What are the categories of tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline and therefore prohibited anywhere on a Soldier’s body?

• A. Indecent, racist, sexist
• B. Extremist
• C. Extremist, Indecent, Sexist, Racist
• D. Religious symbols only

Answer: (C)

Under AR 670-1, tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline are not allowed anywhere on a Soldier’s body. The categories that fall into this prohibition are extremist, indecent, sexist, and racist. An extremist tattoo shows allegiance to or affiliation with extremist organizations or ideologies. An indecent tattoo depicts obscene or sexually explicit material. A sexist tattoo demeans or degrades members of a gender. A racist tattoo promotes racial superiority or hatred toward a race. Because these four areas cover the content that can undermine discipline and unit cohesion, any such tattoo is prohibited, regardless of location or whether it’s visible in uniform. Religious symbols, by contrast, are generally permissible as long as they don’t cross into those prohibited categories. That’s why this option is the most complete and correct.