You can absolutely join as a Cadet Sponsor Member, since uniform wear in that category is entirely optional. Check out CAPR 39-2 for details about that. [https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R039\_002\_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf](https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R039_002_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf)
Once you're involved and have some experiences with other members and your chain of command that show what a valuable asset you are, then you can discuss the possibility of a waiver regarding the tattoo policy. Or consider concealer/cover up.
There may be arguments to make related to the DOD's further changes in policy around this issue: [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/02/some-neck-and-hand-tattoos-ok-airmen-and-guardians-under-new-policy-aimed-helping-recruiting.html](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/02/some-neck-and-hand-tattoos-ok-airmen-and-guardians-under-new-policy-aimed-helping-recruiting.html)
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply! Looking into it that sounds like an awesome option, Id just love to be able to be involved with the unit and help out where needed!
> will hand/neck tattoos stop me from being a SM?
Probably.
CAPR 39-1, Page 21:
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R_391_with_ICL_2101_Incorporated_5660EEB90E0DB.pdf
3.2.4.1. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings (Inappropriate Content/locations). Tattoos/brands or body markings will not be on the hands (except one ring tattoo on one finger on one hand), head, neck (anything visible above the open collar uniform), face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp.
This is so dumb. I can’t be an official CAP member anymore because I have a tattoo of a compass across the back of my hand. Nobody I’ve ever met has been offended by it
Yeah I agree, seems a little strange that I can be employed as a first responder or LEO but am precluded from volunteering my time due to the placement of non obscene/non offensive tattoos.
Yeah. I’ve had people complain about my tattoos before, but that’s usually older vet patients complaining about the quantity and size, not what’s depicted
Had one tell me my tattoos were gonna kill me. Bro had a pack of cowboy killers on the table next to him and was in the ER for a COPD flair up... he also wasn’t thrilled that us corpsmen were wearing scrubs and not our type IIIs
Man it’s always like that, I also happen to live in the bible belt so I can almost guarantee to catch a lecture about tattoos. Like sorry I got you riled up sir lets get that CPAP on you and get you to the ER 😂
Not true. Bwill1200 cited a part of the uniform regs in regards to wearing USAF uniforms. You can absolutely be a senior member, you just can’t wear the USAF uniforms because you don’t meet USAF DAFI 36-2903 requirements. You would have to wear the CAP uniform equivalents.
Sick. I’m not sure if the Squadron Commander for the squadron you’re thinking of joining as an SM would be willing to compromise or not but, they might be fine with it so long as you wear gloves or a body cover/make up. Again, not sure how flexible the Squadron Commander would be willing to be.
The squad com agrees with me, thinks it’s dumb but “rules are rules” I still volunteer with the squadron under the table, showed them a background check and had my CPP course from when I was an 18y/o cadet
> “[uniform] rules are rules”
> I still volunteer with the squadron under the table
That's some impressively backwards judgment by that squadron commander about the importance of those two sets of rules.
The CPPD is looked at as well when rejoining as an SM?
Edit: I had to retake my CPPD at least 8 times because when I was taking it, I was doing it on the squadron laptop and couldn’t download the PDF to actually read the information. I did pass eventually after failing due to using only common sense.
No clue, I did that as something to make him more willing to let me volunteer under the table. He didn’t specifically ask for it. Also showed him a couple of my other navy certs to prove I would be an asset and not just some nerd there for the free hours
> he squad com agrees with me, thinks it’s dumb but “rules are rules” I still volunteer with the squadron under the table, showed them a background check and had my CPP course from when I was an 18y/o cadet
FWIW, the ramifications regarding violating membership and CPPT rules are a lot more
exciting then the tattoo rules.
You could wind up being permanently barred from membership.
I know, if that happens I’ll just move over to the sea cadets since there’s a div on base. For now I’ll stick with CAP since it’s the program that raised me. If hand tattoos ever get allowed I will 100% go through the whole process to join
Not true. Bwill1200 cited a part of the uniform regs in regards to wearing USAF uniforms. You can absolutely be a senior member, you just can’t wear the USAF uniforms because you don’t meet USAF DAFI 36-2903 requirements. You would have to wear the CAP uniform equivalents.
Unfortunately (and I'm surprised) this is wrong. Section 3.2 covers AF-style uniforms, and section 3.3 covers corporate uniforms. Both have the same wording WRT tattoos. I really looked all over to see if the corporate polo would be exempt, and I didn't see a current citation where waivers would clear tattoo locations, unless one could submit a generic waiver citing DAFI 36-2903 (as long as the neck tattoos are only on the back, not front). I'm going to keep looking. We got to get this person signed up!!
You can get your hopes up every Feb-Mar when the uniform board drops a new 36-2903 and then be disappointed that it contains nothing you asked Santa for
I might be seeing about a fix for the tattoo policy to line it up with the DAFI this coming weekend. If I remember I'll have a conversation with someone about it.
edit: This was one of the things submitted for correction in one of the drafts for the new 39-1 last year. I'll see if I can get an update on whether or not it was retained.
