American soldiers return home from the war and realize that they are behind the times. The gap between the military and civilians is huge - less than one percent of Americans serve in the army, compared with 12 percent during World War II. Even after years fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, most Americans do not personally know a single soldier, sailor or airman.
Any veteran will tell you that one of the most difficult experiences of a lifetime is to return to a society that has no idea about war at all. While you were fighting, your country lived its own life, and it’s not that everyone doesn’t care ... They just can’t understand. Tattoos are widespread among the military. They are applied in memory of fallen friends, in memory of units, they make tattoos with various mottos or prayers, or they apply drawings that reflect personal experience and impressions. Drawings on the body can be dedicated to what their owner is most likely to keep silent about.
Photographer Peter Hapek visited Al Herman's Silver Spring, Maryland tattoo parlor and asked veterans to roll up their sleeves and take off their T-shirts to reveal tattoos and scars.
(Total 13 photos)
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1. Corporal Paul Bell, US Army. "This is my version of hell. God doesn't punish people, they punish themselves by walking away from God," says Bell, who served as an orderly in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. The hand depicts two people falling into the fire.
2. Private First Class Zakharia Flury, US Army. The inscription on the chest: "We are born with golden hearts. We grow old and hearts cool down." (Peter Hapak for TIME)
3. Junior Sergeant Devon Pitz, US Army. "It's a tattoo in honor of service in the paratroopers," says Pitz, who served in the 101st Airborne Division. The tattoo is crossed by a scar from a fragment. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
4. Junior Sergeant Edward Clavin, US Army. "I never tell people where to stand or what to do," the photographer, Peter Hapek, said of the photo. "Clavin just stood up like he wanted to tell his story by showing his body." (Peter Hapak for TIME)
5. "This guy was with me when I got shot," says Corporal Ben McCroskey, a Marine in Afghanistan who lost his leg on April 1, 2010. When a serviceman dies, his weapons, boots and helmet are also taken away in order to then say the traditional prayer. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
6. "It's a knight with a sword," explains Marine Joey Ferguson, who traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan and lost his right leg. "We have something in common with him." (Peter Hapak for TIME)
7. "It's in honor of the unit," says US Army Staff Sergeant Brad Fasnacht, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The tattoo with a skull in a helmet was made in honor of service in the 44th Engineer Battalion. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
8. Junior Sergeant Thomas Beaver shows off his left shoulder with a tattoo that has the names of two of his brothers who also serve. Name tattoos are popular. "It's in honor of them. It's a show of respect. They're not with us, so we carry their history on our bodies." (Peter Hapak for TIME)
9. Lance Sergeant Anthony Morales has many tattoos to commemorate his service. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
10. On the shoulder of Junior Sergeant Thomas Beaver, an unfinished tattoo - the flag lacks the inscription "Operation Enduring Freedom" in honor of his service in Afghanistan. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
11. "A lot of shrapnel came out of that shoulder," says lance sergeant Devon Pitz, who served in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010. The tattoo has the name of his father. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
12. "I lost my right leg above the knee to a parachute that didn't open while I was with the 82nd Airborne," says Maj. John Craig, who served in Iraq in 2003 and 2004. He has a tattoo on his left leg commemorating his time in the demonstration marching team of the Summerell Guards. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
13. Sgt. Rudy McGoy, whose shoulders and back are scarred from shrapnel from his 2009 stay in Afghanistan, decided to have a New Testament passage from Hebrews inscribed on his body. This is a passage that he believes describes an enemy he fought in Afghanistan. (Peter Hapak for TIME)
Army tattoos in terms of symbolism, only prison and mafia tattoos can compete: there is not such a developed symbolism, but the conditions in which they are created are very special. Many people confuse army and prisoner tattoos: you can often see a man with an old tattoo on public transport or on the street, and many mistake him for a former prisoner, but this may not necessarily be true. Army tattoos, the meaning of which is different from prison ones, will be the topic of our conversation today.
