Joining the ranks of the US air forces is a dream for many patriotic Americans.
While the US Air Force is still the most popular choice for those seeking to serve their country above the ground, the US Space Force, founded just in 2019, is quickly gaining popularity.
By far the smallest of all US military branches, the Space Force is becoming more and more popular amongst tattooed Americans due to their fairly lenient stance on ink.
If you’re a person with visible body art and you’ve been considering joining the Space Force, stick with us for a short while as we get familiar with the latest Space Force tattoo policy (as of 2023).
US Space Force Tattoo Policy – All You Need to Know
The United States Space Force is a military branch that is part of the Department of the Air Force. It’s the youngest and smallest service within the US Armed Forces, having only been established in late 2019.
Despite its young age, the Space Force has already made a name for itself – not just in terms of its cutting-edge technology and mission, but also in terms of its somewhat relaxed rules and regulations regarding tattoos (compared to other branches).
Here’s everything you need to know about the Space Force tattoo policy.
Space Force Tattoo Guidelines & Restrictions
Please refer to the image below for the latest guidelines on the allowed placement of tattoos in the Space Force.
As you can see, only the head area is completely banned from tattoos – anywhere else on the body is fair game, as long as the tattoo doesn’t excessively interfere with the wearing of the uniform.
If you’re a proud owner of a full-sleeve tattoo, you don’t have to worry – the Space Force has you covered. The only requirement, in this case, is that the tattoo doesn’t extend past the circumference of your wrist bone (as this is already considered the more sensitive hand area).
As for tattoos on hands, they’re generally not allowed unless the said tattoo is in the form of a finger band that isn’t wider than 3/8 of an inch. The same “band rule” applies to other branches of the US military.
As things stand, the Space Force is one of two military branches that allows neck tattoos. However, these need to be small (no bigger than 1 inch in any direction) and are allowed only in the back of the neck.
Any other body parts not mentioned here are allowed to have tattoos since they’re covered by the Space Force uniforms most of the time.
Not All Types of Tattoos Are Allowed
Just because your tattoos are in the allowed areas, it doesn’t mean that all designs are allowed. The Space Force has a few rules regarding the types of tattoos you can have.
Tattoos with obscene or sexually explicit imagery are not allowed. This includes nudity, profanity, and anything else that could be considered offensive.
Tattoos that depict illegal drugs or drug use are not allowed.
Tattoos that promote racial, ethnic, or religious hatred are not allowed. This includes supremacist tattoos and those that advocate violence.
Tattoos that could be considered gang-related are not allowed. This includes symbols, colors, or other identifying marks of gangs.
The Space Force also has the right to refuse any tattoo that they deem to be inappropriate. This includes any tattoo that could interfere with the proper functioning of military equipment or clothing, or any tattoo that could be considered a safety hazard.
Space Force’s Tattoo Waiver
Like all branches of the military, the Space Force allows for exceptions to their tattoo policy on a case-by-case basis. If you have a tattoo that does not meet the policy requirements, you can submit a waiver request.
The Space Force will evaluate your waiver request based on several factors, including the nature of your tattoo, its location on your body, and whether or not it can be covered by clothing or military equipment. If your waiver is approved, you will be allowed to serve with your tattoo.
If you are considering getting a tattoo, it’s important to research the Space Force’s policy before making any decisions. Tattoos are a permanent addition to your body, and you’ll want to make sure that your ink meets all of the requirements before getting inked.
The Space Force’s tattoo policy is designed to ensure that all members are able to serve with pride and professionalism.
Space Force & Tattoos: FAQ
We hope you’ve realized by this point that the Space Force isn’t totally against tattoos. The military policies on tattoos are continuously loosening, so an increasing number of people with ink should feel comfortable applying.
As the world keeps evolving and the growing acceptance of body art continues to spread, we should expect the Space Force tattoo policy to relax further in the next few years.
However, have a read at the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section below before being inked. The section summarizes what we’ve discussed thus far and responds to some frequently asked concerns about the current Space Force’s tattoo rules.
Can you have tattoos in the Space Force?
Yes, you can have tattoos in the Space Force. There are some restrictions on where they can be located on your body and how big they can be, but these rules are generally much more lenient than in other branches of the military.
Will Space Force allow neck tattoos?
Yes, the Space Force will allow neck tattoos. This is a recent change to the rules. Small neck tattoos are allowed in the back of the neck only.
Can Space Force have hand tattoos?
Yes, the Space Force will allow hand tattoos. One small tattoo on one hand is allowed, and it must be in the form of a finger band.
Does Space Force do tattoo waivers?
Yes, the Space Force does offer tattoo waivers on a case-by-case basis. If you have a tattoo that does not meet policy standards, you can submit a waiver request to your commander for review.
Can I join the Space Force with a tattoo behind my ear?
Yes, as long as it’s a single tattoo that doesn’t exceed 1 inch in any direction.
How does the Space Force feel about tattoos?
The Space Force does not have a stance on tattoos, as long as they are within policy guidelines. Tattoos are seen as a form of self-expression, and as long as they are not disruptive to the work environment and in the allowed areas, they are generally accepted.
Final Word & References
The Space Force is a branch of the military that is still new and evolving. As such, their tattoo policy is subject to change as they learn what works best for their branch.
For now, the policy is lenient, so if you’re considering joining the Space Force, don’t let a few tattoos hold you back. The current Space Force tattoo policy allows for a lot of self-expression, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work. So go out and get that tattoo you’ve always wanted, just make sure it’s in an allowed area and tasteful!
For further education, articles related to this one include: Military Corps Tattoo Policy, Sleeve Tattoos in the USMC, and FBI Tattoo Rules.
