ACN 118/19 - OCT 2019 UPDATE TO THE TATTOO, BODY MARKING, BODY PIERCING, AND MUTILATION POLICY

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                            CANCEL DATE  02 OCT 2020


R 030939 OCT 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-13//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01000//
ACN 118/19
SUBJ:  UPDATE TO THE TATTOO, BODY MARKING, BODY PIERCING, AND MUTILATION POLICY 
A. Tattoo, Body Marking, Body Piercing, and Mutilation Policy, COMDTINST 1000.1 (series)
1. This ACN announces an update to REF (A).
2. These changes will align the policy more closely with current tattoo trends, while
ensuring that our military workforce presents a sharp, professional military appearance
to the public, consistent with the Coast Guard's Core Values.
3. The following changes to REF (A) are in immediate effect:
   a. Hands. A single tattoo per hand, no larger than one inch in any dimension is
authorized on the hand between the wrist and the first knuckle (closest to the wrist).
Tattoos on the palm of the hand are not authorized.
   b. Fingers. A single finger tattoo per hand, must be within the length of the finger
from the first to second knuckle and may be visible at the position of attention. A ring
tattoo as specified in REF (A) remains authorized and is the equivalent of a finger tattoo.
   c. A member is authorized to have one hand tattoo and one finger or ring tattoo per hand.
   d. Neck/Chest. The reference point for tattoos or brands on the neck or chest has been
expanded to the crew neck t-shirt. No tattoos or brands shall be visible above the crew
neck t-shirt collar.
4. All other requirements and prohibitions contained in REF (A) remain unchanged by
this ACN. Tattoos or brands anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination,
indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, lawlessness, violence or contain
sexually explicit material are prohibited.
5. These changes will be made to the next revision of REF (A), which will be released
within the next year.
6. For general policy questions may be directed to COMDT (CG-1331), at
HQS-StandardsandPolicy@uscg.mil.
7. Released by Mr. Gary C. Rasicot, Director of Military Personnel. 
8. Internet release is authorized.