Soldiers can now sport more tattoos on more body parts after the Army decided to loosen its rules on body ink.
Pentagon officials say the move was made to help beef up sagging recruiting numbers in what Gen. James McConville, the Army chief of staff has called a “war for talent.”
The updated directive, signed this week by Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, allows recruits and active-duty soldiers to have tattoos on their hands, the back of their ears, and the back of their necks.
“Changes to the Army tattoo policy allow individuals who meet all other qualifications for appointment or enlistment the opportunity to serve,” the memorandum states.