Like tattoos with spiritual and religious symbolism, military tattoos often have a strong element of the amulet or talisman connected to them. Protection in battle was often a specific requirement of tattoos acquired in many cultures and the tattoo was accompanied with rituals, incantations, and pigment which was believed to have special or magical properties. Tattooing was carried out by Shamans, medicine men, priests and other individuals who were known to have access to special powers. These properties might render an individual invisible or impervious to the weapons of opponents. A tattoo in this instance was meant to act as a shield and a final line of personal defense. This is still a belief in places like Burma, Thailand and other areas.
Uncle Sam may want you badly, but he still does not want you 'bad'. A prohibition remains in place against tattoos that are extremist, indecent, racist or sexist -- anywhere on the body. 'As long as tattoos do not distract from good military order and discipline,' the Army has no restriction on how much of the body can be inked. Not so the U.S. Coast Guard. Twenty-five per cent, that's the limit for certain body parts, like the space between the wrist and elbow, and knee and ankle. And the Marines have recently banned enlisted personnel from having fully tattooed arms, also known as 'sleeves'. Members who had the full tattoos were grandfathered in under the new regulations.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect military tattoo.
Also Check out: Memorial Tattoos, Religious Tattoos, Heart Tattoos, Battlefield Cross,
