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Military Tattoos

Tattoos in the Armed Forces

Tattoos in the Armed Forces have a long and colorful tradition amongst those who have served their country. In fact millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces either as active service personnel, reservists, not to mention the war veterans. Many of them have gotten tattoos as a constant reminder that they belonged to a particular unit or platoon, to acknowledge their loyalty not only to their unit but also their country, the feeling of camaraderie they felt or even to mark the loss of someone close to them killed while on active duty.

According to studies of tattoos in the armed forces in appears that their popularity seems to be greatest in the Navy, with the Army second, the Marines third and the Air Force last. The style of tattoo designs seems to differ depending on whether the person is in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps.

Picture of a United States military tattoos commomarating the losss of fallen comrades.

US Military Tattoo © Military dot com

A recent news report about military tattoos said; “Tattoos are a military tradition.” While there is no order stating this, many service members will argue this point until the end of their contract. To some, tattoos are a big part of the military lifestyle. Some service members will refrain from getting a tattoo, but many more will get inked at least once before leaving.

The Marine Corps has always taken a conservative stand on tattoos, particularly while the Army and the general public have become more accepting of them. Some Marines are saying that the Corps should follow public opinion and recognise tattoos as legitimate practice or as a form of art. Most Marines go along with the Marine Corps’ policies on tattoos and don't have visible tattoos there are a growing number Marines who disagree with the conservative stance and have called for a relaxing of the rules.

Picture of a United States military tattoos commomarating the losss of fallen comrades.

US Military Tattoo © Military dot com

A recent poll by Harris Interactive, a major market research company in the US, found 16 percent of adult Americans have at least one tattoo. The poll further found 13 percent of adults age 18 to 24 and 36 percent of adults age 25 to 29 have tattoos. With numbers like this growing each year, it shows that Americans have come a long way in accepting tattoos.

Tattoo designs popular in the Army:

  • Replicas of Unit Patches
  • Military Awards and Medals
  • Eagles
  • US Flag
  • Dog tags

Tattoo designs popular in the Air Force:

  • Pilots’ wings
  • Eagles
  • Fighter Planes
  • Unit Patch Tattoo Designs
  • War veteran tattoos

Tattoo designs popular in the Navy:

  • Anchor Tattoos
  • Naval Vessels
  • Female Sailors
  • Sailor Jerry Style Tattoos

Tattoo designs popular in the Marines:

  • Marine Corp Seals
  • Semper Fidelis
  • Death Before Dishonour Tattoo Design
  • Daggers

Picture of a United States military tattoos commomarating the losss of fallen comrades.

US Military Tattoo © Military dot com

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EGA and Tribal Cross Tattoo  starstarstarstarstar
I got this tattoo done while my husband was deployed to Iraq in 2006. For him and our friends that were KIA, It is an EGA on a tribal cross. I am prior ...

Portrait Tattoo  starstarstarstarstar
Tattoo of my father. Ex Airforce. I'm ex Army. took 3 1/2 hours. artist was Crissie Palmer of 'Arcane Tattoo' in Ft Smith Arkansas.

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Military Tattoo  starstarstarstarstar
For my cousin who went more then enough times to Afghanistan, now its my turn.

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Military Tattoo  starstarstarstarstar
This tattoo represents all of the pain and sorrow a soldier goes through, the tear drop is for the fallen comrades, the M-16 is for the ground soldiers ...

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I got this tattoo in memory of all of those that have fallen in combat, it so often goes unnoticed. also for my brother in arms, Erich Scott Smallwood,...

Patriotic / Navy Tattoo  starstarstarstar
1 hour and 45 minutes to complete..done by Phil Chambers of Hardwire Tattoo in Wilmington, NC.

Military Tattoo for Fallen Soldier  Not rated yet
It is for a friend i got to know while serving in Iraq Sgt. Erich Scott Smallwood and all my guys I served with. It took approx. an hour and was done by ...

Memorial Tattoo for a Friend  Not rated yet
Battlefield cross in honor of SSG Joe Bellavia approx 10" long on left upper arm.

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Patriotic Tattoo  Not rated yet
All my tattoos, are in recognition of all the Men and Women in the Armed Services. No branch is better than the other. They all serve for the same cause ...

American Eagle Tattoo  Not rated yet
All my tattoos, are in recognition of all the Men and Women in the Armed Services. No branch is better than the other. They all serve for the same cause ...

Crossed Rifles & American Flag Tattoo  Not rated yet
I got my tattoo done at 'Tropical Tattoo' in Daytona Beach. My artist was DC and he did an amazing job. The detail of the weapons and the flag are amazing....

Moto Tattoo  Not rated yet
It took about 4 hours to 5 around there. got it while i was in Pensacola Fl. little place called Electric Graffiti.

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angel ...

Tattoo for Fallen Comrade  Not rated yet
my battlebuddy who died in Iraq from da same bomb that left me paralyzed

Took about 30 mins ..

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