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.
The MARINES have traditionally been the first to hit the beach in times of war, so they take with them all the help they can get, in terms talismans, charms, and anything that will charge their esprit de corps. The bulldog is a favorite symbol of the MARINES, and you won't find many 'jarheads' without that or some other favorite tattoo design, like a camouflage motif, or a unit patch or the Marine Corps seal itself.
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, Bull Dog Tats, Skull Tattoos, Bullets & Guns, Anchor Crosses.
