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- - Tats (https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/546974-tats.html)

What are the current regs on tats? I only ask because on tonight's news there was a clear shot of an NCO at the NATOfest at the Celtic Manor (as part of the massive security effort) with bare forearms, and tats clearly on display.

Whilst one expects this from a Booty or Tar, I remain to be convinced it does the superior service any favours......

and there was I thinking this was going to be a thread about Trade Ability Tests:p

Army website says;

Quote:

If your tattoo is offensive, obscene or racist it will prevent you from joining the Army. Small tattoos that aren't offensive in any way are not normally a problem, depending where they are on your body and how visible they are. If you have a tattoo, the best thing is to go to your nearest Army Careers Centre and ask them to check if it's okay.

The MoD policy used to be very clear. Tattoos are only to be held in Edinburgh and feature a lot of men in skirts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sideshow Bob

and there was I thinking this was going to be a thread about Trade Ability Tests

My god! There's a blast from the past!

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I remain to be convinced it does the superior service any favours

I'm sure the NCO in question has achieved sufficient skill and aptitude to have earned his promotion regardless of your doubts.

I believe they are OK if they are not visible in no. 1s.

The RAF general guidance (from Dress Regs) is:

Quote:

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.

And the detailed stuff is extensive and mostly concerns action to be taken, but the intro to the regulation gives the background and justification:

Quote:

Introduction

1. Tattoos are a popular fashion decoration for male 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, for example 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.

At RAF St Athan, 1962ish, the staff of No 4 School of Technical Training were considered to be "in loco parentis" of the boy entrants. One of these young idiots visited a tattoo parlour in Barry and came back proudly showing the result. Everyone from the wing commander to the corporal was horrified so a wing parade was ordered at which in no uncertain terms it was pointed out that it is unwise, you'll regret it in later life, etc.. This of course was taken up as a challenge by boys who would otherwise have never considered it with the result that the following weekend rather too many young arms were adorned.

One of the more elderly ladies in our team said at a meeting that when she was younger she had a tat of a heart cut on her derrière. Sadly now she is older, she added that it now looks more like a map of Europe - I declined the opportunity of a look:E

A couple of my friends in the RAF and Navy in 76 (brothers and ex class mates of mine from school who joined up at the same time as myself) had "Made in Carlisle" tattooed around their belly buttons that looked quite cool.

There was an officer on 8 who had extensive tats on his arms. I think once he made flt lt he had them sort of removed.

Then there was a baby nav with pierced ears. A word in his lug holes and he let them heal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NutLoose

Lucky they weren't from Ramsbottom!

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