How do you avoid a bad DA photo?

Fresh haircut, freshly pressed uniform. Have someone check it out, and go with you to the photo if possible.

Chaplains are encouraged to have at least a slight smile, so that's different than "regular" DA photos, but the rest is the same. Taylor your uniform. Get the best shave possible. Get a new haircut. Clean your uniform. And if it doesn't look right? Ask it to be redone while you are there.

I have always thought they were useless Just what does it prove? Are you telling me that the "Board" can't read?

If you can't pull off the crazed Soldier look then just look polite.

Good luck, try to get a copy of the board prep guidance from HRC too

Will you post your DA photo here, LTC (Join to see), so we can see if you followed all this good advice?

As far as uniforms go, pledge is great for shining shoes and c caps, burn any lose strings with a lighter, lighter fluid and a q tip work really well for shining brass, rub some brasso will rub off small scuff marks on your shoes, windex is great for removing sweat marks, and if you want to go above and beyond buy a heat gun and burn the fuzzy layers off your blouse and pants. Also invest in a micrometer from home depot when doing your measurements. Basically find an Old Guard soldier. Haha.