Is the DA photo required for my board?

It depends on the board. Most Army centralized officer promotion boards (LTC, COL) no longer use photos — that change took effect in 2018 to reduce visual bias. Command selection boards, branch-specific accessions, and some operational/specialty boards still review photos. Check the MILPER message for your specific board.

How old can my DA photo be?

Per AR 670-1, your DA photo should be current within 5 years. Practically, for any promotion board where photos are reviewed, get a fresh photo within 1-2 years of the board cutoff. An older photo can read as "didn't care to update."

Can I take my own photo?

No. The DA photo must be taken by an authorized Army photographer at an approved photo studio (RPI/DPP on installations). The standards for pose, lighting, and uniform fit are tight enough that DIY photos are typically rejected.

What if I have a visible scar or non-standard appearance?

These don't disqualify you. The photo captures who you are. Combat scars, visible tattoos within current grooming standards, and individual physical features are part of the record. Focus on what you CAN control: fit, expression, posture, awards accuracy.

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Army Career Toolkit

DA Photo Guide

AR 670-1 + DA Pam 670-1 photo standards. Which boards still use it. Composition details every promotable officer should manage. Plus what goes wrong at the photo studio.

Current requirement status (2026)

The Army eliminated the DA photo requirement from several centralized promotion boards (LTC, COL) effective in 2018 to reduce visual bias.
It REMAINS required for: command selection boards, certain branch boards, some accessions/branch-detail decisions, and the official record (even if not at the file).
Even where not required for the board, an updated DA photo signals attention to detail. Check the current MILPER for your specific board.

The non-negotiable rules

Service uniform: Army Service Uniform (ASU) — "blues" — with all authorized regalia, NOT OCPs/ACUs.
Awards / decorations: only those officially awarded and reflected in your records.
Marksmanship and combat/special skill badges: per current records.
Hair, grooming: per current AR 670-1 standards for your sex.
Background: solid, light-blue, per Army Pam 670-1 photo specifications.
Photo is taken by an authorized Army photographer (RPI / DPP photo studios on garrison installations).

Composition basics that affect "stop and look"

Posture: shoulders square to camera, head level, eyes to lens, professional expression (slight closed-mouth — no big smile, no scowl).
Uniform fit: ASU should fit correctly — sleeve length, jacket length, trouser break. Many officers wait until they've gained or lost 20 lbs before their next photo. The fit is part of the picture.
Awards order and placement: small mistakes show up. Use the official AR 670-1 sequence and confirm with your S-1.
Photo currency: within 5 years for the board to consider it current. Anything older signals "didn't update before the board" — small but real signal.

What goes wrong

Uniform fit issues — wrong size, wrong sleeve length, missing the right service ribbon.
Pinned at wrong heights or wrong order — Marksmanship below CIB, awards out of precedence.
Hair grooming nonconforming — sideburns, mustache length, women's bun positioning.
Posture / facial expression off — too casual, too stiff, eyes not aligned.
Lighting from the photo studio creates an unflattering shadow — request a retake.

Where to take the photo

Army Reserve Photo Lab (RPI) or Defense Photo Production (DPP) studios on most large installations.
Some installations have shut down their photo studios; in that case, AR 670-1 allows authorized civilian photographers if they meet specs (rare in practice).
Schedule the appointment 60-90 days before the board cutoff. Allow time for one retake.

Adjacent tools