https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN35733-ARMY_DIR_2022-09-000-WEB-1.pdf
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
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),
26 January 2021
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
S E C R E T A R Y O F T H E A R M Y
W A S H I N G T O N
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2022-09 (Soldier Tattoos)
2
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)
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2022-09 (Soldier Tattoos)
3
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