This petition was submitted during the 2015–2017 Conservative government
Petition Bring the RAF and Navy Tattoo policy in line with the revised Army policy.
The British Army on 1 August 2014 brought in a revised Tattoo policy which allows for body art to be displayed on hands and rear of the neck. The Army and Capita, who assisted with the revised policy, agree that tattoos do not inhibit operational functionality or compromise the Army's image.
More details
New MoD figures show the three services are short of nearly 6,400 trained personnel, more than 4,000 of them soldiers.
Year 13/14 The Army rejected 336 applications because of offensive or inappropriately placed tattoos, as well as piercings.
Elizabeth Lee from Capita said: 'Tattoos have become increasingly acceptable and common in society, including among potential recruits considering a career in the Army. 'Greater flexibility over tattoos on the neck or hands will remove a barrier for a number of people currently interested in applying for a job in the Army, without compromising its image as a professional force.'
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months