RAF (or MoD) tattoo policy
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RAF (or MoD) tattoo policy
Hi all,
Can someone point me in the right direction to the document which covers the above ?
I know RN / Army officers are allowed, but I need to find out about the RAF too.
Thanks in advance,
C130JB
Can someone point me in the right direction to the document which covers the above ?
I know RN / Army officers are allowed, but I need to find out about the RAF too.
Thanks in advance,
C130JB
Perhaps. But proud of it!
Merchant seamen and others have a long-established history regarding tattoos. Whereas the current obsession is a fashion extreme, much as long hair was in the 1970s.
Anyway, for those too thick to do their own research, here's what the AP states - it also includes regulations that other vile practice, 'body piercing':
Merchant seamen and others have a long-established history regarding tattoos. Whereas the current obsession is a fashion extreme, much as long hair was in the 1970s.
Anyway, for those too thick to do their own research, here's what the AP states - it also includes regulations that other vile practice, 'body piercing':
Body Piercing.
0157. All Personnel. Where any part of the body, other than the ear lobe for women, has been pierced or prepared, whether for any ring, stud or sleeper, no such items are to be worn when on duty or standby duty. Similarly, when not in uniform but on duty, standby duty or representing the RAF, the wearing of body piercing jewellery, trinkets or rings etc is not permitted, nor at any time when it may be seen to hold the Service in disrepute or adversely reflect upon the RAF. This ruling includes tongue studs.
Tattooing – General Guidance (AP3392 Vol 5)
0158. The Royal Air Force require personnel to present a high standard of appearance when on and off duty irrespective of the fashions prevailing amongst the civilian population. Tattoos and henna style markings should not to be visible when on parade in No 1 SD, if they are not covered by the uniform they are to be concealed cosmetically or by adhesive plaster.
0159. Tattooing is to be discouraged, and unacceptable tattoos or henna markings, whether ordinarily visible or not are not permitted. Such tattoos are defined as being any tattoo(s), excessive in size or number, obscene or offensive (e.g. racist, profane, blasphemous, anti-Semitic, overtly sexist, homophobic, drugs-related or of an extreme political nature).
0160. Detailed rulings and administrative instructions on tattooing are contained in AP 3392 Vol 5 which is the definitive document for the RAF policy on tattooing.
0157. All Personnel. Where any part of the body, other than the ear lobe for women, has been pierced or prepared, whether for any ring, stud or sleeper, no such items are to be worn when on duty or standby duty. Similarly, when not in uniform but on duty, standby duty or representing the RAF, the wearing of body piercing jewellery, trinkets or rings etc is not permitted, nor at any time when it may be seen to hold the Service in disrepute or adversely reflect upon the RAF. This ruling includes tongue studs.
Tattooing – General Guidance (AP3392 Vol 5)
0158. The Royal Air Force require personnel to present a high standard of appearance when on and off duty irrespective of the fashions prevailing amongst the civilian population. Tattoos and henna style markings should not to be visible when on parade in No 1 SD, if they are not covered by the uniform they are to be concealed cosmetically or by adhesive plaster.
0159. Tattooing is to be discouraged, and unacceptable tattoos or henna markings, whether ordinarily visible or not are not permitted. Such tattoos are defined as being any tattoo(s), excessive in size or number, obscene or offensive (e.g. racist, profane, blasphemous, anti-Semitic, overtly sexist, homophobic, drugs-related or of an extreme political nature).
0160. Detailed rulings and administrative instructions on tattooing are contained in AP 3392 Vol 5 which is the definitive document for the RAF policy on tattooing.
'Gunny Highway' had the right technique for dealing with men wearing ear rings in Heartbreak Ridge, so presumably he would apply a similar technique for other piercings.
