Requirement Update on Official Photographs for Non-Promotion Selection Boards

1.  This Message cancels references (a) through (c) 
and provides additional clarification to the photograph policies 
outlined by reference (d).  The guidance provided within reference 
(d) reflects current Marine Corps requirements.
2.  Background.  The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act 
directed the Secretary of Defense to prohibit the inclusion of 
official photographs in the material furnished to a promotion 
selection board, both officer and enlisted, in the active and 
reserve components of the armed forces. Accordingly, the Secretary 
of Defense issued a memorandum, dated 14 Jul 2020, to the service 
secretaries directing the removal of photographs from consideration 
by promotion boards and selection processes and developed additional 
guidance, as applicable, that emphasized retaining qualified and 
diverse talent. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness (USD, P&R) issued a memorandum, dated 31 Aug 2020, that 
prohibited the use of photographs for promotion selection boards and 
selection processes pertaining to assignment, training, education, 
and command.
2.a.  On 15 Jul 2025, the Secretary of War (formally Secretary of 
Defense) rescinded SecDef memorandum dated 14 Jul 2020. 
Subsequently, on 20 Aug 2025, the Under Secretary of War
(formally Under Secretary of Defense), Personnel and Readiness
rescinded the USD, P&R memorandum dated 31 Aug 2020. As a result, 
the use of photographs for selection processes pertaining to 
assignment, training, education, and command was restored to the
service secretaries. However, the use of photographs remains
statutorily prohibited in promotion selection boards.   
3.  Purpose.  In keeping with the Marine Corps' professional 
appearance ethos, the visible expression of discipline, physical 
fitness, and strict adherence to height and weight standards, 
official photographs in HQMC sponsored boards will be utilized as 
part of the selection process pertaining to assignment, training, 
education, and command (non-promotion selection boards). 
4.  Effective 1 April 2026 for Active and Reserve Components, HQMC 
sponsored non-promotion boards will have access to official 
military personnel file (OMPF) photographs during the conduct of 
non-promotion selection boards. 
5.  The list of HQMC boards that will utilize photographs as a 
discriminator will be maintained on the Manpower and Reserve Affairs 
(MMPB-4) website at   https://www.manpower.marines.mil click on 
"Divisions" / "Manpower Management" / "Performance Branch" / "Board 
Operations" / "Board Photo List". 
6.  In accordance with reference (d), a photograph is considered 
current if the photograph is taken 365 days prior to a selection 
board's convene date.  It remains the Marine's responsibility to 
ensure a current photograph is in their OMPF no later than ten 
business days prior to the board's convene date for which they are 
eligible.
7.  All board eligible Marines are encouraged to have photographs 
taken by Communication Strategy (COMMSTRAT) sections or DOD 
photographic units in accordance with reference (d).  Chapter 5 of 
reference (d) remains applicable and details OMPF photograph 
specifications and submission requirements.
8.  The use of official photographs remains statutorily prohibited 
in promotion selection boards.  Accordingly, HQMC (CMC) will 
continue to ensure OMPF photographs are not accessible in officer or 
enlisted promotion selection boardrooms or viewable by board 
members. 
9.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
10. Release authorized by LtGen William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant 
for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.