Members of the Marine Corps are authorized tattoos on the body only if they are in ________.

• A. Good order and discipline
• B. High readiness posture
• C. Personal appearance
• D. Authorized by command

Answer: (A)

Tattoos are allowed only if they do not undermine unit discipline and the Marine Corps’ standards of appearance. The phrase good order and discipline serves as the overarching benchmark for what is acceptable; as long as a tattoo is in good taste, does not violate policies (such as obscenity or disallowed locations), and does not detract from professionalism or mission readiness, it can be authorized. The other options miss this central gatekeeping idea: readiness posture isn’t about appearance, personal appearance is too vague, and requiring command authorization implies a case-by-case hurdle rather than upholding the discipline standard throughout the force.