MARADMIN 582/25 - Requirement Update on Official Photographs for Non-Promotion Selection Boards

Scope

MARADMIN 582/25 cancels MARADMIN 369/21, MARADMIN 491/20, and MARADMIN 052/19. The MARADMIN provides clarification to MCO 1070.1 photograph policies. Effective 2026-04-01 for Active and Reserve Components, HQMC sponsored non-promotion boards have access to OMPF photographs during the conduct of non-promotion selection boards. The use of photographs remains statutorily prohibited in promotion selection boards. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force.

Audience

• Marines eligible for non-promotion HQMC selection boards. Confirm current OMPF photograph in place 10 business days prior to convene date.
• Board members for non-promotion boards. Access OMPF photographs as part of the selection process.
• HQMC MMPB. Maintains the list of HQMC boards using photographs.
• COMMSTRAT sections and DoD photographic units. Take OMPF photographs per MCO 1070.1 Chapter 5.

Photograph rules

• Statutorily prohibited in promotion selection boards (officer and enlisted, active and reserve).
• HQMC sponsors non-promotion boards. Access permitted for assignment, training, education, and command selection.
• Effective 2026-04-01.
• Photograph currency. 365 days prior to a board convene date.
• Marine responsibility. Submit a current photograph to the OMPF no later than 10 business days prior to the board convene date.
• Specifications and submission. MCO 1070.1 Chapter 5.
• Board list location. https://www.manpower.marines.mil under Divisions, Manpower Management, Performance Branch, Board Operations, Board Photo List.

Background

The 2021 NDAA directed SECDEF to prohibit photographs in promotion selection board material. SECDEF Memorandum dated 2020-07-14 directed photo removal. USD(P&R) Memorandum dated 2020-08-31 extended the prohibition to non-promotion processes. On 2025-07-15, the Secretary of War (formerly SECDEF) rescinded the 2020-07-14 memorandum. On 2025-08-20, the Under Secretary of War (formerly USD P&R) rescinded the 2020-08-31 memorandum. Photographs returned to the service secretaries for non-promotion processes. Promotion boards remain statutorily restricted from photographs.

Connection to higher policy

• 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Prohibition for promotion boards.
• SECDEF Memorandum dated 2020-07-14 (rescinded 2025-07-15).
• USD(P&R) Memorandum dated 2020-08-31 (rescinded 2025-08-20).

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MCO 1070.1. Official Military Personnel File, dated 2019-05-14. Photograph specifications and submission rules.
• MARADMIN 224/26. CY2026 SNCO Selection Boards. Cross-reference.

Status

Released 2025-12-04, DTG R 032017Z DEC 25. Originator CMC Washington DC MRA MM. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Cancels MARADMIN 369/21, MARADMIN 491/20, and MARADMIN 052/19. Applicability is the Total Force. POCs Colonel Lizette G. Welch at MMPB-1 (703-784-9725) and Major Nicholas S. Mitchell at MMPB-2 (703-784-5689). Effective 2026-04-01.