Well, its longer than 15 years ago, but there was a time when there were young guys in the Coast Guard with a split in their earlobe from an object being torn out by the Chief after a weekend of Liberty. I fear that would probably have some senior enlisted up on charges these days. 
There usually just needed to be one split ear on a base or a ship and the problem was resolved for quite a period of time. Reputation was a better source of discipline than punishment, charges or extra duty.
I’m still fairly certain that type of jewlery is still not part of the male uniform and tatoos must not be visible above the neckline or below the cuff of the uniform sleeve.