Potential U.S. military recruits are advised to think twice before getting a tattoo. The Navy, for example, allows a lower arm tattoo that cannot be larger than the wearer's hand, according to a Navy website.

Want to join the Army?

If so, think twice before getting that new tattoo.

A tatoo in the wrong place could derail your military career.

Potential Army recruits will have to watch where and how big they get their new ink under new Army regulations implemented last year which govern the size, number and placement of tattoos visible while in uniform.

Tattoos cannot be anywhere on the neck or head above the lines of a T-shirt and cannot be on the hands; visible tattoos cannot be longer than two inches, and servicemen cannot have more than four below the elbow or knee with each smaller than the size of the wearer’s hand. Sleeve tattoos and those determined to be racist, sexist, indecent or extremist are not permitted.

“The Army is a profession, and one of the ways our leaders and the American public measure our professionalism is by our appearance. Wearing of the uniform, as well as our overall military appearance, should be a matter of personal pride for all soldiers,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III.

“Every soldier has the responsibility to understand and follow these standards. Leaders at all levels also have a responsibility to interpret and enforce these standards, which begins by setting the example,” said Chandler.

Current Army personnel with tattoos can be “grandfathered,” as long as their current tattoos are documented. They cannot add anything to their present tattoos that would violate the new policies.

The tattoo regulations were implemented in March but dialed back in September. While the original rules barred servicemen from seeking a commission or appointment without a special exception, the revised regulations removed that clause.

Ray Hormel of the Relentless Pursuit tatoo shop in Butler said he’s heard of the new regulations but didn’t know details. The artists at the shop will do what the customers ask, but he does have some advice for those getting a tattoo.

“We always caution young people about getting a visible tattoo,” he said, mentioning to the customer the designs may limit future employment opportunities.

And the tattoo removal is a long, costly process that can leave scars.

Mark Fless of Body Beautiful Laser Medi-Spa in Cranberry Township and Butler, said several sessions are required to just “lighten up” a tattoo.

“Most people get rid of the tattoos in the neck, face and hands area,” he said.

It is not always possible to remove a tattoo 100 percent but they can be lightened, he said.

Other branches of the armed services have similar tattoo policies prohibiting those deemed sexist, racist, indecent or extremist.

The Air Force prohibits tattoos that may be seen through the uniform but, while the Air Force prohibits any openly visible ink, the Navy allows a lower arm tattoo that cannot be larger than the wearer’s hand, according to a Navy website.

As the other branches, the Marines prohibit tattoos on the hands, fingers, wrists and scalp, but their policy. Marines are permitted to have four tattoos visible while wearing the uniform.

Tattoos first surfaced in the mid-1860s when the first tattoo shop opened in New York City and catered to servicemen on both sides of the Civil War, according to PBS.org.

Tattoos surged in popularity during the World War II era because of the prevalence of men in uniform and the patriotic mood of the country.

Today, 23 percent of Americans have a tattoo, and 32 percent of people ages 30 to 45 have at least one tattoo, according to a Pew Research poll.