of gang affiliation; most services still aren't cool with neck tats. But the official restrictions have been repeatedly relaxed over the past decade at war. Practically speaking, the military's got little choice. Recruits are often inked up when they join, and servicemembers' admiration for tattoos is as characteristic of today's troops as working out when bored.

So consider the tattoos here a sociological document of the Afghanistan war circa 2010. At Bagram Air Field, the war's largest U.S. base, troop tattoos are ironic and earnest; professional and amateur; and every one filled with pride. (And if you want to represent your base or your unit by showing off your ink in a future gallery, email us!) Time will tell if the U.S.'s impact on Afghanistan is as indelible -- or as pleasing to the eye.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant Geoff Gerencer

Believe it or not, Gerencer insists that he's not even such a big Simpsons fan. "I wanted to change up the Japanese style a bit," he says.

Photo: Spencer Ackerman/Wired.com

Authors: Spencer Ackerman

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