The Department of the Army Photo Management Information System (DAPMIS) allows installation photo labs to electronically transmit official military photographs for promotion board consideration. It is a critical part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to implement the Army Selection Board System, according to PERSCOM. The current demographic profile of the Army’s senior ranks suggests a problem with fair advancement procedures. Past attempts to solve this have failed. You can check other related topics on our website, AKO Offline.
The Department of the Army Photo Management Information System (DAPMIS) is a system that allows Soldiers to submit official military photos electronically for promotion board consideration. DA boards are groups of NCOs and officers who review records, achievements, evaluation reports, other personnel files, and photos of Soldiers for promotions. Once a Soldier is selected for promotion, the board sends their packet to the servicing personnel services battalion or military personnel office for review and approval. The packet includes the DA photo of the candidate and a copy of their official record file.
Soldiers must have their DA photos taken at the installation photographic facility. Once the photo is digitized, it is forwarded to the servicing personnel services battalion for review and approval and scanned into the DAPMIS repository. Once the system has been fully implemented, career managers will be able to view these photos online. In the meantime, Soldiers who are being considered for promotion will still have to visit their unit’s photographic facility to have their DA photo taken. This will save time and reduce the likelihood of having to retake the photo.
DAPMIS Photographer Instructions
The Department of the Army Photo Management Information System, or DAPMIS for short, is a web-enabled, e-business system that provides a digital means for Army photo labs to electronically transmit official military photographs for promotion board consideration. It also provides a way for Soldiers to view their newest picture. The DAPMIS system, which is the brainchild of Ken Washington, a U.S. Army Total Personnel Command senior manager, has been operational since early September. This new technology is likely to save a lot of time and heartache for those involved in the DA promotion process.
The DAPMIS site also has a cool new feature that allows you to see if your picture is online or not, as long as you have the requisite CAC card reader.
Does the Army still use da photos?
As promotion and selection board season rolls around, soldiers rush to their Visual Information studios, book appointments, and wait in line for a Department of the Army photo (DA photo). This ritual happens at every Army post, from staff sergeant to general, for every centralized selection board.
The DA photo is used to assess a soldier’s professionalism and appearance. It is also used in promotions packets, command packets, Soldier/NCO of the Year packets, and several others. In most cases, a photo is good for five years.
According to the Army’s own research, the DA photo is not the best way to assess a candidate’s talent or performance.
In fact, a study published in October 2018 found that using the DA photo actually led to decisions from board members that revealed unconscious bias.
The service’s leadership has strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a recent initiative called “Project Inclusion.” Ditching the promotion photo is part of that effort. The Army is also taking steps to promote racial and gender equality in the military through more inclusive recruitment, retention, and training, including a new training program on implicit bias.
DA Photo – DAPMIS instructions for Soldiers
Officers and NCOs are expected to have a current official DA photo in the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. These photos are used for promotion packets, command packets, Soldier/NCO of the Year packets, and many other things.
A good DA photo looks and presents you in a professional and appropriate manner. The most important part is ensuring you wear the correct uniform and that all badges and awards are properly displayed. Having a battle buddy or supervisor check your uniform before you are photographed can ensure that all is in order.
The official DA Photo regulation is AR 640-30 which provides detailed instructions for all aspects of the DA photo process. It also lists responsibilities for unit commanders, installation commanders, photo lab personnel, and the individual Soldier.
You can get the official DA Photo regulation from your Installation Service Center or Unit S1 Office. It is an 18-page document that will give you all the information you need to prepare for your photo session.
Once you have the regulation, schedule your DA photo appointment at your local VI office by using the Visual Information Ordering Site (VIOS). It is quick and easy to do.
During your DA photo appointment, make sure you are in the proper Army Service Uniform. Changing rooms are available in the studio at Building 11-66. Arrive early if you plan to change clothes here.
The DA photo is the first thing board members see when reviewing your records. Therefore, it is essential that your DA photo, record brief, and commendatory file are synchronized. This will save you and the board time and effort and provide a stronger impression.
How long is a DA Photo valid for?
In the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, Soldiers are required to have a current DA Photo. This photo is used for promotion packets, command packets, Soldier/NCO of the Year packets, and many others. The photo is usually good for five years, but Soldiers may need to update it if they receive a new award or get promoted during the timeframe.
Most major bases have a DA photo lab where you go and have your picture taken. There are a few other locations around the country, but it’s best to contact your Unit S1 Office or the G1 website for more information on where to take your picture.
If you are a Soldier in the United States, the military recommends that you have your picture taken every two years to maintain a professional appearance and to ensure you look your best for any promotional or command activities. This is why it is important to plan ahead and make an appointment for your photo at the time that is scheduled.
You should also wear the proper Army Service Uniform (ASU) and bring a change of clothes to your photo session. You can also have a supervisor or trusted peer spot-check your uniform to make sure everything is in order before you leave.
A study of one hundred and eighty-four officers on mock promotion boards found that a DA photo rated as good by an Army Personnel Command Officer did not predict a promotion board score; however, a DA photo judged bad by the same panel of officers could be a predictor of a lower overall promotion board score.
If the Army is serious about promoting and selecting its best and brightest, it must drop the DA photo from promotion and selection boards. This could help guard against implicit and explicit biases that undermine the Army’s meritocracy.