Department of the Air Force Guidance Memorandum to DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel
Service Dress Head and Shoulders Portrait Guidance
In accordance with DAFI 36-2903, 1 February 2025 (paragraphs 4.5, 4.6, and 7.3), the following outlines the uniform standards for the Service Dress Uniform (Class A and B) for head and shoulders portraits.
4.5. Service Dress Uniform (Class A and B – Male and Female)
The Service Dress Uniform is designated as Class A (with service dress coat) or Class B (without service dress coat).
4.5.1.1. Coat (Class A)
- Material and Design: The service dress coat is a polyester and wool-blend, serge weave, semi-drape, single-breasted with three buttons, featuring one welt pocket on the upper left side and two lower pocket flaps. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.1.1.)
- Distinctions:
- Officers: Coats have epaulets.
- Enlisted: Coats do not have epaulets.
- General Officers: Wear a 1½ inch wide blue sleeve braid, 3 inches from the end of the sleeve. (T-1)
- Other Officers: Wear a ½ inch wide blue sleeve braid, 3 inches from the end of the sleeve. (T-1) (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.1.1.)
- Fit:
- Sleeves end ¼ to ½ inch below the wrist with arms hanging naturally.
- The coat bottom extends 3 to 3½ inches below the top of the thigh.
- Sleeves and lapel are roll-pressed. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.1.1.)
4.5.1.1.1. Officer Rank Insignia
- Officers center regular-size rank insignia ⅝ inch from the end of the epaulet, parallel with the sleeve seam. (T-1)
- General Officers:
- Wear 1-inch stars point-to-center; ¾-inch stars are optional if 1-inch stars cannot be worn. (T-1)
- Generals: Evenly space four stars between the epaulet button and sleeve seam. (T-1)
- Lieutenant Generals: Place one star at the epaulet’s center point, with two stars centered between the first star and the epaulet button/sleeve seam. (T-1)
- Major Generals: Evenly space stars between the epaulet’s center point and the epaulet button/sleeve seam. (T-1)
- Brigadier Generals: Center one star between the epaulet button and sleeve seam. (T-1)
- Colonel: Eagle’s beak faces forward.
- Lieutenant Colonel and Major: Stem points away from the collar. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.1.1.1.)
4.5.1.1.5. Enlisted Insignia
- Enlisted wear 3½ or 4-inch chevron rank centered on the outer arm, halfway between the shoulder seam and elbow when bent at a 90-degree angle. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.1.1.5.)
4.5.2. Service Dress Coat Accoutrements (Class A)
- US Lapel Insignia:
- Placed halfway up the seam, resting on but not over it, with “US” letters parallel to the ground.
- Officer insignia have no circles; enlisted insignia have circles around “US.” (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.2.1.)
- Nametag:
- Metal, engraved, brushed satin silver with last name in blue lettering.
- Centered on the wearer’s right, between the sleeve seam and lapel, with the bottom parallel to the bottom of ribbons. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.2.2.)
- Ribbons:
- Worn centered, resting on (but not over) the edge of the pleated pocket on the wearer’s left.
- Foreign badges and decorations/medals are authorized with permission (refer to AFMAN 36-2806).
- Foreign medals/ribbons must match the size of Air Force medals/ribbons. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.2.3; cross-referenced with AFMAN 36-2806 for foreign decorations.)
- Duty Badges and Command Insignia Pin:
- Refer to DAFI 36-2903 paragraphs 9.1, 9.3.25.3, 9.4.7, and 9.4.8 for wear and description. (Confirmed accurate; no changes noted in referenced paragraphs.)
4.6. Men’s Blue Shirt and Women’s Blouse (Class A and B)
4.6.1. Long-Sleeve/Short-Sleeve Blue Shirt (Male)
- Description: Light blue with two pleated pockets, convertible cuffs (long-sleeve only), and epaulets. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.1.)
- Fit:
- Collar visible ¼ to ½ inch above the service dress coat collar.
- Sleeves end ¼ to ½ inch below the wrist, not visible below the coat sleeves.
- Shirt is tucked into trousers and may be altered for a tapered fit. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.1.)
