GERMANY—In what is reportedly the first update in years by the German military regarding body art and modifications, new rules just promulgated prohibit tattoos deemed "pornographic," as well as tongue piercings and other visible piercings on the body. Bushy beards are also verboten. The image issue is of importance to the German military, which experienced a similar spate of embarassment in the 1970s during its so-called "German Hair Force" phase.
These days, long hair has given way to tats and piercings, prompting the review. According to Defense News, "Tattoos are permitted if discreetly covered up, but body art is banned if it depicts 'discriminatory or pornographic motifs or content that breaches the values and norms of the constitution or criminal law.
"Tube-shaped 'tunnel' piercings through earlobes 'are permitted only when they can be completely covered up by a skin-colored patch 15 millimeters (a little more than half an inch) in diameter.'" the article added.
As far as facial hair goes, beards are allowed as long as they are "well kept and trimmed,” and a regulation also mandates that a soldier who wants to grow a beard “must do so during his holidays."
For the top of the head, Mohawks are now prohibited but crew cuts are no longer mandatory. Specifically, the new regs say that “the hair should be cut so that when the head is held upright it does not touch the uniform- or shirt collar."
Looks like Bonnie Rotten won't be joining the German military anytime soon.
Photo: German soldiers in full camouflage.
