British Army tattoo opinions please

deisedave

When I was younger I got the word Irish with tri-colour colouring.

No I am in no way supportive of the IRA which is what I am told some people might associate that tattoo with and I might get in trouble for it, So do you reckon they might just see it as my countries colours as it is or will they think its an IRA symbol because of those scumbags hijacking my countries colours.

I really want to join the British army on account of the Irish army not recruiting, I am in my twenties and dying to go and do it.

It would really suck if the thing that stops me from joining is because terrorists hi jacked my countries colours and now people associate the tri colour with the IRA.

Donny5

Where is it? A tricolour in itself shouldn't be a problem.

Here's what is written on the application form:

Tattoos that are offensive, obscene or excessive in size or number will be a bar to entry or re-entry. Tattoos
should not be visible on the head and neck and may be a bar to entry when on the hand. If you have any you
may be asked to complete a form describing your tattoos. They will be seen during your medical examination.

Gingko

deisedave wrote: »

When I was younger I got the word Irish with tri-colour colouring.

No I am in no way supportive of the IRA which is what I am told some people might associate that tattoo with and I might get in trouble for it, So do you reckon they might just see it as my countries colours as it is or will they think its an IRA symbol because of those scumbags hijacking my countries colours.

I really want to join the British army on account of the Irish army not recruiting, I am in my twenties and dying to go and do it.

It would really suck if the thing that stops me from joining is because terrorists hi jacked my countries colours and now people associate the tri colour with the IRA.

Your in your twenties and your called DeiseDave so perhaps from Waterford? You don't have a clue about republicans in the north or border counties and what happened in the recent past. So you want to be a career soldier and be part of an army that is helping in the occupations of Iraq and Afganistan for resources control etc.

Regarding your tattoo there is laser treatment that has reached rock bottom prices in Ireland for as little as €40 per session. Usually requires a minimum of 6, but if you have colour especially green it will take more sessions. Stubborn to remove. Also diamond white ink never removes. Laser treatment is very effective though.

cruasder777

deisedave wrote: »

When I was younger I got the word Irish with tri-colour colouring.

No I am in no way supportive of the IRA which is what I am told some people might associate that tattoo with and I might get in trouble for it, So do you reckon they might just see it as my countries colours as it is or will they think its an IRA symbol because of those scumbags hijacking my countries colours.

I really want to join the British army on account of the Irish army not recruiting, I am in my twenties and dying to go and do it.

It would really suck if the thing that stops me from joining is because terrorists hi jacked my countries colours and now people associate the tri colour with the IRA.

It wont be a problem as long as it does not break guidelines, in an Irish regiment you will get away with it.

In other regiments you will get your leg pulled, peoples attitude will depend on your personality, if you have a outgoing personality and are popular it wont really be an issue.

deisedave

Yeah I have to go up 20th of December for an interview, I sent them up pics of my tatts and they said they wont be a problem. Really hope I get in, even though I would love to stay in Ireland there is no future here.

trendyvicar

Gingko wrote: »

Your in your twenties and your called DeiseDave so perhaps from Waterford? You don't have a clue about republicans in the north or border counties and what happened in the recent past. So you want to be a career soldier and be part of an army that is helping in the occupations of Iraq and Afganistan for resources control etc.

Regarding your tattoo there is laser treatment that has reached rock bottom prices in Ireland for as little as €40 per session. Usually requires a minimum of 6, but if you have colour especially green it will take more sessions. Stubborn to remove. Also diamond white ink never removes. Laser treatment is very effective though.

Or alternatively, contact your local IRA unit, who will be happy to hack it off, as they did to one young Protestant in Belfast in the early seventies - before sending it to his mother...

Gingko

deisedave wrote: »

Yeah I have to go up 20th of December for an interview, I sent them up pics of my tatts and they said they wont be a problem. Really hope I get in, even though I would love to stay in Ireland there is no future here.

DeiseDave! There is always a future here? In fact certain industries are booming! Tourism, I.T. and even farming is doing well. It depends on the person. Life and situations are constantly changing everywhere. But if you love it here then don't make the mistake of leaving and been controlled by people that don't really care about you.