- Undershirt: White V-neck or athletic-style tank top (or crew neck for long-sleeve shirt) is worn. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.1.1.)
- Nametag: Blue plastic with last name in white lettering, centered on the wearer’s right pocket, resting on but not over the edge. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.1.2.)
- Tie:
- Blue polyester or silk, herringbone twill, covering part of the belt buckle but not extending below it.
- Tie tack/clasp (wing and star, Air Force symbol, or rank insignia) is centered between the knot’s bottom edge and tie tip.
- Required with long-sleeve shirt and service dress; optional with short-sleeve shirt unless worn with service dress. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.1.3.)
4.6.2. Blouse (Long and Short-Sleeved) (Female)
- Description: Pointed-end collar, visible ¼ to ½ inch above the service dress coat collar, with epaulets and no military creases. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.)
- Fit:
- Long sleeves end ¼ to ½ inch below the wrist, not visible below coat sleeves.
- Long-sleeved blouse has rounded cuffs with buttonhole closures, modifiable for cuff links. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.)
- Undershirt: White V-neck or crew neck (long-sleeve only) is optional, tucked into skirt or slacks. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.1.)
- Styles:
- Tuck-in Style: Tapered fit, tucked into slacks or skirt.
- Semi-Form Fitting: Princess line design. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.2.)
- Nametag: Blue plastic with last name in white lettering, centered within 1½ inches higher or lower than the first exposed button on the wearer’s right. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.3.)
- Tie Tab:
- Inverted-V, blue polyester herringbone, with self-fastening tails for tuck-in blouse or with/without fasteners for semi-form fitting blouse.
- Required with long-sleeve blouse and service dress; optional with short-sleeve blouse unless worn with service dress. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 4.6.2.4.)
7.3. Accessories
- Accessories not listed in DAFI 36-2903 are not authorized. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.)
- Jewelry: Must be plain and conservative as determined by the local commander. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.1.)
- Earrings:
- Males: Not authorized in uniform or civilian attire for official duty; permitted off-duty in civilian attire on military installations.
- Females: Small (≤6 mm), conservative round or square white diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver earrings worn as a set. Only one set is worn in the lower earlobes, fitting tightly without extending below the earlobe (except for clip earring bands). (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.2.)
- Bracelets:
- One conservative bracelet (≤½ inch wide, gold or silver, no inappropriate pictures/writing) is permitted.
- Medical alert/identification bracelets are authorized if conservative.
- Gemstones/tennis bracelets are only allowed with mess dress.
- Cause/philosophy bracelets are not authorized (except traditional POW/MIA/KIA bracelets). (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.3.)
- Watches:
- One conservative watch (solid black, brown, silver, or gold; no diamond-covered, neon, or bright colors; band ≤1 inch wide) is permitted. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.4.)
- Rings:
- Maximum of three rings (wedding sets count as one). Worn at the finger’s base, not on the thumb. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.5.)
- Necklaces:
- Not visible; must be concealed under collar or undershirt. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.6.)
- Eyeglasses:
- Worn as intended, not around the neck, on head, or hanging on the uniform.
- Frames may be black, brown, gold, or silver wire with conservative ornamentation or small brand logos.
- Lenses may be clear, slightly tinted, mirrored, or photosensitive. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.7.)
- Contact Lenses:
- Natural-looking, clear, and do not change the eye’s natural color. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.8.)
Portrait-Specific Guidance
- Uniform: Use Class A (with service dress coat) for formal head and shoulders portraits unless otherwise directed. (Confirmed appropriate; DAFI 36-2903 does not explicitly address portrait uniforms, but Class A is standard for formal imagery.)
- Accoutrements: Ensure nametag, ribbons, and badges are properly aligned and visible. US lapel insignia must be correctly positioned. (Confirmed appropriate; aligns with DAFI 36-2903, para 4.5.2.)
- Accessories: Limit to authorized items (e.g., one watch, up to three rings, conservative earrings for females). Ensure no visible necklaces or unauthorized jewelry. (Confirmed accurate per DAFI 36-2903, para 7.3.)
