Why can’t E5 and below get their DA photo uploaded?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 14:10:20 -0400

And yet, I see some people that do have it uploaded? VIOS says that DAPMIS will just kick it back, but then I see E4s with a photo. Do they understand how ridiculous it is to try and scan a photo(where the scanner adds multiple, multiple retractions, imperfections, and garbage that makes it look like you have a linty coat)?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 2:19 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 14:19:25 -0400

To clarify: I do not think this would be an issue, if it was not for the fact that when setting up a board packet, the DA Photo is a deciding factor. If some people below e6 magically get their photo uploaded (violating AR 640-30), they instantly get an advantage in this area. That seems like a serious leg up for people who happened to “beat the system”.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 8 at 2018 3:18 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 15:18:29 -0400

You can do it... You just don't need it. The DA photo is something used by the centralized promotion boards for those going for E-7 and above. Why would someone waste time to get a DA photo done and uploaded before going for -7 if it doesn't do anything and you are going to have to update it at that point anyways?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 4:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 16:31:45 -0400

You do a packet photo if you need one talk to your local photo office.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 9 at 2018 12:22 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:22:02 -0400

DA photos are REQUIRED for e6 and above for the DA promotion boards- at least in my time you never saw E4/E5 getting a DA photo period.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 9:03 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 21:03:14 -0400

So upon sending a DA 2028 to the publication authority, I discovered that I was not the first person to have this issue, nor the first person to send up an amendment for this particular paragraph.

“We are aware of this issue and are working to send guidance to the photo labs that will allow them to provide the Soldier a digital copy of their photo for the stated reasons. Unfortunately, we will not be updating the AR in the near future but the plan is for the labs to be provided the guidance so they can execute consistently.”

The good news is that hopefully this will not negatively affect future Soldiers while creating W/OCS Packets.