Armed Forces' updated tattoo policy leaves those who ink in the pink

A Southern Vancouver Island tattoo shop owner says the Canadian Armed Forces' recent policy change to allowtattoos except on the face and scalphas increased his business.

The military took steps to loosen some of its recruiting restrictions in August, allowingink on mostparts of the bodyas long as it is not offensive.

Jim Carter who ownsIncendiary Tattoos near Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Canada's Pacific Coast naval base located outside Victoria, B.C. says he thinks it's a good move to allow military personnel and military hopefuls to get tattooed.

"Tattoos and the navy are synonymous. I think [the military]started to realize it's part of navy history, so just let them do it," Carter told CBC'sMichael Tymchuk.

Carter says since the rules changed, his business has been booming with both military personnel and civilians seeking tattoos. Many of those civilians are interested in joining the military, he says.

"Just don't do gross, nasty stuff. Think about what you want to do first, or wait until you've enlisted."

Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Alain Guimondsays the militaryhopesthe change will encourage more people to join the Armed Forces.

"Tattoos are more in fashion that they used to be. And we had some people waiting to come in here [who] were refused just because they had the tattoo on their neck," Guimond said.

"Right now with the policy, we think we open the door a little more for them."

Tattoo renaissance

Carter, who has been tattooing for 30 years, says tattoos are becoming the norm for both genders.

"We're in a renaissance period in tattooing where you're part of a visible minority if you're not tattooed, in this part of the world for sure," Carter said.

Being so close to a naval base, Carter gives military discounts.

"That's just a service, thanking them for what they do."

Carter says that those in the armed forces who visit his shop often favour nautical themes for tattoo designs.

"Some tattoos also represent certain milestones. You get a certain tattoo when you cross the equator, or circumnavigate the world."

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