Posted on Apr 8, 2018
Why can’t E5 and below get their DA photo uploaded?
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And yet, I see some people that do have it uploaded? VIOS says that DAPMIS will just kick it back, but then I see E4s with a photo. Do they understand how ridiculous it is to try and scan a photo(where the scanner adds multiple, multiple retractions, imperfections, and garbage that makes it look like you have a linty coat)?
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DA Photo
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CW2 (Join to see)
SSG,
The issue is not the photo being taken. That hurdle is an easy one, because VIOS has the option for Packet.
My point is that it should be uploaded to DAPMIS as well(which violates current regulation) so that you can provide a digital copy to the board.
The current system, they give you a 4x6 and expect that to be scanned in with your packet, not realizing that the majority of scanners (no matter what dpi setting you use) will wind up making the photo look horrific because the glass has dust or micro abrasions that cannot be fixed.
Some e5s will wind up seeing their DA Photo on AKO. That’s because whoever took the photo uploaded against the regulation and for some reason, the system did not kick it back. These people are now at a systematic advantage when submitting a packet for WOCS. It would make more sense to just upload to DAPMIS for E5 and below since they are only taking one as needed for a board anyway.
The issue is not the photo being taken. That hurdle is an easy one, because VIOS has the option for Packet.
My point is that it should be uploaded to DAPMIS as well(which violates current regulation) so that you can provide a digital copy to the board.
The current system, they give you a 4x6 and expect that to be scanned in with your packet, not realizing that the majority of scanners (no matter what dpi setting you use) will wind up making the photo look horrific because the glass has dust or micro abrasions that cannot be fixed.
Some e5s will wind up seeing their DA Photo on AKO. That’s because whoever took the photo uploaded against the regulation and for some reason, the system did not kick it back. These people are now at a systematic advantage when submitting a packet for WOCS. It would make more sense to just upload to DAPMIS for E5 and below since they are only taking one as needed for a board anyway.
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SSG (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see) - or have everyone do a packet photo that is different from the DA photo. Also WO1 and 2LT don't get a DA Photo.
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CW2 (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) You are absolutely correct on the WO1 and 2LT. And most definitely, the packet photo could/should be a completely separate category.
My big issue is that instead of just taking the time out to make sure my uniform is sharp, on point, and accurately reflects my ERB and how I look in uniform(not a slob), I am now taking multiple hours to find a scanner that does not add that linty scratched quality(huge thanks and shout out to CW4 Engelhardt who pointed me to Walmart, of all places. It looks like their scanners are going to be the best bet with only slight deterioration in photo quality).
I get that I need to work for this packet(I’ve spent over 6 months so far behind red tape), but again, the idea of a systematic unfair advantage given to people who luck out on someone else not following the regs seems to not be what the Army is supposed to be about.
My big issue is that instead of just taking the time out to make sure my uniform is sharp, on point, and accurately reflects my ERB and how I look in uniform(not a slob), I am now taking multiple hours to find a scanner that does not add that linty scratched quality(huge thanks and shout out to CW4 Engelhardt who pointed me to Walmart, of all places. It looks like their scanners are going to be the best bet with only slight deterioration in photo quality).
I get that I need to work for this packet(I’ve spent over 6 months so far behind red tape), but again, the idea of a systematic unfair advantage given to people who luck out on someone else not following the regs seems to not be what the Army is supposed to be about.
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You can do it... You just don't need it. The DA photo is something used by the centralized promotion boards for those going for E-7 and above. Why would someone waste time to get a DA photo done and uploaded before going for -7 if it doesn't do anything and you are going to have to update it at that point anyways?
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So upon sending a DA 2028 to the publication authority, I discovered that I was not the first person to have this issue, nor the first person to send up an amendment for this particular paragraph.
“We are aware of this issue and are working to send guidance to the photo labs that will allow them to provide the Soldier a digital copy of their photo for the stated reasons. Unfortunately, we will not be updating the AR in the near future but the plan is for the labs to be provided the guidance so they can execute consistently.”
The good news is that hopefully this will not negatively affect future Soldiers while creating W/OCS Packets.
“We are aware of this issue and are working to send guidance to the photo labs that will allow them to provide the Soldier a digital copy of their photo for the stated reasons. Unfortunately, we will not be updating the AR in the near future but the plan is for the labs to be provided the guidance so they can execute consistently.”
The good news is that hopefully this will not negatively affect future Soldiers while creating W/OCS Packets.
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