Then there was a major disconnect in our policies. The Dress Manual may not apply to applicants, but it does apply the moment they become members. How can we honestly recruit someone who will instantly be in violation of a regulation the moment they sign on the dotted line?
But, the applicants wouldn't be in violation because the new recruiting policy is barring people with Neck, hand tattoos, yet they're permitted by the CFP265.
However, it's the face/head tattoos, people weren't being recruited if they had them in the first place. Exceptions were being made for small tattoos (like behind the ears) and the justification was that if a member is suitable for service, why bar them for placement of tattoos, and were waiving it.
Hell, I see a few guys walking around with tattoos right up to the bottom of their chin.