Question for those of you in the armed forces...

[jakecpunut]

Got a question.. I have several tattoos and have been wanting to get another.. My dad died when I was 13 and I already have 2 that honor him in different ways.

My dad, among other accomplishments, was a master sergeant in the National Guard. I have his stripes sewn on an old army coat that stays in the closet.

I always wanted to have those stripes as a tattoo BUT, I always felt like it wouldn't be right for me to do that...

Why?? Well I just never wanted to disrespect anyone that is serving or has served our country. I always felt like those stripes were earned and were to be respected and I just never talked to anyone about it.

Sooo, I thought I would post the question around different forums just to get opinions since I've never really talked about it, and see what others think. Especially those that serve our country.

So if you are in or have been in the armed forces, would it bother you to see an insignia tattooed on someone that has not served? Just to have it honoring someone that has?

Any other input is welcomed...

Thanks

 

[dwarven_stout]

My initial reaction is "don't do it". It wouldn't be well received in most quarters without your explanation. Still, I can see why you would, as a memory of your dad. You might look at ways to work those stripes into a larger memorial piece.

I gotta say, though.. I've seen guys in the army get some pretty dumb tats, so I wouldn't take too much crap from them, either....

One guy got a ranger scroll tat (he never even made it through Airborne school, much less Ranger). Another guy got a tattoo that was supposed to represent our sector in Iraq, but he just pulled a name of a mountain off of a map. Now he has "al Aswad" on his arm forever, and I'm sure you can guess where that led.

 

[Airborneguy]

I wouldn't do it. Military tattoos are sort of a sacred part of serving for most people. If I saw it, asked about it, and received that explanation, I'd understand why you wanted it, but I'd definitely walk away wierded-out.

 

[homebrewer_99]

As someone who's been a soldier (7 years) and an Army civilian (for 29 more) I would not be offended IF it was presented in a "special" way.

What do I mean? Well, something along the lines of a small (not full-sized) tat of the stripes with a caption above and below...something along the lines of "In loving memory of" above and "my father, MSG (name here)" below.

IMO getting full-sized stripes would be somewhat offensive if viewed by a drunk in a bar (if you know what I mean)...and it would look weird too.

 

[BeerBaronHomer]

As a current member of the military I wouldn't be offended to see someone honoring a former service-member with such a tattoo. However, you must be ready to defend it when someone asks why you have it. Some guys are hotheads and don't like non-military personnel displaying such images (they think you're using it to show off or get women) Go with what feels right, but no matter what you do, remember it's with you forever. It's always encouraging to see someone recognize the efforts of those who have served.

 

[rustynuts]

As an 18 yr veteran, 6 being active. I would not be offended as long as it was apparent that it was honoring someone close to you. This could be done in many ways and tastefully so. Me personally, if I was to tattoo my own fathers MSGT stripes on me...they would be inside a scroll and placement would be above my heart. That being said...I have seen some awfully silly military tattoos, I wouldn't even know where to start with that topic! lol
I say, if it's important to you....absolutely do it.

 

[MeatyPortion]

That's a tough question. I think rustynuts has the best idea for you. I would definitely not just get an E8's stripes tattooed on your upper arm, even if you are in the military, for various reasons. If I saw someone with a tattoo like that and I knew they hadn't been in the military I'd probably wonder why they did it, though I wouldn't call them out on it.

The tattoo means something though and when and if you do get it don't let anyone tear you down over it. If you want to honor your Dad even more then knock out 20 push-ups after the tattoo artist is finished.

 

[david_42]

H_99 has the right idea, make it obvious it's a memorial.

 

[brewmonk]

I have never served, and am too old to try now, but those were his stripes; give him credit, and all it does is credit you more.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

This is kind of a thread-jack- so I will start with an apology for that. But I can (sort of) relate to the OP.

For my fortieth birthday, my then-wife got me a ride on the Aluminum Overcast, the EAA's restored B-17. That was awesome. She also got me a flight jacket. It looks like an Air Force jacket, except for an EAA insignia on it, and a stitching of a B-17 on the back. I almost never wear that jacket for the same reason the OP is reluctant to get his tat- I don't want to give the false impression that I served. I would like input on this, as well, if you guys don't mind.

 

[McKBrew]

Definitely not on just the service stripes. Mostly because it will lead to lots of questions.

Work it into another type of memorial tattoo and it would be totally acceptable.

 

[Reddheadedstepchild]

Why not just spend the money since its a memorial tat and get a portrait done. if I really wanted to "honor" someone I would go all out and spend a good bit to get the best portrait I could. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rustynuts]

Bernie,
I'm gonna assume you are much to young to have served on a B17 crew...wear the jacket Just last month I had the honor of talking with a WWII bomber navigater that did missions over Japan...I felt like I was in the presence of a Rock star. lol Back to the point: He had a great looking bomber jacket that I would wear if given the chance.

 

[phrogpilot73]

It looks like an Air Force jacket, except for an EAA insignia on it, and a stitching of a B-17 on the back. I almost never wear that jacket for the same reason the OP is reluctant to get his tat- I don't want to give the false impression that I served. I would like input on this, as well, if you guys don't mind.

As a military pilot, I'd say wear the jacket. Most of us are really into aviation, and would recognize it for what it was. We also know the EAA logo. If I bumped into a guy wearing the jacket, I'd want to hear about the ride on the B-17...