Special forces tattoo in the form of a bat
Army tattoos and their symbols
Army tattoos can be conditionally and informally divided into several groups:
- Tattoos by rank
- Tattoos by troops
- Tattoos made with those with whom he served
- Tattoos made "out of nothing to do"
The first category - tattoos by rank, are made by those who have passed through some kind of military hierarchy: these can be both shoulder straps and other symbols of power. Tattoos for the troops usually indicate in which troops the man had to serve: infantry, rifle, naval, and so on. This category is usually sentimental and is done in memory of the time spent in the army.
Tattoos made by those and with those with whom he served have the same function, reminding of army comrades and friends.
And the last category - tattoos from "nothing to do." In the army, contrary to common times, there is a lot of free time and a lot of people who somehow know how to draw: this is how tattoos are born that do not have a special semantic load.
Army tattoo of the Airborne Forces - a tiger in a beret
Social status by tattoo
As in the criminal world, army tattoos, the sketches of which resemble prison ones, have a special meaning: some of them indicate the social status of a soldier within the unit and indicate his belonging to a specific branch of the military or even a unit (for example, the GRU). In the military environment, tattoos are allowed to be worn exclusively by "grandfathers": the insignia on the body must be earned, and without serving the due date, many soldiers simply do not have the right to make themselves a tattoo. Soldiers usually get tattoos at the end of their service life, in memory of the past years, in honor of the fact that they defended their homeland.
Sketches of a scorpion tattoo - one of the most common symbols in army circles, meaning strength and power, courage and courage
Standard tattoo of the Airborne Forces - aircraft against the background of a parachute
Symbolism of army tattoos by troops
- Airborne. Most often in these troops there is an “unspoken protocol” for tattooing on the body: it is done on the left shoulder and depicts a parachute indicating the place or locality where the service took place. Often among the tattoos of these troops there is a winged wolf with the inscription "45 PIU", the image of paratroopers and aircraft.
- Special forces and intelligence. The most common symbol in these troops is bat, as a sign of mystery. Most often, she is depicted with the moon, which symbolizes the night, as well as with a parachute dome. Also in special forces, tattoos of skulls with berets are often found.
- Fleet. The symbol of the northern fleet is undoubtedly a polar bear, but real “pirate tattoos” are also often found: the steering wheel, anchors, sailboats. Among employees navy tattoos are also common, which are made on the edge of the palm. Usually this is the inscription "For the Navy!"
- Marines . The Marines are not distinguished by originality - their symbol is the parachute dome. Images of an anchor against the background of a globe and dolphins are also common, and the ribbon with the name of the troops has become the simplest tattoo of infantrymen.
- Separate Security Brigade of the Minister of Defense. When accepting recruits into a separate brigade, all future soldiers were carefully checked for tattoos on their bodies: even with a pattern applied between the toes, it was impossible to get into the brigade. But as soon as a soldier was accepted, after a year of service, it was possible to get a dragon tattoo on his shoulder.
- Employees in the North Caucasus. The symbol of the soldiers who served in the North Caucasus is a scorpion stuffed on the chest. Particular attention is paid to the tail and sting of the scorpion: if it is raised, then the soldier took part in hostilities, and if it is omitted, he did not.
Often the tattoo of the troops of the Airborne Forces is done in this way
Recently, army-style tattoos have become especially popular even among those who have never served anywhere.
I like criminal and military tattoos: the way they present the theme, symbols, they can be read like a book, looking at a person, learn about him: where he served, what rank he was in, whether he participated in hostilities. It's a whole culture, and even though I'm a girl and can't be a part of it, I respect it!
Katya, Belgorod
Sketch of an army tattoo in the form of a bullet, blood type and sight
Important! If you want to get a tattoo with army symbols, be sure that you won’t go to the army anymore: if you get into the army as a recruit, you will have a hard time with an army tattoo, because they are allowed to do only after some time of service.
