ARNG-HRR

NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU

111 SOUTH GEORGE MASON DRIVE

ARLINGTON VA 22204-1382

31 July 2019

MEMORANDUM FOR Army National Guard (ARNG) Recruiting and Retention Force (RAF)

SUBJECT: SMOM 19-023, Exception to Policy Request Procedures for Tattoos

1 . References.

a. AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearances of Army Uniforms and Insignia), 25 May 2017.

b. Memorandum, ARNG-HRH, subject: PPOM 19-009, Announcement of theFY19/20 Army National Guard (ARNG) Accession Options Criteria (AOC), 28 February 2019.

c. Memorandum, ARNG-HRH, subject: PPOM 19-021, Announcement of FY19/20 Army National Guard (ARNG) Strength Maintenance MEPS Processing Guide, 1 May 2019.

2. Effective 1 August 2019. This message establishes procedures when requesting anexception to policy for tattoos. All applicants must be screened for tattoos and adhereto the guidance established in reference 1 a. This guidance applies to non-prior service(NPS), glossary non-prior service (GNPS), and prior service (PS) applicants. Allapplicants who claim tattoos or brandings will have each tattoo or branding listed on theNGB Form 902 prior to enlistment.

3. PS/GNPS applicants with previously documented tattoos on the neck or hands willbe grandfathered, provided they possess the required validation memorandum iniPERMS. When the memorandum is not available, a workflow must be initiatedcontaining the DD Form 2808 (or other applicable documents) from the previousenlistment period.

4. The Recruiting and Retention Commander (ARC) will make initial determination fornew accessions that tattoos or brandings comply with Army policy and forward requestsfor exceptions to ARNG-HRR-0. This authority to make initial determination will not bedelegated.

5. All tattoos identified as not being in compliance will have a workflow initiated by theState Operations to ARNG-HRR-0, to be submitted to the Director, Military PersonnelManagement (DMPM).

ARNG-HRR SUBJECT: SMOM 19-023, Exception to Policy Request Procedures for Tattoos

6. Exception to policy requests will be loaded under 'Tattoo Validation Memorandumand Photos' and will include -

a. Memorandum from the RRC. The memorandum must request the exceptionincluding meritorious reason, size, location, description, and explanation of what the questioned tattoo means to the applicant.

b. NGB Form 902.

c. Applicant statement.

d. USMEPCOM 680-3ADP (valid physical, with drug results, and AFQT score).

e. Color photo of the tattoo in question.

7. Applicants who request an exception must have color photos taken in the followingmanner:

a. Neck. All neck tattoo photos must show the applicant in a t-shirt with a clear viewof the tattoo, along with measuring tape (or ruler) to show the length/size of the tattoo. The neckline of the t-shirt will not be pulled down; the t-shirt must lay flat, uninterrupted as worn (see attached examples 1 and 2, Tattoo on neck).

b. Behind the ear. If the photo shows a tattoo behind the ear with the applicantpulling the ear towards the front for a clear view of the tattoo, a second photo must be taken that shows the tattoo without moving the ear (leave the ear in place, without pulling it at all). Photos of tattoos behind the ear must be shown along with a measuring tape (or ruler) to show the length/size of the tattoo (see attached example 3, Tattoo behind ear).

c. Hand. Requests will show the tattoo along with a measuring tape (or ruler) toshow the length/size of the tattoo (see attached examples 4 and 5, Tattoo on hand). Be mindful, if the tattoo that violates policy is on the back of the hand and extends to the palm of the hand, at least two photos must be submitted with the request.

8. The MEPS Guidance Counselor will validate all tattoo(s)/brand(s), via NGB Form902, ensuring they are properly annotated. Questionable cases may be submitted tothe ARNG-HRR-0 for recommendation when an ETP may be required prior toaccessing the applicant.

9. Exceptions that fail to meet the guidelines below will be returned without action.

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ARNG-HRR SUBJECT: SMOM 19-023, Exception to Policy Request Procedures for Tattoos

10. This policy remains effective until 1 October 2020, or rescinded by this office, andwill be captured in the future publication of the Accession Options Criteria.

11. Point of contact for this memorandum is SFC Javoris Smiley, Moral WaiversNCOIC, at (502) 626-1922 or javoris.b.smiley.mil@mail.mil.

5 Encls 1. Example 1, Tattoo on neck-A2. Example 2, Tattoo on neck -B3. Example 3, Tattoo behind ear4. Example 4, Tattoo on hand-A5. Example 5, Tattoo on hand -B

�· DANIEL E. GILBERT COL, LG Chief, Strength Maintenance Division

Army National Guard

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