- Grooming: Adhere to DAFI 36-2903 grooming standards (not detailed here but critical for portrait appearance). (Confirmed appropriate; grooming standards are covered in DAFI 36-2903, Chapter 3.)
Reference: DAFI 36-2903, 1 February 2025
Photographer’s Checklist for Service Dress Head and Shoulders Portrait
Ensure the following standards are met for Class A Service Dress Uniform (with service dress coat) portraits, per DAFI 36-2903, 1 February 2025.
Uniform Standards
- [ ] Coat (Class A):
- Single-breasted, three-button, polyester/wool-blend, serge weave.
- Sleeves end ¼ to ½ inch below wrist with arms hanging naturally.
- Coat bottom extends 3 to 3½ inches below top of thigh.
- Sleeves and lapel are roll-pressed.
- Officers: Epaulets present; General Officers have 1½ inch blue sleeve braid, other officers have ½ inch braid, 3 inches from sleeve end.
- Enlisted: No epaulets.
- [ ] Shirt/Blouse:
- Male: Light blue shirt, collar visible ¼ to ½ inch above coat collar, sleeves not visible below coat sleeves, tucked into trousers.
- Female: Light blue blouse, pointed-end collar visible ¼ to ½ inch above coat collar, sleeves not visible below coat sleeves, tucked (tuck-in style) or semi-form fitting (princess line).
- Undershirt (if worn): White V-neck or crew neck (long-sleeve only, female optional), tucked in.
Rank Insignia
- [ ] Officer Rank Insignia (on epaulets):
- Centered ⅝ inch from epaulet end, parallel with sleeve seam.
- General Officers: 1-inch stars (¾-inch optional), point-to-center; placement varies by rank (e.g., Generals: four stars evenly spaced; Brigadier Generals: one star centered).
- Colonel: Eagle’s beak faces forward.
- Lieutenant Colonel/Major: Stem points away from collar.
- [ ] Enlisted Insignia:
- 3½ or 4-inch chevrons centered on outer arm, halfway between shoulder seam and elbow (when bent at 90 degrees).
Accoutrements
- [ ] US Lapel Insignia:
- Placed halfway up lapel seam, resting on but not over it, “US” letters parallel to ground.
- Officers: No circle around “US.”
- Enlisted: Circle around “US.”
- [ ] Nametag:
- Male: Metal (Class A) or blue plastic (shirt), brushed satin silver (metal) with blue (metal) or white (plastic) lettering, centered on right (Class A: between sleeve seam and lapel, bottom parallel to ribbons; shirt: on right pocket, resting on but not over edge).
- Female: Blue plastic, centered within 1½ inches higher or lower than first exposed button on blouse.
- [ ] Ribbons:
- Centered on wearer’s left, resting on (but not over) edge of pleated pocket (male) or aligned with nametag (female).
- Foreign medals/ribbons (if authorized) match Air Force medal/ribbon size.
- [ ] Duty Badges/Command Insignia Pin:
- Positioned per DAFI 36-2903, paras 9.1, 9.3.25.3, 9.4.7, 9.4.8 (e.g., centered above ribbons or nametag, depending on badge type).
- [ ] Tie/Tie Tab:
- Male: Blue polyester/silk, herringbone twill, covers part of belt buckle but not below it; tie tack/clasp (wing and star, Air Force symbol, or rank insignia) centered between knot’s bottom and tie tip.
- Female: Inverted-V blue polyester herringbone tie tab, self-fastening (tuck-in blouse) or with/without fasteners (semi-form fitting blouse).
Accessories
- [ ] Jewelry:
- Conservative and plain (per local commander).
- Earrings (Female only): One set, ≤6 mm, round/square, white diamond/gold/white pearl/silver, in lower earlobes, tight fit, not extending below earlobe (except clip earring bands).
- Earrings (Male): Not worn.
- Bracelets: One, ≤½ inch wide, gold/silver, no inappropriate designs; medical alert bracelets allowed if conservative.
- Watches: One, solid black/brown/silver/gold, band ≤1 inch wide, no neon/bright colors.
