Military official photos follow strict regulations that civilian headshots don't. The background color, uniform configuration, facial expression, and framing are all specified in service-specific instructions. Getting any detail wrong means reshooting. For more details, see our global professional photo standards.
This guide covers requirements for each branch, common mistakes, and how to prepare. If you're a veteran transitioning to civilian work, we also cover converting your military photo presence to professional headshots for the job market.
Why Military Official Photos Matter
Your official photo appears in promotion boards, selection records, command directories, and military social media. For officers and senior NCOs, the official photo directly influences career progression. Board members who review hundreds of records use the photo to form an immediate impression of military bearing, professionalism, and attention to detail.
A substandard photo doesn't just look bad. It signals that you don't care about details. In a military context, that signal is career-limiting.
Requirements by Branch
U.S. Army
Regulation: AR 640-30
Background: Plain gray or light blue, no gradients, no patterns.
Uniform:
- Service dress uniform (ASU/AGSU) for official photos
- All authorized awards, decorations, and badges properly positioned
- Nameplate and branch insignia correctly placed
- Current rank insignia
Framing: Head and shoulders, centered. Approximately 2/3 of the frame should be the subject. Slight body angle (roughly 15 degrees) with face toward camera.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera. No smiling. Military bearing.
Hair and grooming: Within AR 670-1 standards. Recent haircut, clean shave (or groomed mustache within regs), no unauthorized accessories.
U.S. Air Force / Space Force
Regulation: AFI 36-2406 / DAFI 36-2406
Background: Official blue background (specific shade mandated).
Uniform: Service dress uniform with all authorized ribbons, badges, and devices.
Framing: Similar to Army. Head and shoulders, centered, slight angle.
Expression: Neutral and professional. No smile.
Specific notes: Air Force photos are often taken at base photo labs with standardized equipment and backgrounds. This keeps results consistent across the force.
U.S. Navy
Regulation: MILPERSMAN 1070-180
Background: Light blue or plain white, depending on the specific purpose.
Uniform: Service dress blue or service dress white, depending on the photo type and current uniform guidance.
Framing: Head and shoulders, similar to other branches.
Expression: Neutral, professional.
Specific notes: Navy photos have specific requirements for different record types (official, command, promotion). Check current MILPERSMAN guidance for your specific need.
U.S. Marine Corps
Regulation: MCO 1070.12K
Background: Light blue.
Uniform: Service "A" or dress blue uniform, per current guidance.
Framing: Head and shoulders, centered.
Expression: Marine bearing. Neutral, confident, direct.
Specific notes: USMC photos are frequently updated and have some of the strictest uniform appearance standards. Every ribbon, badge, and device must be correctly positioned and current.
U.S. Coast Guard
Regulation: COMDTINST M1070.10 series
Background: Light blue.
Uniform: Service dress blue.
Similar standards to Navy for framing, expression, and grooming.
Common Mistakes
Outdated ribbons or badges. Your awards and qualifications change. Your photo must reflect your current status. Missing a newly earned award or displaying a superseded ribbon rack is a common and avoidable error.
Incorrect uniform configuration. Medals vs. ribbons, large vs. small medals, specific badge placement for your rank and position. Check the relevant uniform regulation before the photo session.
Wrong background color. Each branch specifies the background. Showing up to a promotion board with the wrong background color looks careless.
Bad lighting creating shadows. Military photos require even, flat lighting with no visible shadows on the face or background. See our lighting guide for why flat lighting matters.
Outdated photo. Most branches require photos to be updated within specific timeframes or when appearance changes significantly. An old photo in your record can work against you.
Incorrect framing. Too close, too far, off-center, wrong angle. The framing is specified. Follow it.
Where to Get Military Photos Taken
Base Photo Lab
The standard option. Most installations have a photo lab that handles official photos. They know the regulations, have the correct backgrounds, and produce compliant results.
Cost: Usually free for active duty. Turnaround: Same day to 1 week. Quality: Varies by installation but generally consistent with regulations.
Authorized Off-Base Photographer
Some service members use civilian photographers who specialize in military photos. This can produce higher-quality results but requires the photographer to know your branch's specific regulations.
Cost: $50-200. Risk: If the photographer doesn't know current regs, you may need to reshoot. Confirm they're familiar with your branch's requirements before booking.
DIY (Not Recommended for Official Use)
You can technically set up a compliant photo yourself, but the margin for error is high. Background color must match exactly, lighting must be even and shadowless, and framing must comply with specific measurements. This is one case where professional execution matters.
For Veterans: Transitioning to Civilian Headshots
If you're separating or retiring and entering the civilian job market, your military photo does NOT work as a civilian headshot. Different purpose, different standards, different impression.
What changes:
- Expression: Military neutral becomes approachable and warm. A slight smile works for most civilian industries.
- Clothing: Uniform becomes industry-appropriate civilian attire. See what to wear for a headshot.
- Background: Regulation solid becomes whatever fits your target industry. See background ideas.
- Overall tone: "Military bearing" becomes "professional and personable."
Getting a Civilian Headshot as a Veteran
AI headshot generators: Narkis.ai generates professional civilian headshots from casual photos for $29. Upload everyday photos in civilian clothes and generate headshots appropriate for your target industry, whether that's corporate, tech, consulting, or something else.
Photographer: A civilian headshot session ($150-400) lets a photographer coach you through the adjustment from military posture and expression to civilian approachability. Some photographers offer veteran discounts. See AI vs. photographer.
Transition assistance programs: Some TAP/TAPS programs include headshot sessions as part of career transition services. Ask your installation's transition office.
For LinkedIn headshot tips specific to the job search, see our guide. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing civilian employers see.
Quick Checklist: Military Official Photo
- Current uniform configuration per branch regulation
- All awards, decorations, and badges current and correctly positioned
- Correct background color for your branch
- Even, flat lighting with no shadows
- Neutral expression, direct eye contact
- Grooming within regulation standards
- Correct framing (head and shoulders, centered, proper angle)
- Photo taken within required timeframe
Quick Checklist: Veteran Transitioning to Civilian
- Civilian headshot taken (not your military photo)
- Appropriate attire for target industry
- Approachable expression (not military neutral)
- Updated LinkedIn profile with civilian headshot
- Multiple versions for different platforms (dimensions guide)
For a complete overview of headshot standards by profession, see types of professional headshots.
