Let Protecting Our Freedom of Expression Be A Staple In Our Military Too, Why Not?
I am currently a college student studying Business and Economics and it has been my dream for years to serve as a United States Marine. I have made permanent decisions in my life that I have to live with, what I am referring to are my tattoos. I currently have a full sleeve, a half sleeve on my other arm and both of my hands are tattooed. I believe that as an American I should have the right to be who I want to be. I am very proud of the fact that as an American I can do whatever my heart and mind wants and no matter how unattainable my dreams may be with the right amount of work and dedication it is a possibility. I believe and even though I know many others do not agree with that it is my responsibility as an American to serve my military and do my part in keeping my country safe and to be involved in other global affairs. Personally I believe that this country needs more people looking out for one another and the way I see myself doing that is serving as a United States Marine. The Marine Corps states that it is unprofessional to have full sleeves and that they do not want to be regarded as a rock band. There are many successful people with tattoos because unlike a piercing it cannot be removed as easily especially with those including myself with many. The United States Navy has accepted the fact that almost 40% of Americans have tattoos and that they do not want to shy away good candidates for the Navy. Many people are dumbfounded by the fact that tattoos can make it impossible for those to join the military, as they believe that those who are willing to join should be able to. Joining the military is a dedication that takes you away from loved ones and other aspirations in life for a time and being brave enough to want to take that step is honor in and of itself. I have personally taken the initiative of getting my stretched ears sewn shut but when I arrived to the tattoo removal clinic they told me that it would take 2-3 years of constant laser treatment to remove all of my tattoos. This affects me because I would like to be a part of what is going on right now. Many Marine veterans with tattoos in non-designated areas are being denied from reenlistment, many of them were great Marines and have the passion and drive to rejoin. We need Americans who are passionate about joining the military to be able to, we need Americans to believe in their right to be able to accomplish anything they want to accomplish. This to me refers to many things other than the military.
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