CPT Private RallyPoint Member 5600231 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In an era of candidate packet anonymity what purpose does the DA photo serve?<br /><br />I recently updated my DA photo for the upcoming CPT Board. I’m OK with that. I like to dress up in bling, but as a Reservist getting a DA Photo can be a pain; from the month long appointment wait, and the hour long drive (in the middle of a working day) to the location for what is a Photo that doesn’t seem to serve a purpose other than to prove I own an ASU, and wear it correctly relative to my ORB. <br /><br />The Board File will have all candidate GO/NO-GO documents with iPerm validation supporting it summarized on their ORB. OER’s will hopefully provide a visibility to the review board the soldier’s performance (for good or bad), and flags will be visible. So why the photo.<br /> <br />Now, I ask this with a quasi serious curiosity. So I already might have my answer. While looking up contact information on another officer via AKO I found his profile picture used was his DA photo. He had a glaring error on his ASU, and had DOUBLE branch sleeve braid on each cuff (like the Navy rank of an O3). So obviously, such a photo might cause a review board to pick apart his ORB and supporting documentation. What is the purpose of the DA Photo? 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 5600231 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In an era of candidate packet anonymity what purpose does the DA photo serve?<br /><br />I recently updated my DA photo for the upcoming CPT Board. I’m OK with that. I like to dress up in bling, but as a Reservist getting a DA Photo can be a pain; from the month long appointment wait, and the hour long drive (in the middle of a working day) to the location for what is a Photo that doesn’t seem to serve a purpose other than to prove I own an ASU, and wear it correctly relative to my ORB. <br /><br />The Board File will have all candidate GO/NO-GO documents with iPerm validation supporting it summarized on their ORB. OER’s will hopefully provide a visibility to the review board the soldier’s performance (for good or bad), and flags will be visible. So why the photo.<br /> <br />Now, I ask this with a quasi serious curiosity. So I already might have my answer. While looking up contact information on another officer via AKO I found his profile picture used was his DA photo. He had a glaring error on his ASU, and had DOUBLE branch sleeve braid on each cuff (like the Navy rank of an O3). So obviously, such a photo might cause a review board to pick apart his ORB and supporting documentation. What is the purpose of the DA Photo? 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00 CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 5600352 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1220570" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1220570-90a-multifunctional-logistician">CPT Private RallyPoint Member</a> If you were on that subject’s profile, did you alert him to the errors? <br /><br />Akin to the cooperate and graduate style that is often spoken of? Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Feb 25 at 2020 10:39 PM 2020-02-25T22:39:33-05:00 2020-02-25T22:39:33-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 5601653 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>BLUF: To make sure you know how to put a uniform together, and to make sure you&#39;re not a fat piece of shit... Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 26 at 2020 10:01 AM 2020-02-26T10:01:25-05:00 2020-02-26T10:01:25-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 5602250 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is an expectation to present with a professional appearance. It also allows the board to see if you are correctly maintaining your uniform. You would be surprised how many people take a DA photo with a short leave shirt or don&#39;t have matching oak leaf clusters to match their ORB. The board is looking for attention to detail, who follows directions and upholds the standards. <br />Looking at the other individual&#39;s profile, would you want to be under his leadership knowing he couldn&#39;t even put on the uniform right? Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 12:07 PM 2020-02-26T12:07:55-05:00 2020-02-26T12:07:55-05:00 SGM Bill Frazer 5603577 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To see if you are a SAD SACK, Marshmallow Man, and to see if you are actually in the right uniform and you know how to wear it. Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 26 at 2020 6:08 PM 2020-02-26T18:08:57-05:00 2020-02-26T18:08:57-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5606196 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>They want to see if you look fat and if your record reflects the truth. If you read the AARs for the boards, one of the most common comments is that records don&#39;t match the picture, or that their height grows every years as their weight goes up. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 12:58 PM 2020-02-27T12:58:27-05:00 2020-02-27T12:58:27-05:00 CPT Larry Hudson 5614991 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Security. Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 29 at 2020 9:32 PM 2020-02-29T21:32:19-05:00 2020-02-29T21:32:19-05:00 CH (LTC) Robert Leroe 5618511 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ve always felt the photo was subjective and superfluous. OERs were opinions. The ORB was hard data--facts. Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 1 at 2020 9:18 PM 2020-03-01T21:18:47-05:00 2020-03-01T21:18:47-05:00 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00