- Rings: Maximum three (wedding sets count as one), at finger base, not on thumb.
- Necklaces: Not visible, concealed under collar/undershirt.
- [ ] Eyeglasses:
- Worn as intended (not on neck/head/hanging on uniform).
- Frames: Black/brown/gold/silver wire, conservative ornamentation or small logos.
- Lenses: Clear, slightly tinted, mirrored, or photosensitive.
- [ ] Contact Lenses:
- Natural-looking, clear, do not change eye’s natural color.
Grooming
- [ ] Grooming Standards:
- Adhere to DAFI 36-2903, Chapter 3 (e.g., hair neat, within regulation length, no unauthorized styles; facial hair for males per regulation; cosmetics for females conservative).
Notes
- Verify foreign decorations/badges are authorized (per AFMAN 36-2806).
- Confirm with subject if any medical alert bracelets or specific badges are worn.
- Reference: DAFI 36-2903, 1 February 2025.
(Current as of May 2025)
OFFICIAL ARMY PHOTOGRAPHS
This regulation establishes policy and procedures for taking, selecting, submitting, and maintaining current Department of the Army (DA) official photographs in the DA Photograph Management Information System (DAPMIS).
Be Prepared
Please ensure your uniform is ready and serviceable before your appointment. It is your responsibility to ensure your uniform, badges, ribbons, devices and accessories meet or exceed your military service requirements, standards or instructions. Service members from other branches are encouraged to bring someone to look over uniform items.
Photograph requirements
a. Ensure the photograph background is Savage #75, true blue.
b. Take photograph in the joint photographic group (JPG) format. Save original (uncropped, non-adjusted) JPG image and also save the prepared image as a JPG copy. The original will be, mode=red, green, and blue (RGB), 8-bit; Image Option Quality = 10 (Maximum); Format Option = Baseline. The prepared image will be saved as a JPG copy, mode=RGB, 8-bit; Image Option Quality = 9 (high); Format Option=Progressive.
c. For GOs and promotable colonels only, the photograph will be taken digitally, in color, showing only head and shoulders, with the subject seated, the U.S. flag behind and to the officer's right side with the appropriate general officer's flag behind and to the officer's left side. Portraits will be the traditional chain of command variety without headgear. The digital image must be saved at a resolution that will produce a finished print of 8 x 10 inches and 300 dots per inch (DPI). Type the officers' full name, grade, and the date the photograph was taken in the body of an e-mail. Digitally send encrypted photographs to the respective Army component GO branch listed in paragraph 51 of this regulation.
d. For authorized Army Soldiers, commissioned officers (other than GOs and promotable colonels), WOs, and NCOs, color photographs will be taken in accordance with paragraph 7b (300 DPI, 4 x 6 inches and not larger than 350k), without a border, and in the portrait layout using the following procedures:
(1) Pose the Soldier with head and eyes facing the camera and body turned 15 degrees to the right. The left side of the Soldier's body is closer to the camera. If necessary, adjust position to allow overseas service bars to be visible in the photo.
(2) Frame the image to the right of the camera center as seen through the camera view approximately 2 inches above the top of the head to approximately 2 inches below the jacket line with both the subject's hands visible.
e. The Soldier’s name board information will be added to the photo using the following procedures:
(1) The photographer must enter the Soldier’s DOD identification from the CAC. DAPMIS will automatically populate the name and date on the photo. If the name is not correct, ensure the correct identification was entered into DAPMIS. If the name is still not correct, the Soldier must coordinate with their HR specialist to ensure their name is correct in the appropriate HR system.
(2) The photographer will select the rank and branch/PMOS from the drop down menus in DAPMIS.
(3) It is the Soldier’s responsibility to ensure the name, rank, and branch/PMOS are correct on the photo.
DODI 5040.02 zero tolerance policy on altering photographs must be strictly enforced. The multimedia visual information managers at all levels are responsible for enforcing this policy. Photographers can improve the contrast, color balance, and light levels electronically, but CANNOT alter the image in any way as to misrepresent the actual image. Active measures must be taken to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all official DA photographs. Therefore, a digital computer file, disk, or electronic copy WILL NOT be issued to the Soldier.
