Tattooed Brotherhood: How Camp Lejeune Marines Tell Their Stories Through Ink
In the United States Marine Corps, tattoos have long been a part of the warrior identity. At Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, this tradition is alive and well. For Marines, ink isn’t just decoration it’s a declaration. Tattoos serve as reminders of missions, milestones, friendships, and fallen brothers.
At American Tattoo Society, we have the privilege of serving Marines who carry their stories on their skin. Here, we share some of those stories and explore the deep-rooted culture of tattoos in the Marine Corps.
The Meaning Behind Marine Tattoos
Each tattoo a Marine gets often represents a meaningful chapter in their military journey:
- Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA): The official emblem of the Marine Corps, often placed over the heart or on the forearm
- MOS or Unit Tattoos: Marines may get tattoos that represent their job or specific unit (like 0311 Infantry or 1st Battalion, 8th Marines)
- Deployment Art: Tattoos featuring locations, dates, or maps tied to specific deployments
- Tribute Ink: Memorial pieces for fallen Marines, including names, dates, or battlefield cross imagery
From Boot Camp to Brotherhood: When Marines Get Inked
Some Marines get tattoos after finishing boot camp at Parris Island. Others wait until after their first deployment. Common times to get tattoos include:
- After promotion or re-enlistment
- Post-deployment to mark survival and experience
- On anniversaries of fallen comrades
- The most common is on payday weekendsÂ
These tattoos often become talking points, morale boosters, or silent salutes to experiences few others understand.
Marine Tattoo Regulations: Staying Within the Lines
As proud as the Corps is of its traditions, tattoo regulations have evolved. As of the latest update:
- Sleeves, neck, and hands are now permitted, with some limitations
- No tattoos above the collarbone or on the head or face
- Tattoos cannot be extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist
At American Tattoo Society, we stay up-to-date on regulations and help Marines design tattoos that meet both their vision and the standards of the USMC.
Popular Styles Among Camp Lejeune Marines
Marines often prefer bold and timeless styles that reflect their strength and values:
- Black and grey realism for portraits and memorials
- American traditional for symbols like anchors, skulls, and eagles
- Lettering and script for mottos like “Semper Fi” or “Death Before Dishonor”
- Tribal or geometric patterns for symbolic meaning and aesthetic appeal
Our Jacksonville NC artists are highly experienced in these styles and understand the unique stories behind each piece.
Stories from the Studio
One Marine came in the first week we were open for business for a portrait of his best friend who was KIA during deployment, a reminder of their bond. Another had “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy” tattooed across his back, with his dad’s dog tags wrapped around a rifle. These tattoos aren’t just art. They’re stories. They’re scars with ink instead of pain.
Why Marines in Jacksonville Trust American Tattoo Society
We’re not just any tattoo shop. We serve the military community with:
- Respect for the Marine lifestyle
- Clean, professional studios with strict hygiene standards
- Flexible walk-in options for tight schedules
- Military support
Whether it’s your first tattoo or a piece to complete your story, we’re honored to help you ink your legacy.
Closing Thoughts
In Jacksonville, NC, tattoos and the Marine Corps go hand in hand. At Camp Lejeune, tattoos are more than ink—they’re evidence of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice. If you’re ready to mark your journey in permanent form, American Tattoo Society is ready to help. Come see us and let your story live in ink.