The Navy is relaxing its rules on sailors' tattoos.
Beginning April 30, sailors will be allowed to have one small tattoo on the neck, and there'll be no restrictions on the size or number of tattoos they can have below the elbow or knee,
Navy Times reports.
And for the first time, those who tattoos covering most or all of their arms will be allowed assignments at recruiting officers and to train recruits.
Limitations on the content of body art will remain the same, Navy Times reports.
"We just got to the point where we realized we needed to be honest with ourselves and put something in place that was going to reflect the realities of our country and the needs of our Navy," Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens tells Navy Times.
"We need to make sure that we’re not missing any opportunities to recruit and retain the best and the brightest because of our policies."
The updated tattoo policy doesn't apply to Marines, Navy Times reports; the Marines are easing their tattoo rules but don't allow sleeves.
Last year, the Army updated its rules to allow sleeve tattoos, but it doesn't permit soldiers to have ink on their necks or hands, Navy Times points out.
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