The US Marines are banning the wearing of large tattoos, saying they do not represent "traditional values". From Sunday, tattoos on the head or neck, or large tattoos on arms or legs will not be allowed. Marines already with the tattoos are exempt. Unit commanders will photograph and document all existing tattoos to make sure Marines do not touch them up. Dozens of Marines are reportedly queuing up at tattoo parlours to beat the deadline.

Marines have long been banned from having racist or sexist tattoos. But from 1 April, "sleeve" tattoos that cover most of an arm or leg will be banned, as will smaller half or quarter sleeve tattoos if they are visible on arms or legs when a Marine is wearing shorts and T-shirt.