' tattoos.
Joe Raedle/GETTY IMAGES
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Marine Corps, Ink: Tattoo voodoo
New Marine Corps policy on tattoos is a farce
Date published: 6/3/2007
RECENT PRESS coverage of the decision by Marine commandant Gen. James T. Conway to further restrict the types and locations of tattoos that Marines can have exposed a leadership flaw within The Few, The Proud.
The policy, which went into effect April 1, prohibits large tattoos below the elbow and knee. It is designed to stop Marines from getting large "sleeve" tattoos.
In the words of Gen. Conway, "Some Marines have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us. I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values."
Whose values? Gen. Conway's? His comments indicate that he is a man on a mission to force his own "traditional" values on the Marine Corps as a whole--and that's unacceptable, especially at a time when our nation is at war.
In fact, at a time when the Marines are having difficulty meeting recruiting goals, it's foolish, irresponsible, and lacking sound judgment. Gen. Conway owes it to America to concentrate on issues that actually matter to the security of our nation and the accomplishment of all missions to that end.
In the world of leadership, the most successful leaders are selfless; they can put their own personal desires aside and focus on what's best for the organization and the people they serve.
In recent articles in various publications, Gen. Conway talks about expecting and having been prepared to address more questions and resistance about the new policy from his troops during recent visits to Iraq and ships in the Persian Gulf. To his surprise, most questions were focused on equipment issues and other mission-oriented topics, and he heard very little about the new tattoo policy.
Could this be due to the fact that the Marines actually engaged in fighting this war on terrorism have better leadership skills--or at least a more appropriate set of priorities--than the general?
Blocking our best?
This issue hit close to home for me when a good friend of mine, and an eight-year Marine Corps veteran, was denied reenlistment due to a tattoo. That's right: An individual who is well qualified and could be operational again in very short order will not be serving his country due to a tattoo on his chest.
| Bryant Halstead of Stafford County is president of Halstead, Inc. and author of "My Boss Sucks: A Story Book and Survival Guide." He is a former Marine and law-enforcement officer.
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Date published: 6/3/2007
Most recent reader comments:
Proud Military Wife and Mother/Tramp Stamp Wearer
(posted by
harbinger
, July 25, 2008 1:46 am)
Okay here we go and if I am not nice, oh well! My husband has served his country for 25 years now and still going. 2005 he was shot in Iraq and saved five other soldiers after being wounded. Today I sport a BIG OL' TRAMP STAMP that consists of his Combat Action Badge, Air Force Wings and the words "Through the Veil". I give a damn if a sophsticated [*#@!] ever sees it, my husband does and that is what counts. I may have a tramp stamp but unlike you I am anything but tra[*#@!] I wear my ink with pride!
very surprised...or am I?
(posted by
uncjohnny
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Well, I am a day late, but I must say, "for real?". This is remarkable that the Marine Corps is focusing on 'tats' as an issue for enlistment. my father, a Viet Nam vet and former Marine, wears his proudly, as do many Marines. As for 'tats' themselves, they are a personal freedom that should not be denied. And saved---I work a very professional job and I wear my share of ink too...as for peer pressure...that is silly- all mine have a purpose or reason. 'Tramp Stamp', is a label you use to 'judge', shame!
I managed to spend 10 years in the Navy without succoming to the peer pressure of getting a tattoo. If you have one that is visible, be prepared to be denied employment. Check out who gets the executive positions, and who works construction jobs. Not my rules mind you, just what I see. Oh, and "tramp stamps" are a perfect name for them. If you tattoo your rear end, and then advertise it, you're only fooling yourself if you think sophisticated men appreciate it. How will it look at 75?
Focus on the fight....
(posted by
finkdog
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Not the tattoo. The comandant is truly Uncle Sams Misguided Child, on this one. A tat, or lack of one does not make the troop. Tats have always been a reflection of troops hardships, fallen comrades, family, etc. They express a spartan, difficult life, the life of a combat trooper. Focus on warfighting, not what a soldier of marine chooses to tattoo on their body.
No dissrespect ....
(posted by
char*
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
I guess it is a good thing that you are retired, I thought that was the reason our young Marines are in Iraq, dieing every day,so that the people there too, can have the freedom to get a tattoo wherever they want. I also think its a good thing you held the "tramp stamp " comment to yourself. I think some women in Iraq would like a tattoo or two, just because she can. Lord knows they deserve that chance. Thats also on the freedom agenda. That's "old school" thinking for ya there folks.
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