DA Photo - DAPMIS instructions for Soldiers
View and Accept your DA Photo
1. Log into DAPMIS: https://dapmis.hrc.army.mil/ImageAcceptProlog.action
2. The DAPMIS introduction page is displayed on the screen. Check box for User Agreement and select OK.
3. Select Photo View button.
4. The Photo View and Acceptance screen displays your current photo of record (if it already exists) on the left and your new photo on the right. If you are satisfied with your photo, click on the "Accept" button.
5. Per AR 640-30, Photographers will take reshoots only when there is an error caused by the photographer or the equipment.
If you do not accept the photo within three duty days, the system will automatically accept the photo on the fourth duty day, and it will become your official DA photo of record. Once accepted, your DA photo will be immediately available in DAPMIS. Additionally, it will be available in iPERMS within one duty day.
If you are unable to see your DA photo in DAPMIS within three duty days after the photo was taken, contact the DA photo lab for assistance.
Photographs must be accepted in DAPMIS within three duty days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the current uniform authorized to take DA Photos?
A. The uniform for all official DA Photographs is the Army Service uniform (ASU).
Q. Will my photo be updated to my ERB/ORB for the board to view?
A. No, the board does not pull an ERB/ORB with a visible photo for board proceedings.
Q. What if I am unable to view my photo in DAPMIS?
A. If you are unable to see your DA photo in DAPMIS within three duty days after the photo was taken, contact the installation photographic facility for assistance.
Q. Can the photo be rejected after the system accepts the image?
A. No, once the Soldier accepts the photo it becomes the current photo. A new photo must be taken to replace the current photo.
Q. How does an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldier update the date of last photo on their ERB/ORB?
A. The Soldier must contact their S1, MPD, or Unit Administrator for assistance.
Q. Are all DA photos of a Soldier stored in DAPMIS?
A. No, only the most current photo will be stored in DAPMIS.
Q. Can a Sergeant (E-5) or below have a photo in DAPMIS?
A. No, DAPMIS stores photos for those in the rank of staff sergeant (SSG/E-6) and above only.
Q. Can I have my DA photo taken while I am pregnant?
A. Pregnant female Soldiers who are due to take an official photograph are exempt as stated in AR 640-30 until six months post-partum. However, this does not prevent pregnant Soldiers from taking a photo.
Q. How long is my DA photo valid?
A. Refer to AR 640-30, Frequency (paragraph 6), for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which web page do I visit to get more information for DAPMIS Photographers?
The Army Soldiers Record Branch website with information for the DAPMIS Photographer can be found at this link: (DAPMIS Photographer Instructions)
When uploading a photo, nothing happens when I select the SUBMIT button. What do I need to do?
- Open your browser.
- Select Tools
- Select Compatibility View Settings
- in the small text box on the upper portion of the pop-up window type army.mil
- Click Add and then close the box.
- You will need to close and then re-open Internet Explorer for the new setting to be in effect.
When will the Soldier's photo be updated to the ERB/ORB for the board to view?
Please contact your S1 or administrative professional for more information regarding your ERB/ORB photo. Our office does not have access to update ERB/ORBs.
Are General Officer's (GO) official photographs maintained in iPERMS?
Yes, GO official photographs are maintained in iPERMS and digital copies are sent to GOMO for resume updates.
Where do I send digital copies of GO official photographs?
Digital copies of GO official photographs are sent to:
(a) Regular Army officers only: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-gomo.mbx.gomo@army.mil
(b) Army Reserve officers only: usarmy.usarc.ocar.mbx.gomo-ar-pers@army.mil
(c) Army National Guard: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.gofm-army@army.mil
Who is responsible for sending GO photos sent to DAPMIS:
Photo labs are responsible for uploading GO photos to DAPMIS, this will automatically send the photo to iPERMS.
When do I provide Soldiers a printed copy of an official photograph?
