Promotion and Command Photo Information

Due to lack of resources, MARFORCOM does not have a dedicated Combat Camera section to handle promotion and command photos. The MARFORCOM Public Affairs Section does set aside one day a month to take Marines’ photos by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted. Contact the MARFORCOM Public Affairs Office at 757-836-4376 to request an appointment. At least 3 working days prior to your appointment, please obtain your height and weight certification letter from HQSVCBN S-3 or from your respective command. Green-on-green PT uniform is required for the height/weight certification. Promotion photos will not be submitted to MMSB without the height/weight certification letter.

MARFORCOM PAO will send promotion photos directly to MMSB unless a Marine's command has communicated its intent to submit such photos to MMSB after receiving them from MARFORCOM PAO. Upon request, you will receive a courtesy copy of the photo for your records via your official government email account.  Please note that the photo preparation process for submission is not immediate and allow a minimum of 72 hours for your photo to be processed and forwarded to MMSB or your command. Additionally, it may take 3 to 5 working days for MMSB to post photos after receiving them.

Promotion Photo Information

According to MARADMIN 0003/09:

"The prescribed uniform is service 'C' for males, service 'C' with slacks for females..."

"All Marines are reminded that they are individually responsible for ensuring promotion photographs are properly taken and timely submission requirements are met..."

https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/portal/page/portal/M_RA_HOME/MM/G_SB/a_OMPF/2Digital_Photographs-Overview

Photographs are valid for 12 months from the date taken and will be used for any promotion boards for which the Marine is eligible within that 12 months.

It takes a MINIMUM of 3-5 working days for processed photos to reach MMSB. Each individual takes approximately 20-30 minutes to get their uniform prepped and photo completed. There are restrooms on site which can be used to change clothing. Please bring someone with you to assist with your uniform if necessary.

Locating the Studio

The photo studio is located in Room 129 of Building SP-367 at the corner of 5th Avenue and A Street aboard Naval Station Norfolk. Turn right onto 5th Ave. from Bellinger soon after entering NS Norfolk from the Gate 4 (Bay Ave.) entrance. After entering through the building through the entrance on 5th Avenue, keep walking on the first deck until you see the studio hatch on the left side near an “On Air” sign. The phone number to the studio is 757.444.7295 (Ext. 2200 or 2210).

Alternate Photo Studio Sites

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East (NPASE) - The NPASE photo studio on Naval Station Norfolk is located at 9420 Third Ave. Full length photos (Marine Corps selection board photos) are done on Tuesday afternoons and all day Thursdays. Hours of operation on studio days are 0800-1440 with a lunch break from 1130-1300 on both days. Please call 444-4659 to schedule appointments. Since appointments quickly fill up, it is recommended to make an appointment well in advance (e.g., two weeks before the desired photo date).

Quantico Photo Lab - The Combat Visual Information Center photo studio is open from 0800 to 1600. A command-signed height/weight verification form is required for promotion/official photos. The customer service number is 703-784-2302