Is 5 years to long for a DA Photo to be valid?

MSG Martin C. — Sat, 31 May 2014 10:24:59 -0400

Recently during an NCODP this question was asked and it left me thinking.
I know an individual that got selected to MSG to everyone’s surprise that was obese however this NCO had a three-year-old picture from when he graduated DS school before he gained all the weight.
I believe that had the board seen the current photo the NCO would have not made it. A photo should be taken the year of the board not to exceed 2 fiscal years. Deployed personnel that qualify for the memo should retain that right.
What are you thoughts?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 10:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 10:35:41 -0400

I personally get a DA Photo right before a board (within four months of the opening of the board files). This way it has all my new awards that I had since my deployment or whatever it may be.

As far as by regulation:

AR 640-30 paragraph 6:

6. Frequency
a. The following Soldiers will have an initial photograph made within 60 days of—
(1) Selection for promotion to brigadier general or higher.
(2) Promotion to first lieutenant or higher (includes officers accessed into active duty as first lieutenant or higher
grade).
(3) Promotion to chief warrant officer 2 (CW2) or higher.
(4) Initial appointment to command sergeant major (CSM)
(5) Promotion to SSG or higher.
(6) All other photographs will be taken as needed for announced by selection board zones of consideration.
b. Solders will update their photograph at a minimum per the following schedule:
(1) General officers – every 3rd year.
(2) Officers and NCOs – every 5th year.
(3) Reserve Component officers will be photographed during their respective training – BOLC phase III, CCC, and
WOBC.
c. A new photograph is required when there is an award of the Army Commendation Medal or above.
d. Soldiers will be required to submit a new photograph when directed by the lieutenant colonel (LTC) commander
or equivalent in the Soldier’s chain of command. This authority is extended to majors (MAJs) serving in LTC
command positions. Direction to submit a new photograph will be based on cogent reason (such as commander
determines there has been a significant change in the Soldier’s appearance). Commanders may not direct their entire
unit to submit new photographs.
e. Soldiers assigned to an area (including hostile fire areas) where photographic facilities are not available or
conditions prevent them from being photographed are temporarily exempt from the requirements of this paragraph.
These Soldiers will be photographed within 90 days after reassignment to an area where photographic facilities are
available.
f. Female Soldiers due photographs during pregnancy are required to accomplish this action within 6 months after
the pregnancy.
g. Soldiers with approved retirements are exempt from having photographs taken. However, if an application for
withdrawal of retirement is approved, the photographs will be updated per paragraphs 4 through 6.

SOOOO by regulation
(6) All other photographs will be taken as needed for announced by selection board zones of consideration.

He should have gotten a new photo for the board. Do not get me wrong I have seen people promoted with old DA Photos as well.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Feb 22 at 2018 11:00 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:00:07 -0500

I think so. In five years most soldiers get promoted and/or receive additional awards. If a soldier is being boarded, the photo, in my opinion, should not be more than 6 mos old - unless there are extenuating circumstances such as the Soldier being on a combat zone deployment.