Tattoo Removal For Basic Training (reserve, Marine, National Guard, Coast)

[MKWife]

Have her talk to a different recruiter!!!!!

[J double R]

Originally Posted by srlogan

I am responding to the person that said "Otherwise, tattoo removal is relatively easy nowadays." You are SEVERELY mistaken.!!

My daughter was sworn in to the Air Force and is leaving for basic 4/28. You are supposed to go in for a (2 minute) session once a month until the tattoo is gone. Hers is only 1/2 " by 1 1/2" behind her ear, on her neck. She had a new tattoo artist, so he probably didn't go through all 8 layers of skin like really good artists, so we thought this would work better. She was quoted $1,200 to have it removed - 6 sessions. She has had 3 sessions and it is probably 50% gone. However, she has gone in every 2 weeks, because there is not enough time before she goes to basic. It's not going to be gone in time, unless a miracle happens and she is VERY upset. It's not an easy process, and is painful and looks REALLY GROSS!

nobody said it was desirable, comfortable, pleasing, or the like... but compared to old school methods (cutting it out, etc) it IS easier.

[Granny Sue]

Originally Posted by MyssaTx

yeah thats because they let anyone into the military these days

I'm with the others...this is so not true.

It used to be that the judge would say...military or jail...true...happened to my cousin, who took the military and is now a Command Sgt Major.

When my son went in, he couldn't even have an outstanding parking ticket. Recruiters do background and credit checks all the time.

And he did have a tattoo when he 1st went in.

They gave him a hard time about it but since it was already there, not deemed offensive AND would be covered by long sleeves they let it go.

[sarahv]

I knew lots of people who had tats when they were sworn in, a waiver and you are good to go. Once in, they don't say much. At least the use to not, most had tats on their forearms, hands, necks backs legs. You name it. Didn't matter as long as you weren't in a job that req you to have no distinguishing marks. And some commands preferred them to not be seen while in uniform, but no one ever really made a fuss.

[DanaSQ]

I wouldn't listen to your daughter about anything tattoo related - adding white ink over black does not cover it up, nor will it fade it out to an unnoticeable state. Additionally, white ink can glow under black light - I strongly advise you to NOT try this route!

Like others have said, her tattoo doesn't fall outside of the current Army regulations & all she would have needed was a waiver.

Depending on how long your daughter has before shipping out, you could try "Wrecking Balm". It's a fade cream that, allegedly, fades the ink pigment if used according to the directions.

[David_N]

I know guys in service with tatoos. Sometimes it's frowned upon, but not a lot they can do about it!

[texdav]

when i was ihn having a tatoo made you a taregt for drill instructors. Seeing the love ;ahte tatoos :i can hear them how;saying so I got me a punk in my platoon that is movie tough;so son I'm making you one of my special cases.

[David_N]

when i was ihn having a tatoo made you a taregt for drill instructors. Seeing the love ;ahte tatoos :i can hear them how;saying so I got me a punk in my platoon that is movie tough;so son I'm making you one of my special cases.

Yes, you must NOT become noticed for any "special" characteristic if you can at all help it!

[TheJagMan]

Instructors advance their career by having outstanding troops and rely on those troops to keep less outstanding troops in line when they're not around...If someone with a tattoo was motivated and trying hard, what good does it do to pick on or punish them based on a tattoo? Perhaps once during he first week one may get teased, just a domination tactic...

[Habu]

Originally Posted by MyssaTx

yeah thats because they let anyone into the military these days

That is an incorrect and very uneducated statement. I think you owe them an apology. Thank you.