Army scorpion tattoo
My father served on a submarine, and as a child I always loved to listen to his stories from the service - it became a part of my life, I can’t imagine my childhood without these stories! My father made a career in the military, so tattoos associated with the troops have been close to me since childhood: all my dad's friends have some kind of tattoo from the time of service. I, though not supposed to, made myself small tattoo, which I associate with my father's service - the very piece of childhood that is always with me. And, of course, the memory of my father. Hope he doesn't find out :)
Galina, Irkutsk
The scorpion tattoo is a symbol of intelligence or special forces.
Video: collection of army tattoos
In this article, we would like to consider such a separate category from the world of tattoos as army tattoos. What do they mean and how desirable is their application - such reasoning deserves a separate article.
The fact that the school of military service is quite severe is no secret to anyone. Well, how do the army environment relate to wearable drawings? It turns out to be very positive. The main thing is to be able to understand all the nuances and meanings of tattoos.
Can the military get tattoos?
Suspicion about deviations in behavior can cause the following tattoos:
- Covering more than 70% of the body surface
- applied to the face
- With obscene, obscene, sexual, racist, extremist content
IMPORTANT: A visit to a psychiatrist can end in different ways. Of course, deviations may not be detected. But there are also cases when a conscript is prescribed an examination and treatment, put on a 5-year record. The last option can negatively affect your career. young man further.
As you can see, even the listed cases do not serve as a guarantee of a ban on service. As for less radical tattoos, they are not banned.
Concerning special army tattoos, they carry an important meaning, but they all have to be earned. As a rule, already experienced soldiers were allowed to apply them, and newcomers had to wait for their term.
Sometimes the military was still forbidden to apply anything to the body.- for example, when serving in Vietnam, there was a risk of blood poisoning. As for the scouts, then they were not allowed to wear those images that give out personal information.
A tattoo that doesn't reveal any personal information Army military men's tattoos - places
Shoulder- the most common option for placing a tattoo. and predominantly chosen left shoulder- it contains the symbols of the type of troops or unit.
Backside palms on right hand, palm edge- Another common place. They like to place the inscriptions “For You”, “For PV”, “For Airborne Forces”, “For Air Defense” on them.
IMPORTANT: It is believed that such tattoos should be placed so that they are visible when a person raises a toast.
Large images are recommended on the back, because it is an excellent canvas - the procedure will be painless, and the skin in this place is even.
Some tattoos should be placed on the chest For example, blood group.
Bat tattoo: meaning in the army
This mammal is inflicted by representatives Airborne, special forces, intelligence. In China, it is associated with longevity, good health, death without pain. It is noteworthy that the bat and good luck stands for the same hieroglyph - "fu".
As for the perception of this mammal by the Greeks, they associated it with vigilance, insight, the ability to see through. This interpretation of the image becomes clear if we remember that the bat is enough deftly and quickly hunting in the dark.
The Romans, in addition to all of the above, respected the animals for the fact that they are capable of skilfully dodge obstacles.
IMPORTANT: You can create a similar tattoo in chinese style- It is believed that in this case it will bring good luck.
Tiger tattoo: meaning in the army
A tiger in a beret is often depicted by those who are related to Airborne. And no wonder, because the tiger in many cultures was revered for strength, courage, determination, was perceived as personification of the masculine.
The tiger in the beret is another popular symbol among army tattoos. The inhabitants of Asia consider him the king of beasts - Chinese mythology claimed that the tiger keeps the peace and punishes sinners. The inhabitants of India revered the predator worthy of being depicted on the emblems of warriors, and the Japanese made it a symbol of the samurai and a talisman for them.
On the one hand, the tiger symbolizes cruelty, bloodthirstiness and dominance, but on the other hand, courage, greatness, heroism and honor. Embodies the predator and wisdom which is necessary for any warrior.
It is believed that people who are patronized by the tiger will protected in risky situations, will become stronger spiritually.
Tiger warriors were often depicted on coats of arms and shields - it was understood that the drawing protect men, help to show fearlessness. As for the wearable image, it will turn out to be just as effective and spectacular, but it is only desirable to draw a larger tiger. The fact is that it is unlikely that it will be possible to draw a small animal beautifully.