There is something in young men that makes them want to fight regardless of nationality and beliefs etc. Are you really sure that army life is for you? There are many more careers that are far more rewarding and you meet a greater spectrum of people.

Have you lived in Waterford all your life? If so why not try out another part of Ireland before you consider something so extreme? Galway for example? Open minded city that is an education in itself. Yes I am trying to talk you out of it for sure! The British Army, U.S. forces, Israeli Army etc are not peacekeeping armies. Don't be used by hidden sinister agendas. If you must join an army then wait until the Irish army are recruiting again. You wont have to wait too long! In the meantime would you consider taking up martial arts? Direct some of that energy?

I felt exactly like you when I was in my twenties too. Lived all over Europe, States and Australia. Finally came back to Ireland and fell in love with the place again. Moved west and got into surfing! Haven't looked back! I trained in martial arts when I was younger and also trained in survival and bushcraft skills. And shooting / target practice and even defensive driving. But even with these gained skills I still would not become part of any army that is involved in a completely immoral and unjust war! Please think this through my friend!

deisedave

Gingko wrote: »

DeiseDave! There is always a future here? In fact certain industries are booming! Tourism, I.T. and even farming is doing well. It depends on the person. Life and situations are constantly changing everywhere. But if you love it here then don't make the mistake of leaving and been controlled by people that don't really care about you.

There is something in young men that makes them want to fight regardless of nationality and beliefs etc. Are you really sure that army life is for you? There are many more careers that are far more rewarding and you meet a greater spectrum of people.

Have you lived in Waterford all your life? If so why not try out another part of Ireland before you consider something so extreme? Galway for example? Open minded city that is an education in itself. Yes I am trying to talk you out of it for sure! The British Army, U.S. forces, Israeli Army etc are not peacekeeping armies. Don't be used by hidden sinister agendas. If you must join an army then wait until the Irish army are recruiting again. You wont have to wait too long! In the meantime would you consider taking up martial arts? Direct some of that energy?

I felt exactly like you when I was in my twenties too. Lived all over Europe, States and Australia. Finally came back to Ireland and fell in love with the place again. Moved west and got into surfing! Haven't looked back! I trained in martial arts when I was younger and also trained in survival and bushcraft skills. And shooting / target practice and even defensive driving. But even with these gained skills I still would not become part of any army that is involved in a completely immoral and unjust war! Please think this through my friend!

Na I always wanted military, I just always hoped the PDF would be an option but at the end of the day England are our neighbours and fighting for them is the next best thing than being in the Irish army.

Gingko

trendyvicar wrote: »

Or alternatively, contact your local IRA unit, who will be happy to hack it off, as they did to one young Protestant in Belfast in the early seventies - before sending it to his mother...

Shocking incident! Awful thing to do to any human being. Re the IRA, that conflict is well and truly over. And the vast majority of republicans did not engage in such barbarity. Lets not go tit for tat here as there were atrocities on all sides. Thankfully we now have a peace process and great progress has been made.

I have both Catholic and Protestant roots by the way. And even some Scottish Presbyterian going way back.

deisedave

trendyvicar wrote: »

Or alternatively, contact your local IRA unit, who will be happy to hack it off, as they did to one young Protestant in Belfast in the early seventies - before sending it to his mother...

Yeah I dont care about the IRA/Prod crap please just say on topic, This topic is about will they consider my tattoo offensive not about your views on the IRA there is numerous either threads for that ****e.

Gingko

deisedave wrote: »

Na I always wanted military, I just always hoped the PDF would be an option but at the end of the day England are our neighbours and fighting for them is the next best thing than being in the Irish army.

No it's not! It's completely different actually. Ask some of the Irish army on here what they think of that. Anyway be safe!

Gingko

Re tattoo! There is a wait of between 4-6 weeks between sessions for proper healing.

deisedave

Gingko wrote: »

No it's not! It's completely different actually. Ask some of the Irish army on here what they think of that. Anyway be safe!

I got respect for the boys in the PDF but they wont be recruiting much for a while Id say so its not really likely I would get in soon. I cant wait to get stuck in and get further on with the joining process.

