Are those with tattoos NOT conscripted for military service?

A claim has circulated that individuals with tattoos on their bodies are not called up for military service. This issue has become a topic of discussion in society, and various opinions are being voiced. While some consider this to be true, others state that it is merely a myth.

So, are individuals with tattoos truly not conscripted for military service? If so, what is the reason for this? In general, who is considered unfit for military service?

Military expert Emin Hasanli, speaking to Globalinfo.az, stated that individuals with tattoos are called up for military service.

"However, in some cases, their mental state and health condition are checked. If any problem is detected, this is then evaluated within the framework of a general medical examination. In fact, while mental health issues were rarely given attention in previous years, now they are checked more seriously. In Azerbaijan and worldwide, the incidence of young people getting tattoos has increased, and this has, to some extent, become a fashion. Although this point is taken into account in many types of troops, there is generally no such rule that individuals with tattoos should be exempted from military service," the expert emphasized.

E. Hasanli added that there is a need for continuous educational work among young people:

"Particularly in schools and among conscripts, explanatory and educational work is being carried out in this direction, and there will be a great need for it in the future. Young people choose athletes, footballers, singers, and movie heroes as their ideals. Especially well-known figures from foreign countries and winners of international competitions influence them. For this reason, young people try to emulate them, and the number of those getting tattoos has been increasing recently."

It should be noted that, in accordance with the requirements of the "Regulations on Military Medical Expertise" approved by Decision No. 59 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 29.02.2008, citizens called up for conscription are subjected to additional examination in psychiatric hospitals if they have previously been registered in a psychiatric hospital (for outpatient or inpatient treatment), for the assessment of their "moral and psychological state" during the examination, and also if tattoos or scar marks are found on various parts of their body. Referrals and results are processed electronically through the system. A decision regarding those within the pre-conscription age limit is made depending on the outcome of the examination.