https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo <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. Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:46:41 -0500 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo <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. CPT Private RallyPoint Member Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:46:41 -0500 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5600352&urlhash=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? CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 22:39:33 -0500 2020-02-25T22:39:33-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5601653&urlhash=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... SFC Michael Hasbun Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:01:25 -0500 2020-02-26T10:01:25-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5602250&urlhash=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? MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:07:55 -0500 2020-02-26T12:07:55-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5603577&urlhash=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. SGM Bill Frazer Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:08:57 -0500 2020-02-26T18:08:57-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5606196&urlhash=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. SFC Private RallyPoint Member Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:58:27 -0500 2020-02-27T12:58:27-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5614991&urlhash=5614991 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Security. CPT Larry Hudson Sat, 29 Feb 2020 21:32:19 -0500 2020-02-29T21:32:19-05:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-da-photo?n=5618511&urlhash=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. CH (LTC) Robert Leroe Sun, 01 Mar 2020 21:18:47 -0500 2020-03-01T21:18:47-05:00 2020-02-25T21:46:41-05:00