Scorpion tattoo: meaning in the army
It was often applied by those who passed service in the North Caucasus, border guards. Perhaps because the scorpion symbolizes transitional period. Although this creature was often associated with death, loneliness and betrayal, it was also perceived as the embodiment of protection, defense, control.
It is believed that this sign gives its owner willfulness, intuition, devotion, nobility, perseverance, self-confidence.
If you watch a live scorpion, it becomes clear why he was chosen as an emblem. . In case of danger, he always keeps a sting ready - no living creature would dare to fight against such an adversary. A scorpion can warn, but stings instantly. These creatures live in a harsh desert, but able to endure all hardships, which is also quite symbolic.
In ancient chronicles there is a mention of scorpion men guarding the sunrise. Africans have always considered scorpions patrons of avengers and warriors, and the Chinese associated it with moral values.
IMPORTANT: Oddly enough, the scorpion was considered in some cultures a talisman and a symbol of good health. The fact is that its poison in Tibet and Egypt was used as an antidote and was part of some medicines.
Army wolf tattoo
The wolf is liked to be applied to the body by employees related to Airborne, special forces, motorized rifle troops Russian Federation . This animal embodies courage, anger, confidence, loyalty, the ability to win and defend one's interests, fortitude, independence.
Even in ancient times, people looked closely at wolves and tried to copy their behavior during the hunt. Our ancestors were struck mind, discipline, cohesion, insight animal, his willingness to fight to the end.
Before each battle, the Celts believed that, having drunk the blood of a wolf, they turn into it. The Indians saluted wearing the image of a predator only a select few. The Mongols and Turks believed that their ancestors were wolves. It is difficult not to recall the famous legend of Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf. By the way, the same Romans considered the appearance of a wolf on the eve of the battle a good sign.
IMPORTANT: A wolf with an open mouth is a sign that the owner of the tattoo is ready to attack first. An animal with a closed mouth tells others that a person will wait for an enemy attack.
Army tattoos VV MIA
Frequent element - five pointed star. Mostly it serves as a kind of background, but it can act as a separate element. Sometimes the star even becomes the central figure of the tattoo. Her interpretation is simple - belonging of the owner of the image to the Soviet or already Russian army.
Attached to the star is another emblem characteristic of internal troops MIA - a fist with a machine gun or a rifle clamped in it. The weapon is often located against the background of a black shield.
In this sketch for a tattoo of the MVD, a hand with a machine gun is located against the background of a star 
A fist with a rifle on a sketch for a tattoo of VV MVD Army tattoos of motorized rifle troops
The emblem of this type of troops is crossed rifles. True, this continued until 2014, and then the symbol motorized rifle troops become crossed swords and grenada. Grenada blazes and personifies combat power, and swords- fight.
About the sword should be mentioned separately. Since ancient times, he personified courage, honor, justice, control over one's destiny, resilience, willingness to fight for ideals and principles.
IMPORTANT: The sword was often perceived as a symbol of death, which is not surprising. However, it would be more accurate to say that it is rather a sign of the fight against death, protection from it.
Drawing for a tattoo with the designation of motorized rifle troops Army tattoos of the Strategic Missile Forces
Special Forces Rocket Forces are constantly in a state of combat readiness, because it is necessary to provide for aggression that can arise at any time. This also determined the specifics of the coat of arms of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation: a double-headed eagle holding arrows in one paw and a sword in the other. Two arrows are sometimes applied to a tattoo.
Almost always present on the tattoo rocket- it indicates the specifics of the type of troops. Moreover, the rocket can be made both schematically and realistically. Sometimes they even choose a cartoon style.
Tattoo for employees of the Strategic Missile Forces, made in a cartoon style Often there are all sorts of additional elements like people, animals, ribbons, ornament. For example, wolf or bear may well appear in the image. The latter embodies the courage and strength of the soldiers serving in the Strategic Missile Forces.
IMPORTANT: In order for the idea to be organic, the bear can hold arrows in its paws. Or maybe hug a rocket.
Birds- also a good option, because they are associated with the elements of air in the same way as a rocket, arrows. Can be depicted instead of birds wings as a symbol of protection from the air.
