Marine Tattoos


Servicemen take pride in fighting for their country, hence, a number of servicemen opt to get tattoos to represent their service experience. With the tattoos, they also want to show their love for fallen soldiers. There can be memorial tattoos to commemorate their fellow servicemen who were not fortunate enough to return alive from their active duty. Servicemen may choose to pay tributes to whole units as well. Such tattoos are often made before the servicemen gets deployed or goes abroad. It is nothing different with the people serving in the Marine Corps. A Marine Corps service member may choose to get an EGA or a bulldog which are very popular tattoos among marines. A seaman on the other hand may opt for an anchor tattoo.

Marine Tattoos Designs

As of now, there are thousands of Americans who are at present, or had at some time been, members of the United States Marine Corps. Active duty members, reservists, war veterans and retirees are known to share a camaraderie despite each one of them having belonged to a different unit, platoon, battalion or brigade with its own illustrious past. Many of them have chosen to commemorate their marine service and pride by getting their own unique tattoos. According to a scholar, the popularity of tattoos is highest amongst the armed forces but the Marine Corps do not lag far behind. The Marine Corps is often looked upon as the meanest and toughest of all branches of service. This branch of the armed forces was established on November 10th, 1775. Since that time, the Corps has had a long and illustrious history of serving as military and dealing deadly blows to the enemies.

Bulldog Tattoos
Amongst all marine corps tattoos, the USMC bulldog tattoo is the most popular marine tattoo for girls as well as guys. The tradition of using an English bulldog as a lucky mascot for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has its roots in the early part of the previous century. The interesting bit of information about this tattoo design does not come from within the Marine Corps ranks but comes from the hard-earned respect from their foes. The German soldiers referred to the Marine Corps as "teufel hunden", meaning "devil dogs", undoubtedly referring to the fighting ability. Initially a dachshund wearing a spiked helmet with an Iron Cross looking backwards, as it ran from an English bulldog, which wore a helmet with the Marine's globe and anchor insignia, was the symbol chosen. However, later the English bulldog was adopted as mascots.

Nautical Star and Anchor Tattoos
Anchor and nautical star tattoos were very popular among Marine Corps. A number of young navy cadets get themselves these tattoos after their first sail across the Atlantic Ocean. It stands for remaining steadfast against all storms, and not going astray.

Marine Skull Tattoos
A lot of war veterans choose to get themselves tattooed with skull and sword tattoos. There are many other variations which can be made to marine skull tattoos. It can also be combined with crossed guns, barbed wires or may also be made with bald eagle motifs to depict their love for the country.

In the recent past, there has been a change in the Marine Corps tattoo policy. Marine tattoos cannot be made on the head or neck. The tattoo design cannot be anti-America, sexist, racist, anti-social or may also not display any extreme affiliations. With the recent policy, there cannot be a large tattoo made on the sleeve either. Sleeve tattoos should not visible. Hence, if you are planning to get a marine tattoo made and you are serving, you will have to confirm the new rules before you get the tattoo.

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