Army Directive 2022-09: Soldier Tattoos

SUBJECT: Army Directive 2022-09 (Soldier Tattoos)

1. References.

a. Army Directive 2020-09 (Appointment and Enlistment Waivers), 20 August 2020

b. Army Regulation (AR) 600–20 (Army Command Policy), 24 July 2020

c. AR 601–210 (Regular Army and Army Reserve Components Enlistment

Program), 31 August 2016

d. AR 670–1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia),

e. Department of the Army Pamphlet 670–1 (Guide to the Wear and Appearance of

Army Uniforms and Insignia), 26 January 2021

2. Purpose. This directive announces a change in policy for the allowable placement of

tattoos for currently serving Soldiers and applicants for enlistment or appointment.

Changes to the Army tattoo policy allow individuals who meet all other qualifications for

appointment or enlistment the opportunity to serve. They also support the Army’s

People Strategy, our number one priority, by offering Soldiers options for appearance

that take into account professional appearance and good order and discipline.

3. Applicability. The provisions of this directive apply to the Regular Army, Army

National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.

4. Policy.

a. Effective immediately, Army policy governing tattoos authorizes:

(1) one visible tattoo on each hand (including the palm), not to exceed one inch

in measurement in all directions; an unlimited number of tattoos between the fingers as

long as they are not visible when the fingers are closed; and one ring tattoo on each

hand.

(2) one tattoo on the back of the neck, not to exceed two inches in measurement

in all directions (Tattoos are still prohibited on the head and face (except for permanent

SUBJECT: Army Directive 2022-09 (Soldier Tattoos)

makeup as provided in reference 1d, paragraph 3–2b(2)) and inside the eyelids, mouth,

and ears. Previously documented tattoos on the neck or hands, for which Soldiers have

a tattoo validation memorandum, remain authorized.)

(3) one tattoo behind each ear, not to exceed one inch in measurement in all

directions, not to extend forward of the ear lobe

b. Prohibitions on type of tattoo or brand remain in effect. Exceptions to policy will

be submitted in accordance with reference 1d, paragraph 3–3. Soldiers may continue to

submit religious accommodation requests for a waiver to Army regulations using the

procedures outlined in AR 600–20.

5. Proponent. The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) is

the proponent for this policy. The Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 will incorporate the

provisions of this directive into AR 670–1 within 2 years of the date of this directive.

6. Duration. This directive is rescinded on publication of the revised regulation.

Christine E. Wormuth

DISTRIBUTION:

Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army

Commander

U.S. Army Forces Command

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

U.S. Army Materiel Command

U.S. Army Futures Command

U.S. Army Pacific

U.S. Army Europe and Africa

U.S. Army Central

U.S. Army North

U.S. Army South

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command

U.S. Army Cyber Command

U.S. Army Medical Command

U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command

(CONT)

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SUBJECT: Army Directive 2022-09 (Soldier Tattoos)

DISTRIBUTION: (CONT)

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

U.S. Army Military District of Washington

U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy

Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center

Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery

Commandant, U.S. Army War College

Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency

CF:

Principal Cyber Advisor

Director of Business Transformation

Commander, Eighth Army

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