RAF allows neck tattoos to attract recruits

THE RAF has revised its rules on tattoos to allow candidates to have neck inkings for the first time, while previously rejected recruits have been encouraged to reapply.

Britain’s air force has never authorised servicemen and women to display body art while wearing uniform since it was formed at the end of the First World War in 1918.

However, revised regulations state that personnel will be permitted to display tattoos on the back and sides of their neck, provided they are not visible from the front. Cosmetic eyebrow tattooing will also be permitted as long as they are “natural in shape and colour”. Tattoos deemed to be obscene or offensive will continue to be banned.

The change brings the RAF closer in line with the Royal Navy, which confirmed a change of rules last year to allow sailors to have inkings on their hands and certain parts of their neck. A MOD spokesman said: “The revised policy aims to strike the right balance between broadening the pool from which we recruit and maintaining high standards of appearance.” The reform was made three years after a rejected RAF applicant launched a petition against what she described as “discrimination”.

Laura Hill, from Faringdon in Oxfordshire, lost six stone in weight in an effort to join the RAF but was rejected because of a small tattoo on her neck. She is now be free to apply once again.

The MOD spokesman said individuals can reapply if tattoos are in accordance with the new RAF tattoo policy.