I am currently in the process of enlisting in the Marine Corps. I know that they've recently tightened up on their rules about tattoos, especially having tattoos BEFORE enlisting vs after. So far, based on my knowledge all my tattoos are within regulation. However I have a tattoo on my upper arm, that I'm afraid MEPs will assume is gang related. It's not. I have never been associated with, nor claimed to be apart of any gangs, even jokingly. The tattoo on my upper arm is a large crown, with a spade and my initial "C" in the middle. I got it simply because I liked the design and the C obviously stands for my first name. It's my understanding that at meps if they have any concerns they'll actually ask you to explain the meaning behind a tattoo. I'm a little nervous. I've already had to apply for a med waiver so I'd hate to have to apply for a tattoo waiver on top of that...
How does MEPS determine if a tattoo is "Gang related"?
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