Gingko

deisedave wrote: »

I got respect for the boys in the PDF but they wont be recruiting much for a while Id say so its not really likely I would get in soon. I cant wait to get stuck in and get further on with the joining process.

It's a shame you don't have family or friends in the DFI that could guide you? I had an uncle in the ARW (Rangers). Retired now. He has very mixed feelings on the whole thing. Solid career and money yea but the ethics of the whole thing is very questionable. Anyway your mind is made up!

deisedave

Gingko wrote: »

It's a shame you don't have family or friends in the DFI that could guide you? I had an uncle in the ARW (Rangers). Retired now. He has very mixed feelings on the whole thing. Solid career and money yea but the ethics of the whole thing is very questionable. Anyway your mind is made up!

I lived with my grand uncle until he died and he was in the Paratroopers for 30 years or something but at the moment I dont know anyone in there. Yeah its a solid career with steady pay and it is not a boring office job so heres hoping nothing goes wrong.

krissovo

cruasder777 wrote: »

It wont be a problem as long as it does not break guidelines, in an Irish regiment you will get away with it.

In other regiments you will get your leg pulled, peoples attitude will depend on your personality, if you have a outgoing personality and are popular it wont really be an issue.

I have an Irish flag, I got mine after I joined and the worst situation the lads pinned me down and drew a Union Jack over the top with marker pens on a piss up one night. It was done in a good humor sort of way that's hard to explain and I didnt over react so it ended there.

Some lads went over board or reacted badly when comments or pranks were made and it created a situation but at the end of the day the lads respect your origin and most of it is just banter.

deisedave

krissovo wrote: »

I have an Irish flag, I got mine after I joined and the worst situation the lads pinned me down and drew a Union Jack over the top with marker pens on a piss up one night. It was done in a good humor sort of way that's hard to explain and I didnt over react so it ended there.

Some lads went over board or reacted badly when comments or pranks were made and it created a situation but at the end of the day the lads respect your origin and most of it is just banter.

I have my application in now and have to go up to Portadown on the 20th for an interview, really cant wait but I have heard there is lots of backlog at the moment.

Poccington

deisedave wrote: »

I got respect for the boys in the PDF but they wont be recruiting much for a while Id say so its not really likely I would get in soon. I cant wait to get stuck in and get further on with the joining process.

It's obviously no use to you now but a new recruitment competition for the DF should be starting in the new year.

I understand your predicament, I always wanted to be a soldier growing up. I was lucky enough to get into the DF. If it was a few years later and the DF wasn't recruiting, I'd be gone to the Para's in a heartbeat.

Best of luck with the career.

Gingko

Your only 5 or 6 weeks away from the DFI recruiting! Hold out!!

trendyvicar

deisedave wrote: »

Yeah I dont care about the IRA/Prod crap please just say on topic, This topic is about will they consider my tattoo offensive not about your views on the IRA there is numerous either threads for that ****e.

I see. And yet your question rotated round whether a UK Armed Forces unit would consider you an IRA supporter because of your tattoo? LOL.

Don't apply to any unit that requires brains my friend.

And for the record, I personally would suspect you of Republican sympathies with the tattoo you describe, as would many others - and would hold that suspicion regardless of any denials.

deisedave

Poccington wrote: »

It's obviously no use to you now but a new recruitment competition for the DF should be starting in the new year.

I understand your predicament, I always wanted to be a soldier growing up. I was lucky enough to get into the DF. If it was a few years later and the DF wasn't recruiting, I'd be gone to the Para's in a heartbeat.

Best of luck with the career.

Thanks so much its also helpfull for me because my girlfriend wants to join as a nurse because she is currently studying nursing so would be handy for both of us as a career.

cruasder777

trendyvicar wrote: »

I see. And yet your question rotated round whether a UK Armed Forces unit would consider you an IRA supporter because of your tattoo? LOL.

Don't apply to any unit that requires brains my friend.

And for the record, I personally would suspect you of Republican sympathies with the tattoo you describe, as would many others - and would hold that suspicion regardless of any denials.

