It would be interesting to write a paper on the pros and cons for the inclusion of the photographs in this process. The packages are also on microfiche. Civilian records for the first time this year will be on microfiche. It used to only include the last senior rating potential form. Once again, this was an attempt to more closely match the civilian file to the military file.
Derogatory information is stripped out prior to submission of the package.
The president of the board can request restricted microfiche if warranted. Each board member evaluates and scores each of the packages against the general qualifications in accordance to the instructions provided. No discussions between board members take place during this process. The boards typically convene for less than two weeks. Each file will receive about two minutes of review time by each of the board members.