Often, wings are depicted on the army tattoo of the Strategic Missile Forces Organically woven into the tattoo years of service, part number. The inscriptions, which are peculiar, also look great. motto this kind of troops. For example, “After us, only silence”, “If we fall asleep, you won’t wake up”- after such slogans it is difficult not to realize the importance of such a service.
Slogans will fit perfectly into the tattoo of the Strategic Missile Forces Army tattoos of tank troops
Of course, on such tattoos they depict tanks. And it doesn't matter if it's big or small. You can embody the idea both in color and in a monophonic version.
Sometimes also indicated company, years of service, city name. Particularly creative personalities invent whole pictures in which the tank appears.
Army tattoos blood type
It is believed that it was these tattoos that gave impetus to the images that are applied to the body for a practical purpose. Now it is not uncommon to find inscriptions about epilepsy, allergic reactions, diabetes and other ailments that are important to consider when providing medical care. In emergency situations, such tattoos literally become life-saving amulets.
Over time, the designation of the blood group became compulsory attribute of the military. After all, if it happened to a soldier on the battlefield, blood transfusion would be impossible without establishing her group. This truth was understood back in the time of Peter the Great, but it became especially widespread when Russian soldiers were in Afghanistan.
IMPORTANT: Such a tattoo must contain a number indicating the blood type, as well as the letter R, that is, the Rh factor. After the letter R, “+” or “-“ is placed, that is, it indicates whether the Rh factor is positive or negative.
Usually such a tattoo is applied to the following places:
- Chest, ribs, armpit - they are considered traditional and most common
- Wrist less common, but most noticeable
- Elbow bend- since veins are located here, doctors will certainly pay attention to this place.
- Back side of the hand
- back of the neck- however, this place should be chosen only if the hair does not obscure it.
Army Artillery Tattoos
In the form of tattoos for employees in the artillery troops, they often inflict crossed chucks. You can also depict artillery pieces - mortars, howitzers, guns.
By the way, it is believed that the cannon symbol is able to protect a person from negativity directed in his direction.
Army tattoos RKhBZ
Serving in the troops of radiation, chemical and biological protection also get their signature tattoos. Typically portrayed gas masks as a symbol of his work.
Tattoo for RKhBZ with a gas mask and bomber planes 
A close-up of the RHBZ tattoo gas mask 
Tattoo for RKhBZ with the image of a military man shooting from a machine gun in a gas mask Army tattoos of the USSR
The peak of military tattoos came in the 40s of the last century. The more difficult the conditions of service, the easier people related to tattoos - they did not cause any complaints.
IMPORTANT: There is an opinion that a tattoo in Soviet time was equated with self-mutilation, but in fact there was no strict monitoring of the fact of their application.
As a rule, tattoos of that time were worn to a greater extent not decorative, but informative function. They were called upon to tell about where, when and how a person served. Of course, one should not forget about the blood group. There were also such simple symbols as flag, plane, parachute, ship.
Especially loved to decorate their body sailors. They chose mainly gulls, anchors and other marine paraphernalia. Gull- this is the first association for many people with the sea, a symbol of independence and freedom. Sailors, these birds reminded of the house, served as a talisman.
Inscriptions were frequent "For you!", "GSVG"(Group of Soviet troops in Germany). Image eternal flame also met.
GSVG tattoo Army tattoos of the border troops
Almost always on the tattoo, the border guards depict shield and sword- something that has been associated with protection. It is understood that the person wearing it, fair and always ready to fight evil, protect loved ones. The shield also embodies courage and fortitude.
IMPORTANT: It is a good idea to place the abbreviation PV and a star on the shield.
Another almost always present element is border tower. It can be located next to it border posts as indispensable attributes of this type of troops. Next to them, the applied years of service.
Some soldiers depict in addition to the attributes listed above green beret or beautiful landscape. look good the mountains, especially if the place of duty was near a mountainous area.
As we mentioned earlier, often among the tattoos of border guards there is an image scorpion.