Such tattoos are not unusual in the Irish Guards.

deisedave

cruasder777 wrote: »

Such tattoos are not unusual in the Irish Guards.

And I find it offensive that he suggested just because I am proud of my country and the tri-colour, I support a terrorist organisation. You can like Ireland and not support the "ra".

by him I mean trendyvicar suggested

trendyvicar

cruasder777 wrote: »

Such tattoos are not unusual in the Irish Guards.

Interesting.

trendyvicar

deisedave wrote: »

And I find it offensive that he suggested just because I am proud of my country and the tri-colour, I support a terrorist organisation. You can like Ireland and not support the "ra".

by him I mean trendyvicar suggested

Didn't The 'RA' found your country?

cruasder777

trendyvicar wrote: »

Didn't The 'RA' found your country?

Oh dear a troll :rolleyes:

Gingko

A troll with a micro penis perhaps?

Wicklowrider

trendyvicar wrote: »

Didn't The 'RA' found your country?

No - but your confusion is understandable as the first 50 TD's all had tricolour tattoos.

deisedave

trendyvicar wrote: »

Didn't The 'RA' found your country?

I take it with all your opinions you have applied for the Irish defense forces yeah? If not then kindly go away.

trendyvicar

Some fascinating responses there. A real insight...

Gingko

trendyvicar wrote: »

Some fascinating responses there. A real insight...

You have added nothing but negativity and are coming across as a complete WUM (wind up merchant).

trendyvicar

I wonder if any of The Paras at 'Bloody Sunday' had Green, White and Gold tattoos? Would certainly put a different complexion on things.

deisedave

trendyvicar wrote: »

I wonder if any of The Paras at 'Bloody Sunday' had Green, White and Gold tattoos? Would certainly put a different complexion on things.

Stop living in the past and kindly go away, My god trolls are annoying rather than derailing our conversation why not go play with your action man

trendyvicar

Gingko wrote: »

You have added nothing but negativity and are coming across as a complete WUM (wind up merchant).

I guess I am rather negative about people going to a completely foreign country, to join their armed forces and to kill and be killed on their behalf. Especially if they come from a little country that has built a whole culture around being 'occupied' by their larger neighbour. In fact, you really couldn't make it up.

Brits out - and take me with you!

LOL

deisedave

trendyvicar wrote: »

I guess I am rather negative about people going to a completely foreign country, to join their armed forces and to kill and be killed on their behalf. Especially if they come from a little country that has built a whole culture around being 'occupied' by their larger neighbour. In fact, you really couldn't make it up.

Brits out - and take me with you!

LOL

My dad was born in london so I dont really have hate for the brits in fact some of my ancestors would of been British so Im ok. Now please go and argue your anti brit feelings in another thread.

iceage

Tis all a load of bollix. The BA don't have an issue with you having a tri colour tattoo, plenty of them in RIR. Now your new mates in which ever other Regiment you choose might rip the p*ss out of you but that's about it. Unless of course its tattooed across your forehead.

wildfowler94

trendyvicar wrote: »

I wonder if any of The Paras at 'Bloody Sunday' had Green, White and Gold tattoos? Would certainly put a different complexion on things.

As smart as you like to think you are the Irish tri-colour is green white and orange.:rolleyes:

trendyvicar

wildfowler94 wrote: »

As smart as you like to think you are the Irish tri-colour is green white and orange.:rolleyes:

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

shaneybaby

trendyvicar wrote: »

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

In fairness, you're wrong
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached_files/Pdf%20files/Constitution%20of%20Ireland.pdf


"Article 7
The national flag is the tricolour of green, white and orange."

johnny_doyle

deisedave wrote: »

My dad was born in london so I dont really have hate for the brits in fact some of my ancestors would of been British so Im ok.

if your dad was born in London before 1/1/1983 (which sounds likely), you're probably entitled to claim British citizenship as well as Irish.

re ancestors, anyone born in Ireland between 1801 and 1st January 1949 was automatically British, even TrendyVic's ancestors.

Wouldn't worry about the tat. There are a few yobs and gobs who might give you a hard time but generally it shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

swordofislam

You should go to America and join the Seals.
They are the best of the best.

