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Can You Have Piercings in the Military? Your 2025 Guide to Rules and Regulations

Written By: MBA Staff

Updated:

Ever thought about if piercings could stop you from joining the military? In 2025, the U.S. military has strict rules on piercings but they’re not impossible to follow. This guide will help you understand if you can have piercings in the military. We’ll cover the rules for each branch, exceptions, and offer tips for making informed choices.

Why Military Piercing Rules Matter in 2025

Military rules on appearance are about discipline, uniformity, and safety. Piercings can be a form of self-expression but might not fit these priorities. In 2025, the military balances tradition with changing times but keeps strict rules for readiness. This article answers your questions about piercings in the military, including nose and ear piercings, with the latest policies and advice.

Piercing Policies Across U.S. Military Branches

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own rules on appearance. We’ll look at the specific rules for piercings, including face, nose, and ear piercings.

Army Piercing Regulations

The U.S. Army’s grooming standards, as of 2021, are clear on piercings. Soldiers can’t wear most body piercings in uniform or on duty. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Ear Piercings: Female soldiers can wear small, conservative earrings (6mm or smaller, spherical, in gold, silver, white pearl, or diamond) in service, dress, or mess uniforms. Male soldiers cannot wear earrings in uniform or on duty, but there are no restrictions when off duty and out of uniform.
  • Face and Body Piercings: No nose, lip, tongue, or eyebrow piercings are allowed in uniform or on duty. This includes visible piercings through clothing. Clear retainers are also unauthorized, as they’re considered jewelry.
  • Off-Duty Rules: When off duty and out of uniform, male and female soldiers can wear piercings, provided they don’t violate local command policies or pose safety risks.

Did You Know? The Army defines “ear gauging” (earlobe holes larger than 1.6mm) as prohibited, even off duty, to maintain a professional appearance.

Navy Piercing Rules

The Navy’s piercing policies, detailed in the Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665I, last updated 2022), are similar but slightly more restrictive in some cases:

  • Ear Piercings: Female sailors can wear one pair of small, matching earrings (gold, silver, or pearl, no larger than 1/4 inch). Male sailors cannot wear earrings in uniform or on duty.
  • Other Piercings: No facial or body piercings (e.g., nose, lip, or tongue) are allowed in uniform, on duty, or on military installations, even in civilian attire. Clear retainers are not permitted.
  • Off-Duty Flexibility: Off base and out of uniform, sailors can wear piercings unless local command policies state differently.

Expert Tip: Always check with your recruiter or command about local policies, as some bases, like Fort Cavazos, may have stricter rules about off-duty piercings.

Air Force and Space Force Piercing Guidelines

The Air Force and Space Force have strict rules about piercings. They follow Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2903, updated in 2023. This rule is very strict.

  • Ear Piercings: Female airmen and guardians can wear one small, conservative earring per earlobe. The earrings must match, be spherical, in diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver. They must fit tightly and not extend below the earlobe. Male members cannot wear earrings in uniform or on duty.
  • Face and Body Piercings: Prohibited in uniform, on duty, or in civilian attire on military installations. This includes nose piercings, tongue piercings, and any visible body piercings. Clear retainers are not allowed.
  • Safety Exceptions: Piercings that interfere with equipment (e.g., helmets, gas masks) or pose health risks are banned, even off duty.

Myth vs. Fact: Myth: You can wear clear retainers to hide piercings in the Air Force. Fact: Retainers are considered jewelry and are unauthorized in uniform or on duty.

Marine Corps Piercing Standards

The Marine Corps has strict grooming standards. These are outlined in MCO 1020.34H (last updated 2018).

  • Ear Piercings: Female Marines can wear one pair of small, polished earrings. They can be gold, silver, or diamond, no larger than 1/4 inch. Dress or service uniforms are allowed. Male Marines cannot wear earrings at any time on duty or on military installations.
  • Other Piercings: No facial or body piercings are allowed in uniform, on duty, or on military installations. This includes nose piercings and tongue piercings.
  • Off-Duty Rules: Piercings are permitted off duty and off base. They must not interfere with uniform wear or military duties.

Did You Know? The Marine Corps emphasizes a “professional military image” at all times. Even off-duty piercings may be scrutinized if they’re deemed excessive.

Coast Guard Piercing Policies

The Coast Guard’s Uniform Regulations (COMDTINST M1020.6K, updated 2021) align closely with the Navy:

  • Ear Piercings: Female Coast Guardsmen can wear one pair of small, conservative earrings. Male members cannot wear earrings in uniform or on duty.
  • Face and Body Piercings: Prohibited in uniform, on duty, or on military installations. Clear retainers are not allowed.
  • Off-Duty Flexibility: Piercings are permitted off duty and off base. They must not violate local policies or safety standards.

Expert Tip: If you’re considering enlisting, remove all piercings before visiting a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). This avoids delays or issues.

