Break out the rulers because the Marine Corps’ new tattoo policy is here

After some consultation between senior leaders and their ink'd subordinates, the Marine Corps has just hit the company street and deckplates with a new tattoo policy.

"The Commandant and I have been talking with Marines throughout the Corps during our visits and we've taken their questions and comments to heart because it continues to be important to Marines," said Sgt. Major Ronald L. Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.  "The Commandant said it best in the Marine Corps Bulletin in that we've attempted to balance the individual desires of Marines with the need to maintain the disciplined appearance expected of our profession.  I think we have accomplished just that with MCBUL 1020.  We took the time we felt this policy deserved, we wanted to make sure we got it right."

Here's a graphic that highlights the details of the new reg:

Note that officers are limited to no more than four tats visible in the PT uniform. (And just when Justin Bieber was thinking of heading to OCS.) Also, the width of a single tattoo standard is defined by the width of an individual's hand, which -- according to campaign rhetoric -- means that if Donald Trump was a Marine he'd have relatively small tattoos.

The regulation reinforces the overall intent that "any tattoo, regardless of where it is cannot express sexism, nudity, racism, vulgarity, or anything that is offensive and is of nature to bring discredit to the Marine Corps or damage the nation's expectations of them." No ruling on where "Nickleback" logos fit within those guidelines.

"There is a reason why Marine Corps Recruiting has remained so successful throughout the years, when you ask Marines why they chose the Corps, most will tell you because they wanted to be different," Green said. (Really . . .)

And nothing says "different" these days than some killer ink. Tribal armband, anyone? Just keep it under three inches wide, Devil Dog.