World | USA
US Marines ban big and garish tattoos
Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl Jeremy Slaton's right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word "Death". He planned to add a tattoo spelling "Life" on his left arm, but that is on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect on Sunday.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 March 30, 2007
- Image Credit: AP
- Tattoo artist Jerry Layton (right) inks a tattoo of the grim reaper on the arm of a Marine in Oceanside, California.
Oceanside, California: Five tattooed skulls stretch from Marine Cpl Jeremy Slaton's right elbow to his wrist, spelling out the word "Death".
He planned to add a tattoo spelling "Life" on his left arm, but that is on hold because of a Marine policy taking effect on Sunday.
The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps' spit-and-polish image.
Slaton and other grunts are not pleased.
"I guess I'll get the other half later," grumbled the 24-year-old. "It's kind of messed up."
For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, short for Semper Fidelis, or "Always faithful".
Dozens of Marines from Cape Pendleton, the West Coast's biggest Marine base, made last-minute trips to tattoo parlours in nearby Oceanside before the ban kicked in.
"This is something I love to do," said Cpl David Nadrchal, 20, who made an appointment to get an Iraqi flag and his deployment dates etched onto his lower leg.
"The fact I can't put something on my body that I want - it's a big thing to tell me I can't do that."
For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones.
News Editor's choice
-
Credit profiles in six months
Credit profiles for individuals, firms to be made available to creditors in six months
-
Uncertainty ahead of UP vote
Seven-phase polling begins today in the testing ground for national parties
-
Go shopping with Nol cards soon
RTA in talks with top grocery and supermarket chains on new feature
