Have you ever seen someone with a full sleeve? That is most definitely NOT part of the military tradition. Western civilization does not have the kind of tattooing history that the panAsians and Africans do. The northern tribes tended to use body paint rather than dye injection.
And by the by those thousands of years you refer to are mostly governed by monarchs and dictators.....I prefer to live in a more modern society
If a man (or woman) is willing to die for my freedom and liberty, then they can wear whatever body art they wish.......................