An excellent option would be to apply eagle has been associated with protection, guardianship, masculinity, freedom, power, determination, fearlessness. Another noteworthy point: the eagle has an extremely sharp eyesight, thanks to which it instantly recognizes the enemy and prepares to attack him. Our ancestors considered the soaring of this bird a good omen - according to their beliefs, it brought victory closer.
A tattoo that would be great for frontier employees military intelligence tattoos
Bat depicted on almost all tattoos that are related to intelligence. And no wonder, because she is her symbol as the embodiment of the night, mystery, invisibility. The Greeks thought that the animal had clairvoyance - a good analogy with scouts who are required to predict the actions of the enemy.
IMPORTANT: A person related to intelligence needs to place the bat on the shoulder or chest. People of a different kind of employment can choose any place.
The bat is often depicted against a dark background or against the background of the moon- so the atmosphere of the night is better conveyed. Often drawn and parachute dome, rifle scope.
Another common element is skulls in berets. The skull symbolizes the opportunity to leave everything unnecessary in the past, embodies dashing temper the owner of the image, his ability to step into the abyss at any moment.
The Indians were convinced that the drawing of the skull is capable, paradoxically, scare away death supposedly in the eyes of death, a person marked in this way was already dead. Another meaning is a reminder that we are all mortal and that there is no need to be afraid of this phenomenon.
Owl- Another creature associated with the dark time of the day, and therefore perfectly suitable as the emblem of scouts. However, this image has other notable characteristics - wisdom, noiselessness of movement.
The Indians considered the owl guardian and protector, the Egyptians mediator between the worlds.
IMPORTANT: An owl is a long-liver, and therefore a tattoo with it can really be perceived as a talisman.
military special forces tattoos
Spetsnaz representatives also portray bats and skulls in berets. Special forces also like to decorate themselves. wolves with bared jaws- aggressive, but courageous and independent animals.
Leopard- a lone predator that among the snows practically invisible. It lives in difficult natural conditions, being the only predator among the blown mountain peaks. Leopard will never allow others predators, even of their own kind, into personal territory.
A popular addition to the image will be maroon beret, ribbon, inscriptions like "No one but us."
Military airborne tattoos
As in the previous case, the relevant inscription "Nobody except us". In the event of hostilities, it is the representatives of the Airborne Forces who land where the enemy is located, enter the fight - definitely such brave people deserve such a slogan. Also very popular "For the airborne forces".
Years of service, unit number- they are often indicated.
The inscription for the Airborne Forces tattoo - Nobody but us Parachute- where without this symbol of the Airborne Forces? Looks especially spectacular skydiver on the background of a flying plane.
IMPORTANT: There is an opinion that such a tattoo should be pricked on the left shoulder. However, this statement is not entirely true - as a rule, those soldiers who fell under the autumn draft adorn the left shoulder.
Airborne army tattoo in the form of an airplane and a parachute winged sword- also quite an interesting and often used symbol. On the background of the sword can be drawn shield, and over the sword - beret.
Airborne tattoo in the form of a winged sword Often depicted with wings wolf. The most popular animal tiger, a little less often the employees of the Airborne Forces prick bear. In any case, it is desirable that the animal showed a grin- this will show everyone around that the soldier is always ready to fight.
Tattoo airborne in the form of a tiger with a grin Leopard- personification swiftness, greatness. The leaders used to wear the skins of this animal, as it was believed that the spots on it turn into eyes, giving vigilance. These predators ferocious, fearless, warlike and ready to adapt to any conditions.
Leopard tattoo. suitable for an employee in the Airborne Forces Scull is another option. Wings, beret, years of service- all this can form a single composition.
Tattoo airborne with a skull Navy tattoos
Previously, such images had mainly an informative function - they told about what waters their owner crossed, they could tell about successes in maritime affairs, counted the miles traveled, illustrated battles and storms. Then tattoos served as amulets. And last but not least, they began to perform a decorative function.
Anchor- this symbol is more common than others. And no wonder, because it symbolizes good footing, roots, stability. During a storm, this amulet is called upon protect against the threat of being lost. People with this tattoo strong in spirit and strong in body, they are able to withstand even the most cruel blows of fate.
