Looking at older official Army photos with no nameplates. Are nameplates on service and dress uniforms really necessary?

I personally like having names and rank on all uniforms. That way you never hear "Do you know who you were just talking to?" This is my biggest pet peeve with the PT uniform. A 4-star general could walk by and I'd have no idea unless I just happened to know who he was.

I think on a day to day basis the nameplates should be worn. It helps in the learning process of knowing Who each person that met is by name and end awkward times of not remembering a persons name esp when You may have to introduce them to others. Having a last name and an apparent rank insignia helps a lot I feel. I always wanted to know people I dealt with by name and this helped a lot I felt esp when i have had hundreds of people to deal with and though it was important I knew who each one was.

Yes, so you can remember your own name !