AP 3392 Vol 5 leaflet 123 :
ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICY ON THE WEARING OF TATTOOS
Introduction
1. Tattoos are a popular fashion decoration and female personnel and are generally a personal matter. However, the RAF, as a disciplined Service, requires higher standards of appearance and bearing than might be acceptable in other walks of life. Self-respect is an important part of the core values and standards of the Service; it indicates dignity, integrity and professionalism. The nature and position of an individual’s tattoos cannot therefore be ignored when forming a judgement of that person’s character. Likewise, the impact of tattoos on other personnel, if they are offensive, is an important consideration in deciding whether or not a tattoo is acceptable. The policy applies to those individuals with pre-existing tattoos seeking to joint the Service and those personnel who acquire tattoos whilst in the RAF; therefore, when reading the policy, where reference is made to commanders, it should also be interpreted as applying to recruiting and selection officers.
Policy
2. The RAF policy on tattoos is enshrined in QR 211 and applies to all regular and reserve personnel. It prohibits any tattoos that are obscene or offensive or that are visible above the neck collar, below the sleeve cuff or below the trouser cuff.
a. Obscene or Offensive. Personnel are not permitted to have any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, which are obscene or offensive (eg racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drugs related or of an extreme political nature).
b. Visible Tattoos. Personnel are not permitted to have any tattoos that are that are above the neck collar, on the hands and wrists or on the ankles in such a manner as to be visible in No 1 HD.
3. It is impractical to set down precise guidelines as to what comprises ‘obscene’ or ‘offensive’ tattooing; this is at the discretion of commanders. However, commanders should attempt to take a broad view taking into account the RAF’s Equality and Diversity Policy, the Core Values and Standards and the likely impact on the wider RAF community, taking Cmd(1) or legal advice as appropriate. The position of the tattoos is an important part of the consideration; however, an offensive or obscene tattoo, wherever it is on the body, is not acceptable. Regardless of the fact that clothing normally covers such a tattoo, there could be occasions, albeit infrequent, when other personnel might see it.
Action to be Taken in Cases of Contravention of QR 211
4. Verification. When commanders become aware that an individual may have contravened the tattoo policy, the first step, if possible, is to verify the nature and position of the tattoos. If the tattoos are normally visible in working dress, this is to be done by the chain of command. If the tattoos are not normally visible in working dress, visual verification may not be possible, in which case a verbal description of the tattoo(s) should be used. Commanders or line managers are not permitted to inspect personally any tattoos that are not normally visible in working dress. Likewise, unless there is a clinical indication, doctors have no right to examine such an individual. Any action taken will, therefore, need to be judged on whatever evidence is available. The nature and position of the tattoos is to be recorded on the proforma at Annex A.
5. Action During Recruitment. Candidates with obscene/offensive tattoos, or with any tattoos that are deemed visible in accordance with para 2b (above), are to be rejected.
6. Action Once in Service. The Station Commander should consider disciplinary, administrative or informal action as appropriate.
a. Disciplinary Action. Given the permanency of tattoos, disciplinary action is unlikely to be effective and should not normally be taken unless the nature of the tattoo is itself unlawful; advice on this point should be taken from Cmd/legal staff before proceeding. In cases where disciplinary action is taken, Cmd/legal advice should also be sought with a view to administrative discharge action.
b. Administrative Action. The presumption is that an individual in contravention of the tattoo policy will be discharged. A report recommending administrative discharge from the Service should therefore be raised under QR 529 or QR 1021 ; however, given the subjective and emotive nature of this issue, Cmd/legal advice should be sought wherever discharge is being contemplated. If an individual on whom action is commenced has the tattoos removed, discharge action would not then normally be appropriate, although less severe administrative action may still be considered.
c. Informal Action. Where a tattoo is deemed to be inappropriate in the particular working environment(2) in which the individual is employed, but does not of itself warrant disciplinary or administrative action, the chain of command may require the individual to cover the tattoo so it is not visible. Personnel may be required to wear long sleeve shirts or cover the tattoo with plasters/bandages and, in the case of female personnel, to wear trousers, including on parade. Cmd/legal advice should be sought if there is any doubt.
It is strongly emphasised that on no account is an individual to be ordered or encouraged to have tattoos removed, or advised that removal is the only option to discharge; in such a case they may feel that they have been pressured into an expensive and potentially dangerous medical procedure.