IMPORTANT: You should pay attention to the symbolism next to the anchor. So, the dolphin is a sign of moderation, the wind rose is the desire to follow a certain path, the heart is loyalty to the ship, home and loved ones, the cross is faith, the rose is self-sacrifice and selflessness. Two crossed anchors flaunted on the bodies of the boatswain's assistants, mainly between the index and thumbs.
Navy tattoo with anchor St. Andrew's flag- very expensive for sailors. Not in vain back in time Russian Empire there was a slogan "God and St. Andrew's flag are with us". For all representatives of the Navy, this fearlessness symbol- a real shrine that cannot be tarnished. The flag got its name in honor of the Apostle Andrew, who was a fisherman before he met Jesus Christ.
Navy tattoo in the form of St. Andrew's flag Shark- embodiment fearlessness, power, swiftness, strength and ability to survive. She is aggressive, furious, but at the same time tenacious and graceful. Sailors inflicted sharks as a sign readiness to face any dangers along the way.
Shark as an element of the Navy tattoo inscriptions fast and Hold located on the fingers. Sailors believed that such tattoos were amulets help to hold the mooring lines tighter, stay on board.
Polar bear- sailors related to Northern Navy. Is the epitome strength, fortitude, courage, peace, courage, confidence. Personified with masculinity, power. The polar bear embodies and loneliness, the ability to survive under any conditions.
IMPORTANT: It is best to depict an animal with a grin - this symbolizes courage.
Polar bear tattoo suitable for Navy personnel Rose of Wind is a fairly popular symbol, which protects and helps to return home. The symbol arose not by chance, because the stars served as guides and landmarks for sailors, and the sea winds served as assistants. People were convinced that the wind rose would help to find the right direction not only in the seas, but also in the vicissitudes of life. It was believed that this sign must still be earned by your valor.
Often a tattoo could tell where the employee had been, how many miles he had traveled. For example, Neptune or turtle applied to their bodies by those who crossed the equator. Sparrow said that his owner had five thousand miles behind him. dragon, as you might guess, the sailors who visited China adorned themselves. Sailboat crashing into the wave, was previously applied to those who rounded Cape Horn, and besides, it is a symbol of struggle.
A sparrow tattoo as a symbol of how many miles a sailor traveled Scull and in this case he found his admirers. Only this time it's worth portraying him in a bandanna.
Dolphin jumping out of the waves- symbolized ingenuity, intelligence, superiority, power, generosity, luck. And, of course, let's not forget that these smart mammals have been rescued sailors from sharks and rocks - truly a talisman.
Navy fit dolphin tattoo the globe means that a person subject to the ocean. Often performed in tandem with anchor and dolphin. A person with such a tattoo loves to travel, discover the world.
Navy Globe Tattoo Steering wheel- a sign that a person loves to travel, let him choose. Talks about the ability to get out of any troubles and return home safe. Tattoo owner able to take responsibility for your actions. Often depicted with an anchor.
IMPORTANT: It is not surprising that this tattoo is so loved among the Navy. The helm is not just one of the attributes of marine life, but also serves as a truly masculine sign that embodies leadership qualities.
Tattoo for the Navy in the form of a steering wheel and an anchor The inscriptions, of course, do not leave this category of army tattoos either. Fleet name, military unit or base number, ship name- that's what you often see. As for the names of the fleet, abbreviations are applied that come from the following full names - the Black Sea Fleet, the Pacific Fleet, the Red Banner Northern Fleet, the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet.
Navy tattoo mentioning the name of the fleet, ship and years of service Ship It's hard not to remember this motive. However, unlike other people who want to get a tattoo, sailors most often depict those ships on which it happened to serve.
Do military schools accept tattoos?
As in the case of conscription into the army, tattooed young people should not have any special problems. True, it is still recommended to get a tattoo on the part of the body, which is usually covered by clothing.
Exists Regulations on the military medical examination. It contains a list of diseases that prevent young people from entering military schools. The presence of tattoos in the Regulation is not spelled out.
