Think before you ink if you want to be a Marine

The Marines are a symbol, one held in high regard.

But as tattoos become more accepted, society could change what a Marine should look like.

The military and tattoos have a tumultuous relationship. Military ink is seen as a badge of honor, but the armed forces have strict tattoo policies.

One aspiring Marine was reportedly told by a recruiter that her tattoo would violate dress code, although her tattoo sits right below the collarbone and could easily be covered by a crewneck undershirt. But women Marines are given V-necks.

This uniform discrepancy inadvertently became an equality issue when a congresswoman from Maine, Chellie Pingree, wrote a letter last week to Gen. Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps.

This letter brought attention to a valid equality issue when it comes to uniforms. If a man had the same tattoo, he would have avenues to get it approved because his uniform allows him to cover it up. A woman has no such avenues under the current tattoo and uniform policy.

The Marines are arguably the strictest with their policy, but the cornerstone is no visible tattoos in uniform.

It is unfair that a woman and man could have the same tattoo in the same place and face different restrictions. Still, it could be argued that if they wanted to be a Marine, they should have thought about not getting that tattoo in the first place.

Tattoos, once considered signs of crime organizations and the counterculture, are having a renaissance. They are being accepted as art and self-expression. Even employers, once dreaded tattoo-haters, are becoming more lenient.

But that doesn’t mean the military will.

The Marines have a standard that few can meet, and it should be respected.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Think before you ink if you want to be a Marine."