Army to relax rules on visible tattoos as they have 'become more acceptable in society'
SOLDIERS will now be allowed tattoos on their hands and necks as the British Army look to recruit reservist ranks in the light of defence cuts.
A previous ban on visible inkings has now been lifted because military bosses say such tattoos have "become more acceptable in society."
The move comes after growing numbers of potential troops were turned away if their tattoos could be seen while parading in public.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Tattoos have become more acceptable in society over the last decade and, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of personnel with tattoos on visible areas.
"There is no evidence that commanders have found these to have an adverse impact on operational effectiveness and as a result there has been reluctance to discharge those who breached the policy."
The change in approach comes after a review of policy on tattoos earlier this year.
It is said to be one of more than 60 changes to Army recruitment since January - introduced by Capita, the private company in charge of troop recruitment.
This year, troop numbers were slashed from a 102,000-strong force to just 82,000 regulars, with a greater reliance on reservist ranks - as the Government looks to make spending cuts.
The relaxed rules over tattoos state that designs must not be visible in a passport-style photo if the soldier's top button is undone on an open-necked shirt, according to the Daily Mirror.
It could mean that serving members of the British Army can now develop their own existing body art.
However, tattoos depicting violence, illegal drugs or a sexual act breach military rules.
A section of the army's website dealing with the question of whether someone can join up if they have a tattoo currently states: "If your tattoo is offensive, obscene or racist it will prevent you from joining the Army.
"Small tattoos that aren't offensive in any way are not normally a problem, depending where they are on your body and how visible they are."
A Freedom of Information response issued in July revealed that between 2013 and 2014 the Army rejected 336 applications because of offensive or inappropriately placed tattoos, as well as piercings.