7. Where an individual asks whether removal of a tattoo would allow selection processing or lift the threat of discharge, they should be advised that each case is considered on its merits and that removal of the tattoo would not necessarily prevent appropriate action being taken against them. Where the only reason discharge submission is the existence of the tattoo, they may be told that this is the case. An obscene or offensive tattoo, however, may indicate that an individual is unsuited to service in the RAF and thus its removal may not be sufficient to prevent the discharge submission. Where an individual is considering having their tattoo removed, they should be advised to consult the SMO(3) with regard to the treatment involved.
Overseas
8. What is inoffensive in the UK might be offensive to other cultures; however, the potential individual to serve overseas should not necessarily be the basis or administrative action if this is the only concern about the tattoo. In such cases, commanders in theatre will need to consider the potential offence and, if necessary, the individual may be required to ensure the tattoo is appropriately covered when dealing with the local community or coalition partners in line with the paragraph on Informal Action (above).
Temporary Tattoos
9. Temporary tattoos or body decoration, in henna, are covered by the policy; the same standards are to be applied in judging whether or not a temporary tattoo is appropriate, and the impact of an offensive decoration will not be mitigated by its impermanence. Given their temporary nature, however, disciplinary action, or lesser administrative action, may be more appropriate in these cases. Legal or Cmd advice is to be sought.
Ethnic, Tribal or Religious Markings
10. Care must be taken to ensure that ethnic, tribal or religious markings are not confused with fashion tattoos. Such markings will not necessarily be a barrier to Service in the RAF; each case must be judged on its own merits. If in doubt, commanders should take Cmd and legal advice as appropriate before considering what action, if any, to take.
Useful Information
11. Tattoos often have hidden meanings; where commanders have concerns that a tattoo may have a hidden meaning that could contravene the tattoo policy, they should seek advice from the RAFP or P&SS.
Notes
1. In the case of AFCOs and OASC, this is done through the appropriate HQ P2 orP3 Processing Officer
2. This may include, but is not limited to: parades; recruiting duties; instructor duties; overseas employment including detachments; working in multinational headquarters.
3. In the case of recruitment, applicants or candidates should be advised to speak to their medical paractinioner.
(AL28, Nov 04)
ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICY ON THE WEARING OF TATTOOS
Introduction
1. Tattoos are a popular fashion decoration and female personnel and are generally a personal matter. However, the RAF, as a disciplined Service, requires higher standards of appearance and bearing than might be acceptable in other walks of life. Self-respect is an important part of the core values and standards of the Service; it indicates dignity, integrity and professionalism. The nature and position of an individual’s tattoos cannot therefore be ignored when forming a judgement of that person’s character. Likewise, the impact of tattoos on other personnel, if they are offensive, is an important consideration in deciding whether or not a tattoo is acceptable. The policy applies to those individuals with pre-existing tattoos seeking to joint the Service and those personnel who acquire tattoos whilst in the RAF; therefore, when reading the policy, where reference is made to commanders, it should also be interpreted as applying to recruiting and selection officers.
Policy
2. The RAF policy on tattoos is enshrined in QR 211 and applies to all regular and reserve personnel. It prohibits any tattoos that are obscene or offensive or that are visible above the neck collar, below the sleeve cuff or below the trouser cuff.
a. Obscene or Offensive. Personnel are not permitted to have any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, which are obscene or offensive (eg racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drugs related or of an extreme political nature).
b. Visible Tattoos. Personnel are not permitted to have any tattoos that are that are above the neck collar, on the hands and wrists or on the ankles in such a manner as to be visible in No 1 HD.
3. It is impractical to set down precise guidelines as to what comprises ‘obscene’ or ‘offensive’ tattooing; this is at the discretion of commanders. However, commanders should attempt to take a broad view taking into account the RAF’s Equality and Diversity Policy, the Core Values and Standards and the likely impact on the wider RAF community, taking Cmd(1) or legal advice as appropriate. The position of the tattoos is an important part of the consideration; however, an offensive or obscene tattoo, wherever it is on the body, is not acceptable. Regardless of the fact that clothing normally covers such a tattoo, there could be occasions, albeit infrequent, when other personnel might see it.
