As a Battalion Commander, what would you like to see in a Lieutenant's introduction letter? As an LT, what did you put in yours?

2020-07-15T12:19:40-04:00

As a Battalion Commander, what would you like to see in a Lieutenant's introduction letter? As an LT, what did you put in yours?

Disclaimer: I'm asking what categories should be touched on, not what one should specifically write to try to "get ahead" or some such thing.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-07-15T12:21:50-04:00

Fantastic question.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 15 at 2020 12:24 PM

2020-07-15T12:24:11-04:00

As a new 2LT when I reached my first unit -- the Battalion Commander's letter that I received clearly laid out what he saw as the top 3 expectations that he had for all LTs in his battalion. Laid it out clear and simple -- "This is what I expect of you -- these are the high standards that I expect you to meet in my battalion." I liked this approach a lot.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 15 at 2020 12:27 PM

2020-07-15T12:27:11-04:00

LTC Jason Mackay should have a good answer on this one.

Response by SSG Bill Moore made Jul 15 at 2020 8:15 PM

2020-07-15T20:15:14-04:00

How about, Sir, I'm a new lieutenant and I don't know shit and therefore I must be trained accordingly by my platoon sergeant. If prior service or prior enlisted, then a bio would suffice. Just throwing that out there

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jul 15 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-07-15T21:00:12-04:00

The last time I praised a 2 LT, who just happened to be a great CO, I endured a huge personal attack. So much so that I nearly launched a search for the person. It took 3 of my lawyer friends to point out the folly of destroying the fellow. So, good luck getting a truely candid answer.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Jul 16 at 2020 8:38 PM

2020-07-16T20:38:48-04:00

Is this a thing now? What an unmitigated waste of effort! It's not like the BN CO is deciding whether or not to hire the 2LT. He doesn't need a resume -- he already knows your qualifications, and knows what he expects. He'll tell you what he expects if you're lucky, and if you're not lucky, you'll find out if you fall sort of expectations. Work with your company CO. He'll have far more influence over your career, and will spot problem areas in sufficient time to fix them.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Jul 16 at 2020 11:20 PM

2020-07-16T23:20:18-04:00

First I ever heard of a LT doing an "intro letter" to their new Bn Cdr. Kind of apalled at the idea.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2020 7:05 AM

2020-07-17T07:05:23-04:00

I don’t think that I’ve ever seen one of these. Honestly, a letter isn’t going to mean much. First impressions are important. However, most people want those in person, not in writing. Make an acceptable in person first impression by being professional and humble. Then consistently learn and get better. That will be your key to success.

Response by COL Vincent Contreras made Jul 17 at 2020 11:18 AM

2020-07-17T11:18:23-04:00

Attach a cover letter to your standard military bio with some or all of the following content.
Introduction:
Background: Brief summary of your personal background...
Attitudes: I am dedicated...
Abilities/Strengths: I am especially proficient...
Anticipation: I am looking forward to...
Expectations for Personal Growth: Briefly describe what you expect to gain from this assignment
Introduce spouse and children if applicable.
Sign off with personal statement regarding your commitment and service.

I believe something along these lines would make a good first impression with you new commanders and will create the impression of good initiative on your part.
Best wishes for an excellent career...

P.S. I remember that I wrote something but it's been so long ago I have no recollection of what I wrote to my company commander.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 11:25 PM

2020-07-22T23:25:23-04:00

I did not give a letter (no such thing at the time and why would you? The man has access to your personnel file?) I had had cards made, so I asked the S1 if he had a silver plate, which he did, and placed a card upon it for him to take into the BN CDR's office when he had time. A time honored tradition; a new Officer would actually appear in dress uniform at the Commander's home and place his card on a Silver slaver, where upon he may or may not be invited in for coffee or tea (usually not.) A long time ago, nowadays, I'm afraid. And definitely NOT a good idea to show up to anyone's home nowadays! Especially your BN/BDE Commander's!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jul 24 at 2020 8:23 PM

2020-07-24T20:23:53-04:00

Wow, the army has really changed. We didn't give the battalion commander a letter back in 1981. In fact, when I reported to my BN CO at 1/508 Inf. 82nd Abn. my battalion commander gave me about 1 minute of his time and then had my CO take me out of his office, pronto. You're just another green butter bar on OJT and he'll find out in a few months if he wants to give you a company command or not. Do your best and keep your nose clean, that's your introduction letter.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2020 12:11 PM

2020-07-25T12:11:48-04:00

A new Marine was recognized and introduced at a Hail & Farewell with their peers. The rest is above my pay grade. Some BN Cmdrs would have a private talk with key leaders. Some wanted to meet every new Officer. One CG, a Navy Cross recipient, met with newly joined Os in a small group to welcome them aboard. The same practice applied to SNCOs and the Sgt Maj. Beyond that, you were pictured in the BN Command photo. Your true introduction came through your actions once aboard.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jul 27 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-07-27T15:55:40-04:00

My second comment: If the army expects you to do this then: Keep it short, keep it simple, keep it real.

Back in my day we did not write letters of intro to the BN CO. I was a battalion XO and I spent about 12 years on battalion and brigade level staff. From that experience I would almost guarantee you that the BN CO or Bde. CO is going to had your letter to the OX with barely a glance at it. He has seen several LTs come and go. No letter is going to sway his judgement of you. So, keep it short, keep it simple, keep it real, or you will have the adverse effect of what you wish for.

(I can hear it now, "Who does this f***ing lieutenant think he is?", and that's not the way you want the BN CO to remember your name.)

Response by LTC Robin P. made Aug 17 at 2020 10:37 AM

2020-08-17T10:37:40-04:00

Is this some kind of requirement? If it is, then I would just send a copy of my ORB (that is, in fact, your military resume... the DO still have ORBs, I hope??), and my cover letter would only say something like, "I look forward to serving in (insert unit name here). My goals for this tour are personal growth as an officer and to learn as much as I can from my fellow service members."

Response by MAJ Tracy Pim made Sep 1 at 2020 7:06 PM

2020-09-01T19:06:55-04:00

what in the hell is an introduction letter????

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 11:24 PM

2020-09-08T23:24:12-04:00

LT introduction letter? Never heard of it.

Response by SMSgt Sheila Berg made Sep 16 at 2020 1:01 PM

2020-09-16T13:01:45-04:00

SNCO's have a lot of experience. 2nd Let's need to keep that in mind.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 18 at 2021 12:37 PM

2021-07-18T12:37:09-04:00

Just my .02. As a 2nd LT I’m supposing your troops look at you as about equal to a new Pvt, they don't expect much, and especially not to make their jobs worse or harder to do. You can save the gung ho stuff right off the bat all you’ll just get is sideways looks. Your best friend is your Plt Sgt, he has all the experience that you lack, more than likely he also has the full respect of the guys under him. Your whole word includes your Sr NCOs and your Company Commander, that’s about it, you lead by letting the Sr NCOs lead and do their thing, when their in compliance of every aspect of day to day life you throw your weight behind them and they’re your go between with your Jr Enlisted. Your BC knows who you are, if everything is right under you your good, why’s he need an introduction letter, he has your jacket. You need to know something you probably don’t go to your CC you go to your 1st Sgt, close the door and ask, he has the experience to help you, and there’s probably not much he hasn’t seen.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-07-18T16:37:36-04:00

Waste of time. Don't do one unless specifically asked to. To your BC, just keep your head down and blend in. To your CO, report, then respond to his/her questions & guidance. Make yourself approachable but don't be too forward. With your PSG, should you start as a PL, just ask how you can help and what you can do to learn. Think of your first assignment as OJT or an internship.