Some soldiers get the tattoos at a very young age just before going to war. Many emotions pass through their minds at this time, as it is probably their first time away from home. The tattooing process changes them from being boys to men. They even get the feel of belonging to a family as all their colleagues are also inked and they all go through the same experience.

Women form a large part of the military today and also play an equal part in being part of the community with their military tattoo. They too get the tattoos made and for the same reason as the boys.

Tattoos are almost a part of military culture and you can always find a tattoo studio near a military base. Some of them are small centers of big studios operating in the cities. Their functioning may also be dependent upon the time the soldiers get their pay packet as they have the money to get a soldier tattoo made.

The "Lady Luck" tattoo became so popular and the popularity grew during World War II. She was always smiling and absolutely beautiful and usually had other auspicious symbols for company. It may be that of a horseshoe, rabbits' feet or any such thing. Most men would prefer this to other tattoos due to the belief that this would be lucky for them.

The evil twin of this lucky tattoo is the "Men's Ruin". This is also the picture of a lady but instead of affection this is supposed to bring along with it all the troubles possible. This is pictured along with pictures of playing cards, drugs, dice to name a few.
Variations of this were the picture of a hula girl, which depicts that the person has served at the Pacific Theatre. Such images could also be found on devices and gadgets used for war.

Most service personnel sport a military tattoo but none like the ones in the navy. A blue bird on the side of the chest represents having completed 5000 miles in the sea. The next 5000 would mean another one. The anchor is said to save the person in case of falling overboard.

Popular designs of soldier tattoo would include having a cross at the back, as they are likely to be spared the rod in case they got themselves into trouble as it would be disrespectful to hit the image.

There has been a huge increase in the popularity of military tattoo and soldier tattoo. With the 9/11 attack and the Gulf war a whole new generation has risen to show their solidarity towards their country. Whether during peace time or war both service men and women take pride in the tattoos that they wear.