How importance is the DA Photo in selection boards?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 12:01:36 -0500

This morning, i went in for my DA photo in preparation for the up-coming E-7 Board. The studio here at Ft Hood was quite packed and both photographers were working frantically to accomodate everyone. I was ushered in, positioned and two photos were made. I was shown the photos and chose the one that looked the best. I looked for the obvious issues, such as award alignment, wrinkled pockets, crroked tie, etc. I was satisfied and thanked the gentleman and walked out. The whole experience took 4 minutes and the next SSG was in the slot before I was out of the room. To say I was rushed would be an understatement.

Upon reviewing the photo in DAPMIS, comparing it to my previous photo and zooming in, I discovered that the photo is poorly lit and over flashed, as well as out of focus. Needless to say, I was not happy with the results and was not about to accept the photo. I immediately went back into the VIOS scheduling system to reschedule. The request was denied on the grounds that only one photo can be taken per 12 months time, unless an ARCOM or above is earned or "A significant change in apperarance" has occured. It also takes a memorandum from the commander (Co or BN) to secure another photo session.

The importance of the DA Photo is emphasised time and time again by centralized promotion boards. If this is true, shouldn't the VIOS system be accomodating? Perhaps a little more one-on-one time with the studio personnel and not so much red tape to have new photos made? Maybe even have the old photo there for comparison?

Could some CSMs who have participated in Selection boards please sound off on weather a Soldier is held accountable for poor quality when it comes to the photo in his/her record?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 7 at 2014 12:26 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 12:26:00 -0500

Given that the issue is with the photo and not "you" per se, I would have to imagine you'd be ok, but honestly I've no perspective or experience in something like this... I'm interested in reading any responses you gather here...

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Jan 12 at 2014 12:34 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:34:11 -0500

Have your photo re-done - if it takes a Co Cdr memo or Bn Cdr memo, get that so you can reschedule.

Do you really want to wander if it was the photo if for some reason you didn't get picked up?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 10:35 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:35:12 -0500

Having experience as a member of a board I will tell you we noticed all types of different standards when it came to the photo lab. We did not hold that against the NCO. As long as you are wearing the uniform correctly with all authorized awards and decorations you will be fine. I can not over emphasis how important your photo is. I know we have all heard this before, but with first hand knowledge I tell all my NCOs to get new photos when needed. If you need to get a new photo, go through the process and get it done. Seriously!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 10:40 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:40:09 -0500

If you get it redone, check in to another photo lab at a smaller base.

I was most likely the only person that got a photo the day I did mine in Detroit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 10:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:44:52 -0500

SSG Pelley, have you contacted the center directly? Had a similar incident sometime ago with the same center and it was a phone call and a little work on their part to get it fixed. I'm in Hood on leave until Friday if I can assist, then its off to Hawaii.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Jan 13 at 2014 7:03 AM

SFC Stephen Hester — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 07:03:58 -0500

Get a new photo if you can but it's better to have a not-so-good photo than none at all. The board can tell the difference between a poor quality photo and a poor quality Soldier.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Jan 16 at 2014 9:27 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 09:27:49 -0500

I remember "back in the day" when DA photos were black and white and you didn't get to see them until they printed them out and mailed it to you. I had one taken at Warrant Tank Command in Detroit while I was a recruiter in Lansing, MI. When it arrived in the mail I was not happy. They reversed the negative when they developed it onto photo paper and everything was backwards. I had to reschedule and drive all the way back down there a second time.

My last DA photo was done at Ft. Gordon. I took another NCO with me to make sure the photographer positioned me correctly and everything was aligned and there were no wrinkles. I also had him look at the two photos with me to pick the best one.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 12:37 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:37:22 -0400

Another reason I always say I will cut a toe off before I will go to Fort Hood. I took a photo at Fort Lewis and came back two days later because something was messed up and they had no issues. Think it is a hood thing, probably because of the high amount of people, vs an all Army thing.

Response by MSG Jason Sikes made May 31 at 2014 11:59 AM

MSG Jason Sikes — Sat, 31 May 2014 11:59:02 -0400

I had my photo redone a couple of times at Camp Arifjan but they worked with me to make sure it was what I wanted the board members to see. They have a great team out there and if you ever get a chance have them do your DA photo, you will be very happy with the results.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 23 at 2014 2:28 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 14:28:44 -0400

As a freelance photographer, I always tell people, if I take a photo you aren't happy with tell me. If it is something like your DA photo and it is over exposed or whatever, I would go through the process to have it redone.