The stodgy U.S. Air Force will now enlist volunteers with tattoos covering 25 percent of more of their bodies in a bid to boost flagging recruitment numbers. The new Air Force tattoo policy goes into effect February 1.

The rule change about tattoos, also referred to as "body ink," also recognizes the widespread popularity of tattoos among young men and women of recruiting age. The Air Force revealed that almost half of all applicants and recruits have tattoos. It also said one in five recruits had enough tattoos to require a review of their enlistment.

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The new Air Force tattoo policy eliminates the "25% coverage rule" that limited the relative size of tattoos on the chest, back, arms and legs. This rule requires that no tattoos cover more than 25% of the body part or readily visible when wearing a uniform.

The new policy, however, won't affect areas of the body where tattoos are currently not allowed, including the neck, face, head, tongue, lips and scalp.

Hand tattoos will be limited to a single-band ring tattoo on one finger of one hand. The Air Force said that would preserve the ability to present a formal military image when required with dress uniforms at certain events. The new policy also disallows recruits with tattoo sleeves from enlisting.

Tattoos, brands and body markings that are obscene, affiliated with gangs or extremist groups, along with those that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination are still banned.

"We identified specific changes we can make to allow more members of our nation to serve without compromising quality," said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.

She said the Air Force will still maintain "our commitment to the profession of arms."

Each branch of the armed services has different rules covering the enlistment of recruits with tattoos. The U.S. Navy is the most permissive, and tattoos have been a part of Navy culture since the days of the Continental navy 400 years ago.

The Marines, who are the ground fighting force of the Navy, are almost as lenient but still restrict sleeves. The Army also allows sleeves, but does not allow tattoos on necks or hands.

TagsU.S. Air Force, tattoos, body ink, recruits, 25% coverage rule, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James