Final answer:
The U.S. Army defines "extremist" tattoos as those associated with discriminatory or extremist ideologies that are incompatible with military values and can jeopardize unit cohesion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Army defines "extremist" tattoos or brands as symbols, markings, or tattoos that are associated with, advocate for, or symbolize extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. These can include tattoos that denote hatred or discrimination against other people based on race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or association with other similar discriminatory predilections. Such extremist indicators are deemed incompatible with military service and values.
The prohibition against extremist tattoos aligns with the Army's dedication to upholding the values of equality and diversity, which are foundational to the coherent and united front that the military seeks to maintain. In this context, tattoos can act as powerful markers of identity and belief, and when those are in direct conflict with the values of the U.S. Army, they can jeopardize unit cohesion and overall mission readiness.
Scarification, another form of body modification, can sometimes similarly represent an individual's identity or beliefs, including those associated with subcultures or extremist ideologies. In all forms of body art and modification, the Army looks for indicators that could suggest a soldier's affiliation with or support of extremist groups or ideologies, which is prohibited by military standards.