Tattoo tolerance bringing in more Marine recruits

A recent decision by the U.S. Marine Corps to loosen its policy on tattoos brought a new wave of recruits to the Alle-Kiski Valley Marine recruiting offices.

The Marine Corps changed its policy Oct. 29, allowing soldiers to sport an unlimited number of tattoos except on the face, neck and hands, with the exception of a single ring tattoo on one finger, according to the Marine Corps Times and local recruiters.

Previously, a 2016 policy allowed enlisted Marines an unlimited number of tattoos, except “sleeve” tattoos — tattoos that cover the upper and lower arms. Officers and officer candidates were limited to four visible tattoos while in training uniforms.

The Marines cut back the restrictions because it was impacting recruiting efforts, according to the Marine Corps Times.

The local Marine recruiting offices took to social media in late October to reconnect with people who previously were interested in enlisting, said Staff Sgt. Derrick Pollitt, station commander for the Marine Corps Recruiting Three Rivers substation.

“We had a surge of recruits in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

Pollitt tallied about 40 to 50 recruits in the Pittsburgh area and about 10 in Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties.

The Three Rivers substation covers Armstrong, Westmoreland, part of Allegheny, Indiana and Cambria counties with offices at the Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer, Monroeville and Indiana.

While the relaxed tattoo rule is helping to draw recruits, so is the easing of the pandemic, Pollitt said.

“With pandemic restrictions lifting and more people confident, it’s easier to meet and greet,” he said.

In-person military recruiting mostly was on break in 2020 because of covid restrictions that forced the closure of many recruiting centers.

Overall, the Marines are still able to recruit the people they need to refill the ranks, he said.

“The mission here is to make Marines and to make quality citizens,” Pollitt said.

According to the Marine Corps Times, the Marines increased recruitment goals nationwide this year by more than 1,500 from 2020’s roughly 28,000.

Marines enlist for a four-year stint or go into the reserves for six years. They are eligible for tuition assistance, the GI Bill covering a four-year degree. Marine training and even boot camp can qualify for college credits, Pollitt noted.

“A lot of people don’t understand the underlying benefits. They think all we are (is) an all-combat force,” he said.

The Marines offer 350 jobs broken down over a 30-plus career field, including aviation, cyber technology, communications, food services, welding and heavy equipment operation.

“Doing your four-year service sets you up for life,” Pollitt said.