You may be surprised, but military tattoos originated in Russia during the time of Peter the Great! True, they then had a purely practical function. Over time, army tattoos began to act as amulets, and simply as a symbol of memory of the service, a way to beautifully decorate the body. However, the information function is still in the first place, which we discussed in this article.
Any tattoo has a special meaning for its owner. Army tattoo- not an exception, but rather an extra confirmation of this. Wearable images become proof that a person was part of any troops and from now on he belongs to them. In addition to belonging, tattoos can also display military merit or awards.
Army tattoos have become a real art. In the troops around the world, a cult of tattoos has developed. Sketches of underwear drawings are passed from soldier to soldier, every year the work acquires its own “zest” and turns into masterpieces. "Defend Russia" together with the artistic tattoo studio Badbird.Ink invites you to get acquainted with the images of tattoos and their meaning.
Armies of other countries
Military personnel in foreign countries have excelled in culture military tattoo. On the Web, there are more and more photos where parts of the body are completely “clogged” with skillfully executed drawings. Most often it can be found in American military personnel.
Often they depict belonging to any branch of the military or the army as a whole...
Or express the memory of those who died in battle.
Some apply patriotic images:
Serbia
Spain
Poland
All of the above categories of underwear, of course, are also present in Russian army tattoos. Bad Bird Ink tells more about the history of the emergence and development of this culture.
Military tattoos gained popularity during World War II. However, stuffing a body pattern in the service was not welcome. The commanders needed to keep track of such cases. Despite the conditional ban, the art of military drawing on the body continued to develop. There was an unspoken rule saying that the more difficult your service, the more loyal they are to tattoos. The only exception was for sailors - they were not forbidden to have any images on their bodies.
The army drawing was supposed to reflect the main characteristics of its owner: type of troops, place of service, symbols and emblems, years of service, blood type. The latter image became popular during the war in Afghanistan.
Over time, the attitude towards tattoos in the army became more loyal and the format began to develop. Today, the basic principles of drawing drawings by type of troops with historically established images remain.
Airborne: the most commonly used image is parachutes, aircraft, berets and an indication of the place or settlement where the service took place.
Marines: the most popular image is St. Andrew's flag. Elements in the form of animals and duty stations are added.
March 20, 2010 in Marjah, Helmand province (southern Afghanistan), near the headquarters bunker, French photographer Moricio Lima took a series of pictures of tattoos of soldiers of the 3rd Marine Battalion. Many Marines get tattoos to commemorate their years of service forever, or to overcome their fears, honor the memory of their comrades, or even to tell the world about their love.
(Total 18 photos)
3. Sergeant Paul Williams, 20, from Fostoria, pc. Ohio showing off his tattoos, including two bulldogs. "Devil Dogs" is a slang military nickname for the Marines, presumably given to them by the Germans during World War I. AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
4. Sergeant Paul Williams shows his tattooed chest with "hell hounds" and the acronym USMC (United States Marine Corps) AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
7. And again, Sergeant Paul Williams from Ohio, but already close, shows tattoos on his back - two "hell dogs" and lines from the famous Dire Straits song "Band of Brothers": "In these fields of chaos, in a baptism of fire, in the heat of battle, I saw your suffering." AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
10. Once again, Corporal Jones Kendall of Slidell shows up close a prayer to Archangel Michael tattooed on his back: "Saint Archangel Michael, save me in battle, be my protection from the machinations and obsessions of the devil, may God punish him" AFP PHOTO / Mauricio LIMA
13. 22-year-old corporal Lorenzo Robles from California shows a tattoo on his chest: "In loving memory of mom, Jaclyn Campos." AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
14. Senior Sergeant Bobby Stone from Arizona shows off his tattoos, including the inscription "Everyone gave something; some gave everything." AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
15. Corporal Daniel Enonsen, 22, from Waldorf, pc. Maryland showing off her tattoos, including the US Marine motto "Semper Fi" (short for the Latin "Semper Fidelis" - "Always Faithful"), AFP PHOTO/Mauricio LIMA
