New Air Force Tattoo Policy Disqualifies Recruit
source: http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=71077&catid=2
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- HowdyDo
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One day before shipping off to boot camp in Texas, an Air Force recruit from Roseville was notified that a tattoo on his right arm will disqualify him for service.
George Sanchez, 19, was told by his recruiter Monday that a new Air Force policy prohibits body art on the "saluting arm," according to his father, George Sanchez, Sr.
"He's devastated. He's crushed," Sanchez Sr. said. "He's been training on his own for the last year and now to be told he's disqualified is heartbreaking." Sanchez Jr. signed a six-year commitment with the Air Force under the delayed entry program.
The senior Sanchez said his son has a tattoo of the family name above the right elbow written in Japanese characters.
According to the official Air Force Web site, tattoos may not be obscene, racist, or otherwise detract from a professional image. A spokeswoman for the Air Force Recruiting Service in San Antonio confirmed the policy has been expanded to prohibit any body art whatsoever on the right arm.
Chief of Public Affairs Christa D'Andrea told News10 the new policy became effective last Wednesday. She said it's the result of the t-shirt and shorts worn during physical training at boot camp becoming an official Air Force uniform.
Because of the exposed collar of the PT uniform, D'Andrea said the new policy also prohibits tattoos above the collarbone. She said the Air Force expects the change to disqualify approximately 15 recruits per week who had signed up under the delayed entry program.
Sanchez, Sr. said his son is now exploring ways to have the tattoo removed. He said he's disappointed the Air Force has adopted a policy that could exclude young men and women who are eager to serve their country.
"I totally understand if the tattoo is offensive," the father said. "But these days tattoos are seen as art, not something negative."
D'Andrea said once the tattoo is removed and the scars have healed, Sanchez will be welcomed at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.
George Sanchez, 19, was told by his recruiter Monday that a new Air Force policy prohibits body art on the "saluting arm," according to his father, George Sanchez, Sr.
"He's devastated. He's crushed," Sanchez Sr. said. "He's been training on his own for the last year and now to be told he's disqualified is heartbreaking." Sanchez Jr. signed a six-year commitment with the Air Force under the delayed entry program.
The senior Sanchez said his son has a tattoo of the family name above the right elbow written in Japanese characters.
According to the official Air Force Web site, tattoos may not be obscene, racist, or otherwise detract from a professional image. A spokeswoman for the Air Force Recruiting Service in San Antonio confirmed the policy has been expanded to prohibit any body art whatsoever on the right arm.
Chief of Public Affairs Christa D'Andrea told News10 the new policy became effective last Wednesday. She said it's the result of the t-shirt and shorts worn during physical training at boot camp becoming an official Air Force uniform.
Because of the exposed collar of the PT uniform, D'Andrea said the new policy also prohibits tattoos above the collarbone. She said the Air Force expects the change to disqualify approximately 15 recruits per week who had signed up under the delayed entry program.
Sanchez, Sr. said his son is now exploring ways to have the tattoo removed. He said he's disappointed the Air Force has adopted a policy that could exclude young men and women who are eager to serve their country.
"I totally understand if the tattoo is offensive," the father said. "But these days tattoos are seen as art, not something negative."
D'Andrea said once the tattoo is removed and the scars have healed, Sanchez will be welcomed at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base.
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HowdyDo
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Update - Air Force Changing Tattoo Policy - http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=71300&catid=2
- 2 years ago
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HowdyDo
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HowdyDo
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Another story - "Air Force Recruit With Tattoo On Salute Arm Cleared To Enlist" - http://www.wpxi.com/news/21777508/detail.html
- 2 years ago
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HowdyDo
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timetide
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This isn't new. I grew up on a military base and everybody knows the rules. they even give new recruits a pamplet on whats allowed. no visible tatto's, no visable pircings while in uniform. no tat's on the saluting arm and no unnaturaly dyed hair colours period. If he didn't read or understand anything he was signing then its his own fault.
- 2 years ago
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timetide
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Lurkistan
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Weak policy change and weak tattoo.
- 2 years ago
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Lurkistan