Gingko

swordofislam wrote: »

You should go to America and join the Seals.
They are the best of the best.

And you won't have to put up with our TrendyVicar friend either!

deisedave

Gingko wrote: »

And you won't have to put up with our TrendyVicar friend either!

I would love to try for the american army but I am not american so that is a no go unless I went and got a degree first

jacqueline ryan

Hi just a quick reply for you my son who joined the rir of the british army has two tattoos ,one on each arm ,one is the tri colour and the other a celtic cross with `100% irish and he has never had a problem with the lads he works with,
hope this helps

deisedave

jacqueline ryan wrote: »

Hi just a quick reply for you my son who joined the rir of the british army has two tattoos ,one on each arm ,one is the tri colour and the other a celtic cross with `100% irish and he has never had a problem with the lads he works with,
hope this helps

Conas a tu ta for the help

Yeah I dont think I should have much trouble alot of good replies on here and also on arrse, Only one muppet on this thread (trendyvicar)

Hellrazer

DeiseDave--If your at all worried about the tattoo--rather than get it lasered you could always get a cover up.

Plenty of good artists would cover up a flag down here.

deisedave

Hellrazer wrote: »

DeiseDave--If your at all worried about the tattoo--rather than get it lasered you could always get a cover up.

Plenty of good artists would cover up a flag down here.

I am not really that interested in getting more work done also the current tattoo is fairly big so any re done would have to be massive and I dont want even more work on my arm.

Hellrazer

No worries.just another idea to help you out.Laser can be really painful and leave a nasty scar that may be worse than the tattoo that was there.

Gingko

deisedave wrote: »

I am not really that interested in getting more work done also the current tattoo is fairly big so any re done would have to be massive and I dont want even more work on my arm.

Wise move Dave! Cover ups can make things worse eh? And to have the job done right you still need to get a few laser treatments done to fade the initial tattoo a bit. Laser treatments are quite cheap now. But getting a good tattoo artist is not so cheap. And to cover up a big tattoo right your talking a lot of money. You dont just want some big horrible black ink tat either. These black tribal tattoos look ridiculous on North European skin tones.

It was the whole tattoo thing that brought my attention to this thread in the first place. I have an old tattoo with a flag too from my teens. I'm in my 30's now and have had 6 laser treatments so far this year costing €40 per session. Again there is a wait of 4-6 weeks between treatments. I must say it's going well and tattoo has faded quite a lot now even if the green ink is slow to fade.

Gingko

Hellrazer wrote: »

No worries.just another idea to help you out.Laser can be really painful and leave a nasty scar that may be worse than the tattoo that was there.

Q-switched lasers do not scar! And they are not as painful as getting the tattoo either. First session is maybe the same pain level as tattooing itself but as the ink breaks down it gets easier. I just had my 6th session and it was a piece of cake! First 2 sessions were uncomfortable.

I have two friends who have completed their laser treatment successfully and with no scarring. The skin loses it's pigment for a couple of years but eventually comes back. All good!

Hellrazer

Gingko wrote: »

Q-switched lasers do not scar!

I beg to differ but I know people that have used Q switched lasers and have scarred--Its probably a lot less than the old style lasers though.Its also down to the operator.Q switched lasers--well all lasers work by heating the tattoo up to suoer hight temps and breaking it down that way.In the hands of a skilled operator there is virtually no scarring but I have seen bad scarring from q-switched.

And they are not as painful as getting the tattoo either. First session is maybe the same pain level as tattooing itself but as the ink breaks down it gets easier. I just had my 6th session and it was a piece of cake! First 2 sessions were uncomfortable.

Again in my opinion its down to the operator.Some people I know have said it was the worst pain they ever felt--others say it was a breeze.

I have two friends who have completed their laser treatment successfully and with no scarring. The skin loses it's pigment for a couple of years but eventually comes back. All good!

Now theres the time for that new tattoo.

Look I only popped on the thread in order to give a different view.And of course Im going to be biased towards a cover up rather than laser

Whatever the op decides I hope you get accepted and make a new career out of it.