Accepted Candidate Collections

USNAINST 6240.1OF
OMB 0703-0036
EXP: Renewal Pending
USNA AND NAPS APPLICANT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
REGARDING BODY AL TERATIONS

1. U.S. Naval Academy policy regarding body alterations is as follows:
a. Tattoos and Body Art. Four criteria will be used to determine whether tattoos/body
art/brands are permitted for Midshipmen and MIC: content, location, size, and cosmetic. Failure
to comply with established acceptable tattoo criteria as stated, is a violation of midshipmen
regulations and may subject a Midshipman or MIC to disciplinary action to include involuntary
separation.
(1) Content. Tattoos located anywhere on the body that are prejudicial to good order,
discipline, morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the naval service are prohibited. For
example, tattoos that are obscene, sexually explicit, or advocate discrimination based on sex,
race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin are prohibited. In addition, tattoos that symbolize
affiliation with gangs, supremacist or extremist groups, or advocate illegal drug use are
prohibited. Waivers will not be granted for tattoos with prohibited content.
(2) Location. No tattoos are permitted on the head, face (to include ear), neck, and scalp.
Permissible tattoos on the torso area of the body shall not be visible through white uniform
clothing. Chest tattoos will not be visible when v-neck undergarments are worn underneath any
uniform.
(3) Size. Leg and arm tattoos can be of any size ..
(4) Cosmetic Tattoos. Cosmetic tattoos are authorized to correct medical conditions
requiring such treatment. For purposes of this regulation, cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or
surgical procedures conducted by a licensed, qualified medical professional.
b. Mutilation. Intentional mutilation of any part of the body is prohibited. Mutilation is
defined as the intentional, radical alteration of the body, head, face, or skin for the purpose of, or
resulting in, an abnormal appearance. Examples include, but are not limited to:
(1) Split, forked, or pierced tongue;
(2) Pierced nose, lip, eyebrow, or other areas of the face or body;
(3) Foreign objects affixed to or inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern;
(4) Enlarged or stretched holes in ears (other than normal piercing);
( 5) Intentional scarring on neck, face, scalp; or
(6) Intentional bums creating a design or pattern

c. Dental Ornamentation. The use of gold, platinum, or other veneers or caps for purposes of
dental ornamentation is prohibited. For purposes of this regulation, ornamentation is defined as
decorative veneers or caps. Teeth, whether natural, capped, or veneered, will not be ornamented
with designs, jewels, initials, etc.
2. All applicants offered an appointment for admission shall complete the following statement: I
DO/DO NOT (circle one) HAVE ONE OR MORE BODY ALTERATIONS. I AM/AM NOT
(circle one) A PRIOR ENLISTED SERVICE MEMBER. (If the applicant is a prior enlisted
Service Member, did you obtain the body alteration while on active duty? __ Yes __ No.)
Thoroughly describe any alterations below. The written description shall accurately describe the
type, nature, location, and size of the body alteration and translate any foreign language or
symbology contained in the alteration, as applicable.

3. Each appointee shall also attach a photograph of any body alteration to this form and submit
both with their Certificate of Acceptance of their offer for appointment. For the sake of modesty
and privacy, only close-up photographs of alterations normally covered by a regulation swimsuit
shall be submitted for review. Prior enlisted service members with pre-existing waivers shall also
attach a signed copy of the waiver to this form.
4. By signing below, I acknowledge that, as a condition of admission to the U.S. Naval Academy
or the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), I voluntarily agree to undergo all body
alteration treatment or removal required by the U.S. Naval Academy Body Alteration Review
Board for alterations that do not comply with U.S. Naval Academy policy at my own expense. I
understand that military treatment facilities may not be able to provide treatment or removal
services and I may have to use a civilian facility at my own expense.
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5. I understand and agree that any required body alteration removal must be completed no later
than the start ofmy third academic year at the U.S. Naval Academy and removal treatment must
begin no later than January ofmy Plebe year or January ofmy year at NAPS.
6. I enter into this agreement voluntarily, ofmy own free will. I may void this agreement at any
time by withdrawal ofmy application to the U.S. Naval Academy.
7. I understand the policies stated above, and I agree to not receive any body alteration without
prior permission after the signing ofthis statement or while at the U.S. Naval Academy or the U.S.
Naval Academy Preparatory School. I understand that violating these body alteration policies or
application requirements may result in disqualification from consideration for an appointment to
the U.S. Naval Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School.

Witness Signature, Date

Appointee Signature, Date

Print Name

Print Name

AGENCY DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The public reporting burden for this collection of
information, 0703-0036, is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the
burden estimate or burden reduction suggestions to the Department of Defense, Washington
Headquarters Services, at [email protected].
Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be
subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not
display a currently valid OMB control number.

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