Tattoo would be OK for male recruits

A Maine woman looking to join the Marines says she was rejected because of a tattoo on her body. The issue is the location of the tattoo.Kate Pimental got a tattoo on her collarbone two years ago.Download the WPTZ appShe signed up with the Marines in August and found out in October she could not join because the tattoo would not be hidden by the uniform issued for women.However, if she was male the tattoo would be covered, because men are allowed to wear an undershirt with their uniforms.Pimental said she requested a waiver and was denied, so she contacted Rep. Chellie Pingree, who sent a letter to the commandant of the Marine Corps asking him to review the policy.Pimental said she wants to give back by serving her country."All I keep thinking is it's a bump in the road, and I try to stay hopeful and hopefully everything will work out, and I get that chance to become a Marine," Pimental said.Her tattoo reads "Let your smile change the world, but never let the world change you."Pimental hopes a change of heart by the Marines will allow her to be sworn in.

A Maine woman looking to join the Marines says she was rejected because of a tattoo on her body. The issue is the location of the tattoo.

Kate Pimental got a tattoo on her collarbone two years ago.


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She signed up with the Marines in August and found out in October she could not join because the tattoo would not be hidden by the uniform issued for women.

However, if she was male the tattoo would be covered, because men are allowed to wear an undershirt with their uniforms.

Pimental said she requested a waiver and was denied, so she contacted Rep. Chellie Pingree, who sent a letter to the commandant of the Marine Corps asking him to review the policy.

Pimental said she wants to give back by serving her country.

"All I keep thinking is it's a bump in the road, and I try to stay hopeful and hopefully everything will work out, and I get that chance to become a Marine," Pimental said.

Her tattoo reads "Let your smile change the world, but never let the world change you."

Pimental hopes a change of heart by the Marines will allow her to be sworn in.