Marines Sleeves Up: Showing Off Tattoos Now Permitted

Marines, sleeves up! Even though it’s not an official order from the Commandant, U.S. Marines are now allowed to wear their sleeves folded up while in camouflage uniform, and when not in combat zones.

The rule that forbade Marines from rolling their sleeves up for comfort and to show off their ink, was instituted about two years ago and has been the subject of heated debate ever since.

The Marines have been complaining that it simply isn’t fair that they are forbidden to roll their sleeves up. It’s something they want to do to set them apart from other units.

General James Amos, the commandant, released the following welcome statement on Facebook: “I can’t tell you how many times we have been asked the persistent question, ‘Commandant, are we ever going to return to SLEEVES UP?”

By way of a response to his own question, General Amos followed up with the post: “I’ve thought a lot about this over the past 2.5 years; I realize that it’s important to you. Sleeves up clearly and visually sets us apart.”

In an effort to appease his Marines and let them have their own way – at least when it comes to rolling up their sleeves – he posted: “WE HEAR YOU MARINES!” in caps to make his point properly.

The new regulation, which is set to commence on March 9, will coincide nicely with the Marines’ summer switch to desert camouflage, a move the Marines are thrilled about.

They aren’t the only ones who are happy with General Amos’ Facebook posts which received over 25,000 likes, proving his reversed decision was the right one, according to many.

What do you think? Should Marines be allowed to roll their sleeves up when not in combat zones? Or is it a sloppy and unprofessional look? Share your thoughts on the matter in the feed below.