Action to be Taken in Cases of Contravention of QR 211
4. Verification. When commanders become aware that an individual may have contravened the tattoo policy, the first step, if possible, is to verify the nature and position of the tattoos. If the tattoos are normally visible in working dress, this is to be done by the chain of command. If the tattoos are not normally visible in working dress, visual verification may not be possible, in which case a verbal description of the tattoo(s) should be used. Commanders or line managers are not permitted to inspect personally any tattoos that are not normally visible in working dress. Likewise, unless there is a clinical indication, doctors have no right to examine such an individual. Any action taken will, therefore, need to be judged on whatever evidence is available. The nature and position of the tattoos is to be recorded on the proforma at Annex A.
5. Action During Recruitment. Candidates with obscene/offensive tattoos, or with any tattoos that are deemed visible in accordance with para 2b (above), are to be rejected.
6. Action Once in Service. The Station Commander should consider disciplinary, administrative or informal action as appropriate.
a. Disciplinary Action. Given the permanency of tattoos, disciplinary action is unlikely to be effective and should not normally be taken unless the nature of the tattoo is itself unlawful; advice on this point should be taken from Cmd/legal staff before proceeding. In cases where disciplinary action is taken, Cmd/legal advice should also be sought with a view to administrative discharge action.
b. Administrative Action. The presumption is that an individual in contravention of the tattoo policy will be discharged. A report recommending administrative discharge from the Service should therefore be raised under QR 529 or QR 1021 ; however, given the subjective and emotive nature of this issue, Cmd/legal advice should be sought wherever discharge is being contemplated. If an individual on whom action is commenced has the tattoos removed, discharge action would not then normally be appropriate, although less severe administrative action may still be considered.
c. Informal Action. Where a tattoo is deemed to be inappropriate in the particular working environment(2) in which the individual is employed, but does not of itself warrant disciplinary or administrative action, the chain of command may require the individual to cover the tattoo so it is not visible. Personnel may be required to wear long sleeve shirts or cover the tattoo with plasters/bandages and, in the case of female personnel, to wear trousers, including on parade. Cmd/legal advice should be sought if there is any doubt.
It is strongly emphasised that on no account is an individual to be ordered or encouraged to have tattoos removed, or advised that removal is the only option to discharge; in such a case they may feel that they have been pressured into an expensive and potentially dangerous medical procedure.
7. Where an individual asks whether removal of a tattoo would allow selection processing or lift the threat of discharge, they should be advised that each case is considered on its merits and that removal of the tattoo would not necessarily prevent appropriate action being taken against them. Where the only reason discharge submission is the existence of the tattoo, they may be told that this is the case. An obscene or offensive tattoo, however, may indicate that an individual is unsuited to service in the RAF and thus its removal may not be sufficient to prevent the discharge submission. Where an individual is considering having their tattoo removed, they should be advised to consult the SMO(3) with regard to the treatment involved.
Overseas
8. What is inoffensive in the UK might be offensive to other cultures; however, the potential individual to serve overseas should not necessarily be the basis or administrative action if this is the only concern about the tattoo. In such cases, commanders in theatre will need to consider the potential offence and, if necessary, the individual may be required to ensure the tattoo is appropriately covered when dealing with the local community or coalition partners in line with the paragraph on Informal Action (above).
Temporary Tattoos
9. Temporary tattoos or body decoration, in henna, are covered by the policy; the same standards are to be applied in judging whether or not a temporary tattoo is appropriate, and the impact of an offensive decoration will not be mitigated by its impermanence. Given their temporary nature, however, disciplinary action, or lesser administrative action, may be more appropriate in these cases. Legal or Cmd advice is to be sought.
Ethnic, Tribal or Religious Markings
10. Care must be taken to ensure that ethnic, tribal or religious markings are not confused with fashion tattoos. Such markings will not necessarily be a barrier to Service in the RAF; each case must be judged on its own merits. If in doubt, commanders should take Cmd and legal advice as appropriate before considering what action, if any, to take.
