Marine Cpl. Jeremy Slaton shows off his tattoo which reads 'Death' across five skulls while talking about his plans to add more tattoos to his arms, Friday, March 23, 2007, in Oceanside, Calif. The Marines are banning any new, extra-large tattoos below the elbow or the knee, saying such body art is harmful to the Corps' spit-and-polish image. The Marine policy takes effect Sunday, April 1.

For many Marines, getting a tattoo is a rite of passage. They commonly get their forearms inscribed to remember fallen comrades, combat tours or loved ones, and often ask for exotic designs that incorporate the Marine motto, Semper Fi, or "Always faithful."

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