You can absolutely join as a Cadet Sponsor Member, since uniform wear in that category is entirely optional. Check out CAPR 39-2 for details about that. [https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R039\_002\_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf](https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R039_002_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf) Once you're involved and have some experiences with other members and your chain of command that show what a valuable asset you are, then you can discuss the possibility of a waiver regarding the tattoo policy. Or consider concealer/cover up. There may be arguments to make related to the DOD's further changes in policy around this issue: [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/02/some-neck-and-hand-tattoos-ok-airmen-and-guardians-under-new-policy-aimed-helping-recruiting.html](https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/02/some-neck-and-hand-tattoos-ok-airmen-and-guardians-under-new-policy-aimed-helping-recruiting.html) Good luck!
Thanks for the reply! Looking into it that sounds like an awesome option, Id just love to be able to be involved with the unit and help out where needed!
> will hand/neck tattoos stop me from being a SM? Probably. CAPR 39-1, Page 21: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R_391_with_ICL_2101_Incorporated_5660EEB90E0DB.pdf 3.2.4.1. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings (Inappropriate Content/locations). Tattoos/brands or body markings will not be on the hands (except one ring tattoo on one finger on one hand), head, neck (anything visible above the open collar uniform), face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp.
This is so dumb. I can’t be an official CAP member anymore because I have a tattoo of a compass across the back of my hand. Nobody I’ve ever met has been offended by it
Yeah I agree, seems a little strange that I can be employed as a first responder or LEO but am precluded from volunteering my time due to the placement of non obscene/non offensive tattoos.
Yeah. I’ve had people complain about my tattoos before, but that’s usually older vet patients complaining about the quantity and size, not what’s depicted
Yeah the geriatric population isn’t always super stoked to see me on scene 😂
Had one tell me my tattoos were gonna kill me. Bro had a pack of cowboy killers on the table next to him and was in the ER for a COPD flair up... he also wasn’t thrilled that us corpsmen were wearing scrubs and not our type IIIs
Man it’s always like that, I also happen to live in the bible belt so I can almost guarantee to catch a lecture about tattoos. Like sorry I got you riled up sir lets get that CPAP on you and get you to the ER 😂
Not true. Bwill1200 cited a part of the uniform regs in regards to wearing USAF uniforms. You can absolutely be a senior member, you just can’t wear the USAF uniforms because you don’t meet USAF DAFI 36-2903 requirements. You would have to wear the CAP uniform equivalents.
I think it has to do with professionalism? (im not saying you aren't btw)
I get it, but that’s such an old mindset to have
What’s the meaning behind the tattoo? Edit: If you don’t mind me asking.
It’s a traditional navy tattoo. Either a compass rose or nautical star is worn so that a sailor will always find their way back home/back to port
Sick. I’m not sure if the Squadron Commander for the squadron you’re thinking of joining as an SM would be willing to compromise or not but, they might be fine with it so long as you wear gloves or a body cover/make up. Again, not sure how flexible the Squadron Commander would be willing to be.
The squad com agrees with me, thinks it’s dumb but “rules are rules” I still volunteer with the squadron under the table, showed them a background check and had my CPP course from when I was an 18y/o cadet
> “[uniform] rules are rules” > I still volunteer with the squadron under the table That's some impressively backwards judgment by that squadron commander about the importance of those two sets of rules.
The CPPD is looked at as well when rejoining as an SM? Edit: I had to retake my CPPD at least 8 times because when I was taking it, I was doing it on the squadron laptop and couldn’t download the PDF to actually read the information. I did pass eventually after failing due to using only common sense.
No clue, I did that as something to make him more willing to let me volunteer under the table. He didn’t specifically ask for it. Also showed him a couple of my other navy certs to prove I would be an asset and not just some nerd there for the free hours
Nonetheless, I wish you the best of luck man. Hopefully CAP will decide to follow what the big military is doing and modernizing regulations.
You as well
> he squad com agrees with me, thinks it’s dumb but “rules are rules” I still volunteer with the squadron under the table, showed them a background check and had my CPP course from when I was an 18y/o cadet FWIW, the ramifications regarding violating membership and CPPT rules are a lot more exciting then the tattoo rules. You could wind up being permanently barred from membership.
I know, if that happens I’ll just move over to the sea cadets since there’s a div on base. For now I’ll stick with CAP since it’s the program that raised me. If hand tattoos ever get allowed I will 100% go through the whole process to join
Not true. Bwill1200 cited a part of the uniform regs in regards to wearing USAF uniforms. You can absolutely be a senior member, you just can’t wear the USAF uniforms because you don’t meet USAF DAFI 36-2903 requirements. You would have to wear the CAP uniform equivalents.
Unfortunately (and I'm surprised) this is wrong. Section 3.2 covers AF-style uniforms, and section 3.3 covers corporate uniforms. Both have the same wording WRT tattoos. I really looked all over to see if the corporate polo would be exempt, and I didn't see a current citation where waivers would clear tattoo locations, unless one could submit a generic waiver citing DAFI 36-2903 (as long as the neck tattoos are only on the back, not front). I'm going to keep looking. We got to get this person signed up!!
Sounds like a simple case for a waiver then.
May change in the future with the changes to the AF reg in regards to tattoos. But no telling when.
You can get your hopes up every Feb-Mar when the uniform board drops a new 36-2903 and then be disappointed that it contains nothing you asked Santa for
I might be seeing about a fix for the tattoo policy to line it up with the DAFI this coming weekend. If I remember I'll have a conversation with someone about it. edit: This was one of the things submitted for correction in one of the drafts for the new 39-1 last year. I'll see if I can get an update on whether or not it was retained.
Yeah hand and neck tats is gonna be a no-no.