Official photographs are not authorized to be printed or copies provided to Soldiers except for the following conditions:
1. Reserve Soldiers in a Troop Program Unit (TPU) and National Guard Soldiers when required.
2. Photos of SGT and below applying for Soldier Actions (Officer Candidate School, WO applications, Active Guard Reserve packets, DA level nominative position packets and Soldier of the Quarter/Year Board).
3. Photos of Active Army 2LTs and WO1s.
4. General Officer photos that are filed at the General Officer Management Office (GOMO), IAW 640-30.
What photographs are not authorized to upload into DAPMIS?
- Photos of Soldiers in unauthorized uniforms, i.e., PFUs, DCUs, OCPs or civilian attire.
- Photos of SGT and below applying for Soldier Actions (Officer Candidate School, WO applications, Active Guard Reserve packets, DA level nominative position packets and Soldier of the Quarter/Year Board).
- Photos for Active Army 2LTs and WO1s.
- General Officer photos that are filed at the General Officer Management Office (GOMO), IAW 640-30.
Can a pregnant Soldier have their DA photo taken?
Pregnant female Soldiers who are due to take an official photograph are exempt from the requirements of AR 640-30 until six months post-partum. However, this does not prevent pregnant Soldiers from taking a photo.
For assistance with DA photos email: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.persinsd-dapmis@army.mil
Phone Number:
502-613-7777
DSN Phone Number:
983-7777
(Current as of May 2025)
Official Military Personnel File Photographs
(Service C or equivalent) Uploaded via Manpower Management Records and Performance (MMRP)/OMPF IAW MARADMIN 052/19 and MARADMIN 369/21.
Be Prepared
Please ensure your uniform is ready and serviceable before your appointment. It is your responsibility to ensure your uniform, badges, ribbons, devices and accessories meet or exceed your military service requirements, standards or instructions. Service members from other branches are encouraged to bring someone to look over uniform items.
Command Photographs
a. Materials. Three studio lights, one United States of America flag with tassel, one United States Marine Corps flag with tassel, one studio stool, a solid black background or neutral gradient, and one digital SLR camera. The Marine will be in his/her Service ―A‖, with ribbons and badges for the photograph. Exceptions will be made for: 8 th & I Marines who take a command photo in Dress Blues and deployed Marines may take a command photo with the uniform prescribe during their deployment.
b. Lighting. The 3:1 lighting ratio and the Rembrandt or 45 degree lighting style will be used on every command photograph. The main light will be to the left of the subject as viewed from the camera position. (1) In calculating a lighting ratio, the combined illumination from the main light and the fill light are compared against the illumination provided by the fill light alone. This ratio is expressed as two numbers, as in 3:1. The first number represents the combined strength of the main and fill lights, while the second number represents the fill light alone. (2) For Rembrandt or 45 degree lighting, the main light source is placed pointing toward the subject's face, at a 45 degree angle, slightly above the subject. The fill light is placed slightly lower on the same line as the main. A rear fill light can be used to lighten up the background and will be set at 1/4 power.
c. Flag Positioning (1) The American flag will naturally hang so that the stars of the flag face inboard to the subjects head and so it does not contact the Marine Corps flag. The red and white stripes on the flag should angle downward toward the subject and will be positioned on the photographer’s left side (see Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). (2) The Marine Corps flag will naturally hang so that the Eagle Globe and Anchor face upward with a slight angle inboard toward the subject. The flag will not come in contact with the United States flag and will be positioned on the photographer’s right side (see Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). (3) Depending on the width of the subject, the flags will be positioned to ensure equal spacing on each side of the subjects head (see Figure 1-1, Ex-A and Figure 1-2, Ex-A). The right shoulder of the subject should overlap the American flag so that there is not a gap between the subject and the edge of the American flag (see Figure 1-1, Ex-B). (4) The tassels will be positioned on their respective flag, staggered with the inner tassel positioned higher than the outer tassel. The upper tip of the outer tassel should fall half way down the inner tassel. The tassels will be parallel to the subjects’ ears and will not protrude out past the flags (see Figure 1-2, Ex-C).
