Tattoos, obesity keeping potential recruits out of Army

But his military career almost didn’t happen. Years ago, Ortiz got the names of his mother and sister tattooed on each wrist.

A new military rule is no visible tattoos.

Because of the new rule, the U.S. Army is having a difficult time finding new recruits eligible for service.

“Being a lifelong dream to serve, it was kind of nerve-wracking that I could be on the verge of denial,” Ortiz said.

Army recruiter Staff Sgt. Sylvester Rogers says he frequently turns away new recruits with tattoos on their neck, face or hands.

“Every day. Every day I would say we turn away 10 to 20 people just from tattoos alone,” Rogers told Huddleston.

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And tattoos aren’t the only problem. Rogers says obesity can be cause for denial as well.

“America’s youth are just not as active as we were when we were coming up,” he said.

Rogers says the Army will always find the best and brightest like Ortiz, but after two decades in the service, he has seen some good ones get away.

“Now I have the knowledge to tell you, ‘Look, don’t get those tattoos. Hey, you might want to work out,’” Rogers said.

If you have a tattoo, Rogers says you may still be eligible, like Ortiz. He says you should check with a recruiter first.