OFFICER CANDIDATE STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
APPENDIX P
1. Purpose. The purpose of this Statement of Understanding (SOU) is to ensure you
understand the Marine Corps policy concerning Tattoos, Branding and Ornamentation,
contained in MCBul 1020 and USMC Uniform Board Regulation MCO P1020.34G.
2. Policy. Marine Corps policies strictly PROHIBIT any tattoos, brandings, mutilations,
or ornamentations on the head (including in or around the mouth), neck area, hands,
fingers, elbows, knees, and within two inches of the wrist. Any tattoos, brandings,
mutilations, or ornamentation on other parts of the body, that are prejudicial to good
order and discipline, gang or extremist group related, or bring discredit to the Marine
Corps are also PROHIBITED. Descriptions:
a. Prejudicial to Good Order and Discipline. Tattoos, brands or ornamentation that
are drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene or indecent, sexist (express nudity),
or racist, excessive (sleeve tattoos), eccentric, offensive in nature, or express an
association with conduct or substances prohibited by the Marine Corps drug policy.
b. Gang or Extremist Group. Any tattoos, brands or ornamentation that are
affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or
activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which
advocate racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create or engage in
illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, or national
origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under
the U.S. Constitution and federal or state law.
c. Size. Any tattoos exposed when wearing the properly fitting standard warm
weather physical training gear (T-Shirt & shorts), must be covered by the individuals
hand with their fingers extended and joined with the thumb flush against the side of the
hand.
d. Location. Tattoos on the head (including in or around the mouth), neck area,
hands, fingers (with exception of one single band tattoo on one finger only), elbows,
knees, and within two inches of the wrists are prohibited. The head is defines as the
portion of the body above the first cervical vertebrae (C1). The neck is defined as the
portion of the body above the collarbone in the front area, above the seventh cervical
vertebrae (C7) in the back area, and visible while wearing the properly fitting warm
weather physical training shirt. Tattoos on the chest or back that cannot be covered by
wearing a crew neck t-shirt in the Service C uniform or utility uniform are prohibited.
Tattoos on the elbow or knees are also prohibited. These areas must be free of tattoos
and separates any tattoos on the upper arm/upper leg from any tattoos on the lower
arm/lower leg.
e. Ornamentation. Defined as any mutilation to the body such as tongue splitting,
body piercing(s), holes in ear lobes (large enough for light to pass through), or
implantations, such as silicone implants on face, horns on the forehead, etc. All
applicants must remove body ornamentation (i.e. body piercings) while participating in
any/all pool functions and prior to shipping.
3. Certification. I certify that I completely understand the Marine Corps policy on the
tattoos, brands, and ornamentations. I understand that I will be screened for tattoos,
brands and body ornamentations, and must complete the Marine Corps Tattoo Screening Form.
I further understand I will be re-screened prior to my request for appointment, for any
additional tattoos, brands and body ornamentations received while in the officer
commissioning process. Prohibited body markings received while in pool are
disqualifying.
__________________________ _______________________ ____________
(Applicant’s Printed Name) (Applicant’s Signature) (Date)
__________________________ _______________________ ____________
(Name of Certifying Officer) (Signature of Certifying Officer) (Date)