Comparison of Piercing Rules by Branch

BranchEar Piercings (Female)Ear Piercings (Male)Face/Body PiercingsOff-Duty Rules
ArmySmall, spherical, 6mm or lessNot allowed in uniform/on dutyNot allowed in uniform/on dutyAllowed off duty, off base
NavyOne pair, 1/4 inch or lessNot allowed in uniform/on dutyNot allowed on installationsAllowed off duty, off base
Air Force/Space ForceOne pair, small, conservativeNot allowed in uniform/on dutyNot allowed on installationsAllowed off duty, off base
Marine CorpsOne pair, 1/4 inch or lessNot allowed on installationsNot allowed on installationsAllowed off duty, off base
Coast GuardOne pair, small, conservativeNot allowed in uniform/on dutyNot allowed on installationsAllowed off duty, off base

Can You Have Nose Piercings in the Military?

Nose piercings are a big worry for those in the military. As of 2025, the answer is clear: nose piercings are not allowed in uniform, on duty, or on military installations across all branches. This includes clear retainers, which are considered jewelry and are prohibited. If you’re asking, “Can you have nose piercings in the military?” the short answer is no, unless you’re off duty and off base, and even then, local command policies may apply.

Expert Tip: If you have a nose piercing, consider letting it heal or close before basic training to avoid complications or the need for re-piercing later.

Religious and Medical Accommodations for Piercings

In rare cases, the military may grant accommodations for piercings based on religious or medical needs. For example, a 2014 Department of Defense (DoD) instruction allows religious accommodations, such as piercings for cultural or spiritual practices, but these require approval from a commander and must not interfere with safety or uniform standards.

  • Process: Submit a formal request through your chain of command, detailing the religious or medical necessity.
  • Challenges: Approvals are rare and evaluated case-by-case. Piercings that pose safety risks (e.g., interfere with helmets or gas masks) are unlikely to be approved.
  • Examples: Sikh soldiers may request accommodations for religious jewelry, but piercings are less commonly approved.

Did You Know? Religious accommodations are evaluated under strict guidelines to balance individual beliefs with military discipline. Always consult your recruiter or command for guidance.

Practical Tips for Recruits with Piercings

If you’re planning to enlist and have piercings, here’s how to prepare:

  1. Remove Piercings Before MEPS: All piercings must be removed for Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) evaluations. Bring documentation if you have medical or religious reasons for keeping them.
  2. Discuss with Your Recruiter: Be upfront about your piercings. Recruiters can clarify branch-specific rules and help you avoid surprises.
  3. Consider Healing Times: If you need to remove piercings for basic training, factor in healing times to prevent infections or re-piercing later.
  4. Check Local Policies: Some bases have stricter off-duty rules, so ask about command-specific regulations.
  5. Opt for Temporary Solutions: If you want to maintain piercings, consider removable jewelry for off-duty use to comply with regulations.

Myth vs. Fact: Myth: You can hide piercings with clear retainers during basic training. Fact: Retainers are prohibited, and hiding piercings can lead to disciplinary action.

Timeline of Military Piercing Policy Changes

YearChangeImpact
2014DoD introduces religious accommodations for piercings and jewelryAllows limited exceptions for religious practices, subject to approval
2015Army updates tattoo and piercing policies to attract millennialsEases tattoo restrictions but maintains strict piercing rules
2021Army revises AR 670-1 for clarity on grooming standardsClarifies piercing bans and adds visual examples for soldiers
2022Navy updates uniform regulationsReinforces ban on facial piercings and retainers
2023Air Force updates AFI 36-2903Maintains strict piercing rules but allows conservative earrings for women

Common Questions About Piercings in the Military

Are Piercings Allowed in Basic Training?

No, piercings are not allowed during basic training across all branches. You must remove all jewelry, including earrings, nose rings, and retainers, before arriving at training. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary action or delays in processing.

Can I Have Piercings in the Military If They’re Not Visible?

Even non-visible piercings (e.g., tongue or navel) are prohibited in uniform or on duty, as they’re considered jewelry. Some branches, like the Air Force, ban non-visible piercings on installations due to safety concerns.

What Happens If I Get Caught with Unauthorized Piercings?

Consequences vary by branch and commander but may include:

  • Counseling or verbal warnings
  • Orders to remove piercings
  • Disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for repeated violations
  • Potential separation from service in extreme cases

Expert Tip: Always comply with piercing removal requests to avoid escalating issues that could affect your career.

Trends and Future Outlook for Piercing Policies

By 2025, military piercing policies will likely stay strict. This is because of the need for uniformity and safety. But, changing views on body art and self-expression might bring changes.

The Army, for example, eased up on tattoo rules in 2022. This move shows they might be open to adjusting piercing policies too. Yet, any changes will focus on keeping things safe and disciplined.

On social media, like X, opinions are mixed. Some want looser rules, while others stress the need for a professional image. For now, there are no big changes planned for 2025. But, recruits should keep up with updates through recruiters and official websites like www.goarmy.com or www.airforce.com.

Conclusion:

Are you wondering about piercings in the military? The key is that most piercings are banned in uniform or on duty. Female earrings are an exception. But, off duty and off base, you have more freedom, though local rules can differ.

By knowing these rules and planning ahead, you can move forward in your military career. Piercings shouldn’t stop you. If you’re thinking about joining, talk to your recruiter about your piercings. They can guide you through the rules of each branch.

Stay safe and focused on your goal of serving. What’s your next step? Connect with a recruiter today to get clear and start your journey with confidence.

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MBA Staff

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