RP profile picture; thoughts on current photo versus military photo for veterans?

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:24:28 -0400

Which would be better? Current one or military (uniformed) one?

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 17 at 2014 9:38 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:38:55 -0400

I had a thought on this. Some profile pics seem to be current. Others historic. Many are in uniform, even for vets and retired members. Which is preferred? Keep my current one or use this old one?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 12:29 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:29:34 -0400

I had not thought about this until this review. Now that I think about it, I think I will have to find a current photo. I do not think you need a photo to tell you who is a Marine on here. I vote everyone have current photos.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 1 at 2014 1:13 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:13:06 -0400

I came on board here as a retiree, and elected to use a current pic for my profile. I would say that it's more a matter of personal preference than anything else since our profiles show our military service.

Response by SPC Kayri McCartin made Aug 1 at 2014 1:39 PM

SPC Kayri McCartin — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:39:11 -0400

I personally prefer to use a current photo because I've been out of the Army for almost 20 years, but I don't care if others choose to use 20-year-old photos. Maybe what we really need is the option to post multiple photos on our profiles.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 1 at 2014 2:24 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:24:34 -0400

I say whatever boats your float! Hey, we could have throw back weeks where all us "used to be's" change out our current picture for a past picture. Then we could all change to the "unknown SM" icon for laughs.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Aug 1 at 2014 2:30 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:30:07 -0400

I think the current one is better but how about this one or even this one

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Aug 1 at 2014 2:46 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:46:28 -0400

I just changed my picture to reflect my admiration of LTC Private RallyPoint Member. But I needed the assistance of a dang pencil!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 2:51 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:51:31 -0400

I'm not longer active duty so in my mind, I'm here as a Vet, and a current picture works for that purpose. I respect folks though who for whatever reason choose to put up their military photos. I kind of look at it as false advertising because I'm so different looking than some 24 years ago when I was in.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Aug 1 at 2014 2:58 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:58:57 -0400

Probably just easier for us veterans to have a more recent one to reflect our current status. If you're using this site for employment opportunities it would be a bit odd to see an image of someone and if it led to a face to face interview that the person you're dealing with looked unrecognizable.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Aug 1 at 2014 3:59 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:59:55 -0400

I guess that for me I have to go with the military because of all the current military SM here. But if I wanted to have all the SM see my present time appearance I can always convert.
The Military: when I was 17 years old, shows the kind of uniform we wore at the time and the Veteran picture shows the present time Age soon to be 56 Years old.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Aug 1 at 2014 4:19 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 16:19:22 -0400

I tried using a military pic of me, but it wouldn't upload. My current pic is my Senior yearbook pic from 25 years ago.

I wish I had an old DOD pic, but no such luck.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Aug 1 at 2014 9:48 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 21:48:55 -0400

I can't even find my Army photo... Besides y'all would laugh at all the weight I have gained...

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Aug 1 at 2014 11:15 PM

SrA Eric Olsen — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:15:20 -0400

I choose to use a current one. Personal choice. Of course I just recently scanned my BT photo so haven't given it much thought. Regardless here is that young kid.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 12:08 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 00:08:23 -0400

Thought I would join in on the fun!

Response by SSG Saun Lehar made Aug 2 at 2014 1:20 AM

SSG Saun Lehar — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 01:20:25 -0400

I figured that since I was out that I should try and use a professional picture for my profile. But for the record here is one of me in FOB Salerno in 2007.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 2 at 2014 7:58 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 07:58:47 -0400

Mine is from my retirement ceremony last June, once I have figured out what to do with the head of hair that I have grown since then, I may or may not change it, since I joined while I was still on AD, I will stick with it for now!

Response by TSgt Mark Vaughn made Aug 4 at 2014 11:52 AM

TSgt Mark Vaughn — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 11:52:49 -0400

There is a slight difference between BMTS and Today :) I will always be proud of my Uniform

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Nov 13 at 2014 3:49 PM

SN Jennifer M. — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:49:54 -0500

My photo is from like a year ago but hey ... here's a current photo. Took it at the Lichtenburg castle in Kusel, Germany. :)

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 12:26 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 12:26:33 -0500

I just changed mine to a current photo. I had a profile photo of when I was a captain just because I liked the photo but if you want to know what I look like now, there it is. I have now retired for the 2nd time, this time after 15 years with a corporation. I now travel, work on our landscaping and write fiction.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 30 at 2015 3:05 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:05:38 -0500

SSG Jeffrey Spencer, I had my last military photo up until recently. The profile photo now is current, but without uniform as I've been retired since '98!

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 30 at 2015 3:08 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:08:04 -0500

All comes down to a matter of pride, where else can Vet strut their stuff? I have no opinion either way, whatever each wishes.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Apr 12 at 2015 9:44 AM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 09:44:18 -0400

mm The pic I have up is my retirement in 2013. I use it because it is the last one of me in the military, and I really haven't changed in 2 years. I think it is one of my best pictures in my uniform.

Only 2 years later and I am a college student. Haven't had any new pictures recently. The main pic I use on my Facebook page is one from when I was in Turkey in 2007 and got to tour some castles there. Might have to update now.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Apr 12 at 2015 10:04 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 10:04:17 -0400

I think recent pics are better

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 12 at 2015 10:57 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 10:57:32 -0400

RP programmers should provide capability to show 2 profile pictures if user wants. One to left of name and the other to right. User could choose to upload current and "remember when" pic.

Response by SGT Larss Ogren made May 4 at 2015 9:11 PM

SGT Larss Ogren — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:11:41 -0400

I am still learning the RP platform and culture. I believe before an answer could be provided to your question SSgt, we as RP members must first answer what we want out of RP. For example, an exclusive veteran's LinkedIn? A professional networking infrastructure specifically for military members, or perhaps a social connection site which is less professional focus?

RP has a through system of service affiliation validation so assuming we are all Veterans is a pretty safe bet; meaning I, as a member, already know that SSG V. Michelle Woods is a Veteran without seeing her military photo.

I am an avid professional networker and I have learned to use professional photos within networking sites to gain further information about a connection other than what is provided within their respective profile. Do they smile? Are they within the legal system because gold threaded books on a bookshelf appear behind them? Do they take pride in their appearance? Are they committed to being a professional?

How we communicate with each other certainly has presented multiple dimensions. I feel to adequately respond to the good SSGT's question is to ask yourself, how do you want to be perceived by other users? What are you looking to accomplish by sharing information within this site (and your photo does provide information about yourself).

Hope that helps?

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 21 at 2015 8:12 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 20:12:51 -0500

I like just the current one. When & If Command wants a photo in Uniform I have a great one with me posed as a missile on an Improved Hawk (CW) Missile Systems launcher. Looks like I'm ready to be fired at a target.
Thanks,
Rick

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 7:16 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 19:16:03 -0400

I will have been off active duty 41 years at the end of May. Last Reserve duty was in 1986. Why would I used a photo form that long ago?