With new military restrictions on tattoos, Air Academy High School students will need to think twice about decorating their bodies.  Because AAHS is on the Air Force Base, many students at the school are looking into the Air Force, or other military branches, as future careers.

Recently, the military, despite having an already formal and somewhat strict history, re-stated their position when it comes to recruiting men and women with inked skin. Draftees will not be admitted if they have tattoos below their elbows, below their knees, or above the neckline. Many supporters say that the military is about uniformity.

Anyone already with a military position is “under the radar” when it comes to this new measure. This will allow for a “cleaner” generation after the present one. These new rules were created by Raymond Chandler, Sergeant Major of the Army. Despite existing tattoos being granted in, soldiers are still banned from having any derogatory tattoos that display racism, sexism, or extremism.

Many students in our school (above the age of 16) have decided to get tattoos that represent different aspects of their lives, what they are interested in, and generally well thought-out ideas. Contrary to the new restrictions, senior Charles Wood believes that the military should endorse having tatoos, “Tattoos show personal achievements; shouldn’t the people fighting for this country be allowed to display what they have accomplished during their military career when in their military uniform?”

This change is minor and will in no way affect the meaning of the military, which is to protect our country. Our school is lucky enough to be located on an Air Force base and it allows us to have a special outlook on military careers as we have an exceptional ROTC program and available military sign-ups. All military recruiters are at school on the following days each month:

Army and Army Reserves: 2^nd and 4^th Thursday during lunch

Marines: 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday during lunch

Army National Guard: 2^nd Wednesday during lunch

Air Force: 1^st Wednesday during lunch

Navy: 2^nd and 4^th Monday during lunch