d. All subjects will be centered in the photograph. Their body will be turned at a 45 degree angle to their right and head turned toward the camera (see Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). (1) Enlisted Marines will have half of their rank showing on their left arm and none of their rank showing on their right arm (see Figure 1-1, Ex-D). (2) Officers will have both lapels with rank insignia visible (see Figure 1-2, Ex-E).
e. The background will be solid black so when the back light flashes it will cause an even gradient on the background (see Figure 2-1 and Figure 1-2).
f. All photos will be cropped no less than one-half inches and no more than three-quarters of an inches above the subjects head (or cover) (see Figure 1-1, Ex-F and Figure 1-2, Ex-F). (1) The photo will be cropped eight by ten inches at 300 dpi. The left arm will be bisected vertically and be cropped above the third button of the Service Alpha uniform (see Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). (2) Enlisted Marines will be cropped to ensure that their rank is bisected vertically (see Figure 1-1, Ex-D).
Figure 1-1.--Command Board Photograph (enlisted)
Figure 1-2.--Command Board Photograph (officer)
Promotion Photographs
a. The 1-1 lighting ratio will be used on every promotion photo. The main light and fill light are the same intensity in order to avoid background shadows.
b. All photos will be cropped no less than one-eighth inch and no more than one-quarter inch above the subjects head and feet (Figure 1-3, EX-H). The photo will be cropped at four by five inches at 200 dpi.
c. The subject will be positioned at a 45 degree angle, three quarter view with their left shoulder forward standing at the position of attention in the prescribed uniform (garrison or deployed). The subject’s head and eyes are level and looking at the camera (Figure 1-3).
d. Digital Title Board. White lettering will be used on the promotion board. The font will be Times New Roman, Bold, and will not exceed 8.5. **Note: In order to fit all required info on the board per reference (m) the font size may be adjusted smaller.
e. The board dimensions will be one and one-half inch by one and one-quarter inches (1 1/2‖ x 1 1/4‖) at 200 dpi and will be positioned so that the bottom edge of the board is level with the subjects left foot and one and one-half inch (1 1/2‖) from the subjects left leg. The following lines will be included on the title board, without exception and no information will be excluded per reference (k): (1) First line: Marine's last name, first name, middle initial(s). (2) Second line: rank, primary MOS. (3) Third line: last four of the SSN, proceeded by 5 x's (xxxxx1234). (4) Fourth line: height in inches and weight in pounds separated by a slash, body fat percentage if Marine exceeds height and weight standards. For pregnant Marines, "preg" vice the Marine's weight. (5) Fifth line: abbreviated billet assignment description and unit. For IRR Marines, the billet assignment and unit will be MOBCOM. (6) Sixth line: date photograph was taken (yyyymmdd). (7) Seventh line: Height and weight certification by the senior leadership (CO/XO SgtMaj or 1ST Sgt) of the command is required regardless of rank and body fat percentage. ―Certified by (name of CO/XO SgtMaj or 1ST Sgt, command title)‖, example: Col I M Smith, CO, HQBN, HQMC. Individual ready reserve (IRR) Marines are not required to have their height and weight certified. IRR Marines that have their official photo taken must put "IRR Marine" in place of the certifying official.
Figure 1-3.--Promotion Board Photograph Standards
Iso-Prep Photographs
a. Position the subject in front of any plain background. Two photos should be taken, one of the subject straight on, and the second will be a left profile shot (see Figure 1-4). b. The file should be cropped at two inches by two inches (2‖ x 2‖), 200 dpi and should only show the subjects face and neck.
Figure 1-4.--ISO-PREP Photograph Standards
Official Photographs
Official photographs are any other photograph required for official use to identify positions of leadership, authority or billet that are not command specific. Lighting, background, cropping and the positioning of the American flag will all be the same as a command photograph. The only difference is the absence of the Marine Corps Flag.
a. Materials. Three studio lights, one United States of America flag with tassel, one stool, a solid black background, and one camera. The Marine will be in his/her Service ―A‖, with ribbons and badges for the photograph. Civilian employees that require an official photograph will be in proper business attire.
b. Subject Positioning Uniform service members will follow the same positioning as the command photographs. Civilians will be positioned the same as officers, slightly turned to their right.