Should my DA Photo match my records even if there are items pending approval?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 01:58:57 -0400

E-7 Board DA Photo ;
So I'm taking my DA photo for the third time due to how others have turned out. I was told today that I should add an additional service stripe being that on the 25th marks my 15yr mark, here is my issue once the board is held my records will reflect time in service. According to what I've read my service stripes should match my AGC medals, we all know how slow these orders are pushed down and I can guarantee that I will be unable to submit a new AGC medal prior to that time frame. What should I do in this case?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 6:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 06:04:36 -0400

They should see any awards you recieved after you submit yourboard packet. That may not be something you can control. Your 1sg/csm should be able to give you clarification

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 29 at 2016 7:31 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 07:31:28 -0400

You wear the stripes and awards that you have at the time of photo. Do not assume that the committee is not aware that photo's often do not reflect the accouterments. There is an administrative component to their preparation, and they actually rehearse this process as it is a very controlled environment, I won't bore you with too many details. If your records are straight as of the date of the photo you will get the respect you are due from the panel members, Good Luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 7:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 07:33:18 -0400

I would advise not to add any service strips you have not yet earned they do enlarge your photo and see everything. If concerned I would add it after I took it to show that you are engaged in your carrier progression.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Apr 29 at 2016 8:29 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 08:29:59 -0400

Do not add the service strip until it's time for you to have it. Your records do reflect your time in service and when they look at your photo and see the service strip and they look at your fate of entry and they don't match you will probably will be asked questions about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 8:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 08:48:54 -0400

The photo is dated and the board members are a sharp group. Your uniform should be accurate as of the day the photo was taken.

Response by SFC Roberto Garza Jr. made Apr 29 at 2016 12:39 PM

SFC Roberto Garza Jr. — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 12:39:36 -0400

Wear what you are authorized, you can write a letter to support any changes you may have from the time of the photo to the time of review. A letter to the board is looked at as favorable. Don't get to crazy just state the facts, my picture shows A, my ERB states B and this is why. Goodluck hopefully you get selected.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Apr 29 at 2016 12:53 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 12:53:36 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member A good practice to get into is, if there is something added on your ASUs to get an updated DA Photo.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 1:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 13:25:50 -0400

If you can't push the photo to a later date then I would make the photo match what is in my records on the date of the photo. If you do get awarded a new medal prior to the board, board members will see the date of the award and take into consideration that it was awarded to you recently.

Response by SSG Douglas Smith made Apr 29 at 2016 5:01 PM

SSG Douglas Smith — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:01:30 -0400

Your records should match the picture the date it was taken. you can have push the award and defer the picture until you can have it added. My experience and guidance that was given is to look at your proponency and see if your assignments have matched the model that is set out for all MOS. There might be a position or positions that you should have rated time into. Coming back on track though. I wouldn't add a stripe or ribbon to a submitted photo until I had orders. I had to take off a couple ribbons because I lost the orders and they fell off my erb.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 2:29 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 02:29:50 -0400

Record and uniform needs to match. If not, it draws scrutiny that is not needed.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 9:59 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 09:59:40 -0400

Yes. If not approved don't wear the award

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 8:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 May 2016 20:52:00 -0400

Match your ERB, stick to the standard and you can't go wrong.. You can aka ways take another DA photo later

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made May 5 at 2016 12:27 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 05 May 2016 00:27:14 -0400

I would think that if your records don't match my photo I would say they may over look you For the next promotion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 2:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2016 14:54:24 -0400

Remember that the board photo can be valid for five years I believe. Does that mean it shouldn't be updated regularly? It absolutely should. But such as most of the responders, it should match where you are as of the photo being taken.