Would it be recommended to insert 5 or 6 letters of recommendation into my Army OCS packet?

Toshi Nara — Sat, 02 May 2020 05:45:19 -0400

I figure it might be beneficial to give 6 letters of rec. for maximum results and endorsements, however maybe perhaps it might backfire and may not look good maxing out the letters of rec. Any thoughts on this would help. Thanks in advance!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 6:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 06:43:03 -0400

I also would like to know. I've got 4 solid ones and can get more if need be

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 8:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 08:52:18 -0400

As long as you have at minimum 3 letters of recommendation you will be fine. What makes you competitive isn’t so much the letters but everything else. The APFT, your ASVAB, college are some but the biggest one is just you. When you are sitting in front of the board be confident because how you portray yourself will carry more weight than anything in your packet.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 9:05 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 09:05:07 -0400

My recommendation is that you get six letters of recommendation if you can. OCS applications are a bit more competitive than they used to be and they aren't sending too many people right now so there is probably a backlog of applicants.

It doesn't look bad maxing anything so long as they are good letters of rec.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 10:36 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 10:36:23 -0400

I threw in one extra for my WOCS application, worked out well (from a MG). I believe when it comes to extra LORs that it is more of the quality and "who" wrote them, rather than how many you have. 3 extra LORs from teachers, CPTs, etc... they better write really well, an extra from a General/CW5/Congressperson, etc.. that'd make a statement.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 3:31 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 15:31:26 -0400

I had 6 in mine (PSG, 1SG, BC, BN XO, CSM, BN CDR). Quality is more important than quantity honestly. Letters from people that truly know you and can attest to your character and fitness to lead soldiers will be far more impactful. Regardless if that’s 3, 4, 5, or 6.

Response by MAJ Jason Sierakowski made May 2 at 2020 3:46 PM

MAJ Jason Sierakowski — Sat, 02 May 2020 15:46:12 -0400

You don't need 6. Have only 3. Ensure they are from quality high ranking military people or department heads. If you have a General Officer endorsement it's essentially what you need. If not, than great letters from people who are willing to back you with their name. Make sure this is employeers, volunteer organizations, etc. What makes you stand out? Ensure that's in a letter of recommendation.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 2 at 2020 8:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 02 May 2020 20:01:43 -0400

I would focus on the quality, not quantity of the letters.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 2 at 2020 10:00 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 02 May 2020 22:00:30 -0400

How many does the packet call for?

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 3 at 2020 5:47 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sun, 03 May 2020 05:47:30 -0400

Two is enough. I had one to make a .warrant. One to go to OCS. I decided I did not want to die in Nam. 1969. Go warrant. And put your picture so we can see you scammer

Response by COL John Oakley made May 5 at 2020 11:23 PM

COL John Oakley — Tue, 05 May 2020 23:23:38 -0400

Quantity is nothing. Quality is everything.