The Use of Official Photographs in the Army Officer Promotion Selection Board Process
Abstract
The U.S. Army is characterized as a meritocracy, with the best-qualified officers selected for promotion. Almost all promotion decisions are made by a centralized board. Since the 1970s, the Army has included an official photograph in the promotion board file. The articulated reason is to allow the board to judge military bearing and physical fitness. While this is important, there is strong evidence to suggest that the photograph is unnecessarily adding a controversial aspect to the promotion process. This paper examines the Army's current promotion system and explores where the photograph fits in. Following a discussion of how impression formation and impression management impact on the promotion board process, the results of a survey administered to U.S. Army War College students and faculty/staff members are discussed. Positive elements in the Army system are examined as well. The author's conclusion is that it is appropriate for senior leadership to examine the promotion process and discontinue use of the photograph. Alternatives to totally discontinuing use of the photographs are provided, as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380022
Entities
People
- Katherine M. Bigler
Organizations
- United States Army War College