For those that have taken a DA Photo, is it better to smile or not to smile? What is your recommendation?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 18:23:12 -0400

Got my appointment on 5 May. What say you all?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Mar 13 at 2017 8:33 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 20:33:06 -0400

Be you

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 8:52 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 20:52:06 -0400

Smirk, Tom...it'll keep them guessing!!!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 13 at 2017 8:59 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 20:59:12 -0400

You are "highly encouraged" to smile, be warm and receptive........I always tell mine to be serious, what would smiles get you at the promotion board? We become so soft and worrisome over what people think that we forget our wartime mission is to engage and destroy the enemy!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 13 at 2017 9:08 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 21:08:30 -0400

I'm a person who smiles easily. Do what comes naturally otherwise you'll look stupid.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 13 at 2017 10:25 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 22:25:52 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member I never smile in photos.... I use my war face!!!! That said, having sat on promotion boards, your facial expressions matter not. Your height, weight, appearance and your uniform are what matters. If you are obese, have long hair, mustache out of regulaiton, or your uniform is messed up... smiling will not make a difference.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 10:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:25:19 -0400

Here are some ideas for you MSG Private RallyPoint Member .

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Mar 14 at 2017 11:29 AM

MGySgt James Forward — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 11:29:32 -0400

Well, I never smiled in formation...so I would never smile in a promotion photo either. Semper Fi.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 11:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 11:42:21 -0400

I didn't smile , nothing to be happy about that day lol .