Useful Information
11. Tattoos often have hidden meanings; where commanders have concerns that a tattoo may have a hidden meaning that could contravene the tattoo policy, they should seek advice from the RAFP or P&SS.
Notes
1. In the case of AFCOs and OASC, this is done through the appropriate HQ P2 orP3 Processing Officer
2. This may include, but is not limited to: parades; recruiting duties; instructor duties; overseas employment including detachments; working in multinational headquarters.
3. In the case of recruitment, applicants or candidates should be advised to speak to their medical paractinioner.
(AL28, Nov 04)
I know of one serving officer with a complete body tattoo , that does not extend beyond the wrist or neck and therefore completely hidden while in uniform. It seems to be acceptable nowadays.
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What do they do regarding sectarian tattoo's?
Although many years ago now it was not uncommon for various tattoo's relating to the various fractions in NI to be worn.
One lad had a flute on his shoulder blade and the Sash score coming over onto his arm and wrapping round it. It wouldn't surprise me if he is still in with another 6 years to go.
I would like to think they have gone out of fashion but I suspect unfortunately I am wrong.
Some were down right offensive to a protestant with nothing to do with the Irish troubles never mind a Catholic doubly so if they were from NI. The worst one I am thinking about was food related if you get my drift.
Although many years ago now it was not uncommon for various tattoo's relating to the various fractions in NI to be worn.
One lad had a flute on his shoulder blade and the Sash score coming over onto his arm and wrapping round it. It wouldn't surprise me if he is still in with another 6 years to go.
I would like to think they have gone out of fashion but I suspect unfortunately I am wrong.
Some were down right offensive to a protestant with nothing to do with the Irish troubles never mind a Catholic doubly so if they were from NI. The worst one I am thinking about was food related if you get my drift.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
There was a TV show, Boot Camp, where one of the volunteers had genital piercings and had to remove them.
Why can't they be removed?
PS, I don't like rings around aircraft either. The Canberra incident still makes me squirm.
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As I know three pilots missing ring fingers due to catching their ring so to speak jumping out of doors.
Leaving the finger on the door frame along with various lengths of bits attached from the internals of their forearm (its seems the tendons attaching to the elbow region give out before those attached to the finger.)
As all of them post date the Canberra I can only presume the lesson hasn't been take to heart. BTW one of them was wearing 1980's issued RAF gloves at the time.
Leaving the finger on the door frame along with various lengths of bits attached from the internals of their forearm (its seems the tendons attaching to the elbow region give out before those attached to the finger.)
As all of them post date the Canberra I can only presume the lesson hasn't been take to heart. BTW one of them was wearing 1980's issued RAF gloves at the time.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Two Canberra going to Tehran. To save weight they decided on only one set of steps. Sods law aircraft with steps was late. Pilot of first Canberra got onto canopy rim and eased himself down. As he launched off his wedding ring jammed in canopy rail.
Wearing rings around aircraft was strictly verboten on our squadron, as at least two groundcrew had lost fingers when slipping on wet surfaces. A somewhat uxorious (look it up!) nav radar I knew on a Vulcan squadron told me that he would refuse to comply with such a rule, as his wedding ring meant more to him than the slight risk of losing a finger.
I told him I thought he was a prat!
As regards tattoos my father had two fairly innocuous tattoos done on his arm when he was a young soldier, and he told me he always regretted having them done as he advanced up the ranks. Seeing a picture of the most senior warrant officer in the British army with visible tattoos right down to his wrists probably means the battle has been lost. Personally I am with Beagle on this one - I think it looks bloody awful.
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-...ergeant-major/
I told him I thought he was a prat!
As regards tattoos my father had two fairly innocuous tattoos done on his arm when he was a young soldier, and he told me he always regretted having them done as he advanced up the ranks. Seeing a picture of the most senior warrant officer in the British army with visible tattoos right down to his wrists probably means the battle has been lost. Personally I am with Beagle on this one - I think it looks bloody awful.
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-...ergeant-major/