Sgt. Maj. of the Army Dailey talks tattoos at town hall

Photo By Sgt. Taryn Hagerman | Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey asks Soldiers to raise their hands if they want to talk about the Army’s tattoo policy during a town hall meeting at the All American Chapel on Fort Bragg, N.C., March 9. Dailey met with Soldiers from throughout the post to gain an understanding of Soldiers and family members’ concerns, including the recent changes to the Army’s tattoo policy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Taryn Hagerman, 40th Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

03.09.2015

Story by Sgt. Taryn Hagerman 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey visited Fort Bragg this afternoon to conduct a town hall meeting with Soldiers from throughout the post to gain an understanding of Soldiers’ and family members’ concerns.

Dailey told the attending Soldiers that by voicing their concerns he can ensure their opinions are heard and actions are taken when necessary.

Dailey said he had an idea of some of the concerns he would hear, including a discussion over the Army’s revised tattoo policy.

“I’d bet my next paycheck that someone in here wants to talk about tattoos,” Dailey said.

Laughter confirmed his notion and he then asked who in the room wanted to talk about the tattoo policy, resulting in about a third of hands raised enthusiastically.

One Soldier stood up to state his preference for the “pre-surge” standards, meaning tattoos are allowed if they are not visible while the Soldier wears his or her Class A uniform.

“Does that sound fair?” Dailey asked the room.

An affirmative “Hooah” echoed through the chapel.

“We have to live by the standards,” Dailey said. “I think that standard should be the standard that the American people set in regards to their perception of what an American Soldier should be. So when America says, ‘this is our Army,’ that’s how we should be.”

When asked to give his personal opinion on the subject, Dailey agreed with what most of the Soldiers had said would be an acceptable standard.

“I think the standard should be that you can’t see [tattoos] anywhere in a dress uniform,” he said.

He reminded Soldiers that decisions come from a much higher level and are not always what they want to hear, but Dailey assured them their opinions will be shared with senior leaders in the Pentagon.

“This is a very emotional topic and it affects a lot of people, “Dailey said. “But we’re still Soldiers and if there is a change, or if there is not a change in the future, what I need you to do is I need you to Soldier up, because that’s what we do. We’re Soldiers and we will always be held to a higher standard.”

• Date Taken: 03.09.2015
• Date Posted: 03.09.2015 17:57
• Story ID: 156471
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US
• Hometown: PALMERTON, PA, US