I too needed a waiver for a tattoo of a dragon on my left forearm. It's 4 inches long and maybe 2 and half inches wide. I got it when I was 18 (27 now). Anyways, it took just about 2 months to get my waiver back approved for my tattoo, so don't get frustrated, these things take time.
As for the Army, currently the Army is NOT accepting any "moral waivers" at this time. Meaning, if you have a drug charge, you are a NO GO!!! There is no time limit for this to open back up again. Just thought I'd share this info for the person stating they would have to go to the Army if they can't get into the Marines. Yes, the Army isn't so harsh about tattoos, but wouldn't you rather BE THE BEST in the Marines Corps???
I considered the Army first, but my family are Marines. 2 brother-in-laws in the Marine Corps. 8 of 11 great uncles of mine all served in the Marine Corps (from my Grannies side of the fam, LOL) and the other 3 served in the Army. I took that ratio to heart and the Marines Corps is just right for me. I want to be THE BEST!!! I also used to live on Camp Pendleton with my brother-in-law and sister back in 2002-2003 and I took on the lifestyle and don't look to change that anytime soon. I'm going to love being a Marine, hopefully I can stick it out for 20 years???
Yeah, 47 years of age seems like a lot, but seriously, do you live in the craphole town that I do? 20 years would be a blessing in disguise if you ask me, LOL.
Easier said than done Bearsfan. 20 years isnt a joke in the Marine Corps or in the Army. After a few months you may be wishing you were back in that crap hole of a town. All of a sudden that crap hole of a town might just be heaven compared to your future living conditions. Just incase you care, I was the one who orignated this thread. I was turned down by the Marine Corps in 3 states for my tattoos, regardless of the fact that I have a college degree and had successful career as a Realtor for 4 years in FL. I am currently an Airborne Infantryman in the Army stationed at Camp Ederle in Vicenza Italy. I too thought the Marine Corps was the best of the best, and all that. But I can tell you this, the guys I serve with now, the same guys I will be fighting with next to in Afghanistan soon ( we have our deployment orders but due to OPSEC rules, I cannot disclose when ), I wouldnt pick any other group of guys to fight next to. The Marine Corps and Army may have different uniforms and different traditions but in the end, we are all on the same team fighting on the same turf. I am more than proud to be a part of the United States Army AIRBORNE INFANTRY. I know Marines are tough, almost all my friends are Marines but dont think any less of the Army, or atleast the Army Infantry (thats all I can speak for) because there are plenty of bad mother****ers here also. Now when it comes to the Navy or Air Force, its no doubt the Marine Corps is tougher, so is the Army. But dont take us lightly my friend either because we are some head hunting, bad ****s also regardless of the uniform I wear. I fight for the same reason and I am as tough as any Infantry Marine you put me up against
Originally posted by SNooPCaPoNE46: Easier said than done Bearsfan. 20 years isnt a joke in the Marine Corps or in the Army. After a few months you may be wishing you were back in that crap hole of a town. All of a sudden that crap hole of a town might just be heaven compared to your future living conditions. Just incase you care, I was the one who orignated this thread. I was turned down by the Marine Corps in 3 states for my tattoos, regardless of the fact that I have a college degree and had successful career as a Realtor for 4 years in FL. I am currently an Airborne Infantryman in the Army stationed at Camp Ederle in Vicenza Italy. I too thought the Marine Corps was the best of the best, and all that. But I can tell you this, the guys I serve with now, the same guys I will be fighting with next to in Afghanistan soon ( we have our deployment orders but due to OPSEC rules, I cannot disclose when ), I wouldnt pick any other group of guys to fight next to. The Marine Corps and Army may have different uniforms and different traditions but in the end, we are all on the same team fighting on the same turf. I am more than proud to be a part of the United States Army AIRBORNE INFANTRY. I know Marines are tough, almost all my friends are Marines but dont think any less of the Army, or atleast the Army Infantry (thats all I can speak for) because there are plenty of bad mother****ers here also. Now when it comes to the Navy or Air Force, its no doubt the Marine Corps is tougher, so is the Army. But dont take us lightly my friend either because we are some head hunting, bad ****s also regardless of the uniform I wear. I fight for the same reason and I am as tough as any Infantry Marine you put me up against
Uhh, I am forced to think that you took my statement completely out of context here. I totally understand that all branches of the military are on the same team. I also understand the Army, my brother was in for 20 years, just getting out 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure I have a good idea of what the Army and the Marine Corps are all about just from knowing people who have or are been there, done that.
The military is in my bloodlines...but if I HAD TO CHOOSE a branch of the military it is going to be the Marines.
As for 20 years in the military...there is no reason why I couldn't do it. I'm not sure why some are negative about that??? It's 20 years doing something that I know deep down I will enjoy doing. I only have one thing to say and it might sound kind of mean, but it's not meant to be, but if my brother-in-law can handle 20 years in the Marines Corps (10 years in now) then I sure as hell can do it, LOL.
Snope, great to see ya again. Having in the Army being all you can be? Just messing with you. Snoope, it was your Drug Busts keeping you out not that just the Tatoo's. You might have gotten in with one or the other but not both. The decission is at the Main RS level, I wil say they should have been more upfront with you getting in than they appeared to have been. Keep checking in with us and let us know how your doing....
Tom. Great to hear from you. Yes I realize it wasen't only the tattoos but I get so tired of explaining the whole situation. Anyways Yes I am being all I can be. LOL **** is great here. I love Italy and being a part of the 173rd. We are heading downrange "sometime soon". Being an Infantryman kicks ass but being an Airborne Infantryman ****ing rocks ass. Anyways thanks for the message, Ill be sure to check in from time to time
I hate to say this, but you need to get some patience. Two weeks is NOT, I repeat not a long time. The waivers MUST be submitted correctly the first time, often you do not get a second chance.
Remember that you are NOT the only applicant that needs a waiver.
