There aren’t many more honorable deeds than serving one’s country, and the Philippine Coast Guard is an excellent example of this. If you’re thinking of joining their ranks, you might be wondering about their stance on tattoos.
Due to the ever-evolving world and the growing popularity of tattoos, as well as their increased acceptance, many military divisions around the world had no choice but to update their strict tattoo regulations (eg. Military Corps and the Air Force of the US).
However, does this progressive trend apply to the PCG as well? You’re here to find out.
Philippine Coast Guard Tattoo Policy for 2023
If you’re a Filipino (or a Filipina) with tattoos, unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of places where you can serve in the military.
The Philippine Coast Guard has a very strict policy when it comes to tattoos. In fact, they are one of the few militaries in the world that still ban tattoos completely.
In their latest Facebook post related to recruitment in 2021, the PCG clearly states that no tattoos are allowed on applicants whatsoever (this includes tattoos that can be hidden under the uniform).
Of course, this strict policy on tattoos isn’t without its critics. Many people believe that the PCG is missing out on a lot of qualified applicants because of this policy. And while we can’t say for sure if that’s true or not, one thing is for sure: the PCG isn’t changing its stance on tattoos anytime soon.
This is because the PCG believes that tattoos can be distracting and potentially dangerous. They also believe that tattoos can reflect negatively on the service and its members.
Don’t Try to Hide…
If you’re thinking about applying to the PCG and you have tattoos, don’t try to hide them. The PCG requires applicants to list all tattoos on their application forms. And if you’re found to have lied about your tattoos, you will be immediately disqualified from the application process.
So, if you’re set on joining the PCG, you’ll need to either cover up your tattoos or be prepared to have them removed.
…Remove Instead
If you want to get rid of your tattoos before joining the PCG, there are a few options available to you. These include:
- Tattoo removal creams: These work by breaking down the ink in your tattoos, gradually fading them over time. However, they never make them completely disappear.
- Laser tattoo removal: This is a more expensive option, but it can be effective at removing even stubborn tattoos.
- Surgical tattoo removal: This is an invasive option that should only be considered as a last resort.
