Tattoos have been one of the powerful forms of self-expression not only for civilians but also for military veterans. These tattoos exhibit stories of bravery, courage and sacrifices of the soldiers. many retired military veterans try to bridge the gap by isolating what these veterans experienced after returning from deployment. In general, just like civilians, tattooing in the air force is also considered a powerful mode of expression that represents many emotional associations that a warrior or soldier experiences in his career. From anger and loss to fear and freedom, force tattoos have a lot to represent.
Although all military tattoos are popular, air force tattoos have a different fan base. It is the wide variety of air force tattoos that not only allows airmen to draw eye-catching tattoos on their body, but also ordinary people who want to show their patriotism. Air force tattoos have tons of variations, including insignias and symbols that people like to dedicate especially to the branch of aviation. Since the air force controls activities in the air and is always ready to attack anyone who violates the airspace, the force dominates the airways.
That’s one of the reasons you’ll find wings, national mascots, bald eagles, air force medals and insignia among popular air force tattoos. Interestingly, to get an air force tattoo, you don’t necessarily have to be in the air force. tattooing is the common passion that you would find in people who are somehow related to aviators. They draw air force tattoos in memory of their loved ones who served in the armed forces. Like any other military branch, the risk of accidents, wars, and death is always high in the Air Force. And getting any air force symbol tattooed is one of the best ways to remember the services of fallen soldiers.
To put it simply, demonstrating your patriotism through a tattoo is a proud way to stand for your country. If you are planning to ink your body to honor air force services, reading this article might help you find exciting tattoo ideas. However, before we round up these tattoos, let’s run through the latest amendments in air force tattooing policies. 
air force changes in tattoo policy
The Air Force will soon be more colorful with fancy tattoos as the policy regarding tattoos has changed. previously, air force candidates were allowed to have tattoos only on certain parts of the body, which should be no more than 25% of the body. The new policy went into effect on February 1, 2017 and is seen as a step toward making the tattoo policy more lenient.
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James communicated this change from previous policies after reviewing them. The amendment is intended to broaden the pool of opportunities for eligible applicants seeking to join the service. Previous tattoo policies restricted many young people who wanted to support the air force’s mission and show their love for country.
That’s what makes knowing the tattoo policy, along with the latest amendments, substantively important.
air force tattoos allowed
Although the Air Force has already eliminated the 25 percent rule for good reason, you need to know which body parts can be tattooed. knowing the policies can save you from possible disqualification if you intend to apply for the air force soon.
The good news is that aviators can now have virtually any size tattoo anywhere on their legs, feet and arms. Not only this, full sleeve or half sleeve tattoos are perfectly and technically allowed on both hands. if you have an existing tattoo on your hands, they were cleared and screened under the new policy standards.
air force tattoos that are not allowed
Although the air force has comparatively more lenient policies when it comes to drawing tattoos on various parts of the body, it still has some restrictions and standards that you must follow.
Aviators may not get tattoos in the following places:
- head
- neck
- tongue
- lips
- scalp
- the face
Despite these restricted areas of the body, Airmen have plenty of canvas for tattoos.
air force tattoo ideas and meanings
There is no doubt that like other branches of the military, the Air Force has its medals and insignia. these badges and medals signify airmen’s special skills, qualifications, and service to their country. these insignia display air force rank identification.
If you choose to get a tattoo based on a particular insignia, it shows how proud you are of your services to your country. It also shows the achievements you have made in the uniform. Aside from that, insignia tattoos are a strong reminder of your courage and bravery.
Although aviation tattoo designs are mainly different but they also have some standard features such as ordinary wings which symbolize the occupation, spirit and skills of aviators. precisely, the navigator air force symbol is a famous air force tattoo design depicting wings and planes.
fighter plane and wing tattoo
An air force tattoo is incomplete if it doesn’t have fighter jets. This tattoo is inked by the artists on the upper arm and it shows its associations with the quintessential air force. they draw it with the American flag and a fighter plane that is in action. Additionally, this Air Force tattoo features an official USASF emblem.
old school dogfight
is another popular air force tattoo that looks amazing when it comes to depicting warplanes that people used in the early 1990s. the tattoo basically depicts an epic sleeve, which are the planes used in the “agony of an epic dogfight”. The theme of this air force tattoo makes you nostalgic as it recalls the services of the air force warriors for the nation.
aviator in cockpit
The tattoo looks more like a portrait and looks best if the artists draw it on the back. the tattoo represents a complete image of an aviator who is ready to attack. uses monochrome ink and black and white reproduction. furthermore, there are comrades on both sides of the airmen. the tattoo has to do with courage, bravery and having your back in the air.
shark mouth fighter
Fighter plane nose art became the talk of the town when some of the popular air force veterans got their arms tattooed with this tattoo. the shark-mouthed wrestler is incredibly popular for his recognizable and unique nose, which was first drawn by a German wrestler. later, a group of American volunteers copied it; the group was called the flying tigers.
air force chest tattoo
many civilians wear this tattoo because it represents a take no prisoners attitude but at the same time the aggression of an air force pilot. the tattoo has three fighter jets that appear to be emerging from a large air force insignia. It fits perfectly on the chest due to its large size.
tiny air force insignia
The simple, monochrome air force insignia inspires many people no matter where you draw it on your body. It’s an easy way to pay tribute to your Air Force services.
mascot of the nation
The nation’s mascot is a popular tattoo among members of the air force that shows a bald eagle soaring high with wings outstretched above a flag. the classic tattoo also includes an air force pendant that is part of the uniforms. the eagle holding the pendant is below his right wing. Whether you draw this tattoo on the chest or upper arm, it looks fabulous.
freedom eagle tattoo
the tattoo has an inscription of a popular saying ‘freedom is not free’ in the world of soldiers. the tattoo expresses the idea that independence does not come overnight, but requires lives and sacrifices every day. you’ll see the quote next to the image of the fighter plane.
cloudy sky
Cartoon and realistic versions of cloudy tattoos are famous and exciting. The tattoo has an image of cloudy skies and a plane passing through them, symbolizing the hardships and challenges of an aviator in airspace. you can customize the tattoo graphics however you like. the tattoo is usually done with black ink if you opt for its realistic version. however, in the cartoon version, the plane blasts its way through the bullets and flying creatures with strong, bright colors appear.
death before dishonor tattoo
It is another interesting air force tattoo that represents the hard training and survival effort of the soldiers and airmen. the tattoo sends this message through this powerful inscription that there is no honor in living a cowardly life.
air force badge with parachute and plane
The tattoo is great to remember the lives lost in battles or wars. the tattoo has a large air force insignia in the center with fighter jets and parachutes flying around.
final thoughts
In a nutshell, air force tattoos not only look fantastic, but they’re also a great way to show your love for the military and its services.
