Thanks for sharing LTC Jay Hicks "Do you have a “Killer Cover Letter”? That seems over-the-top for a military and veterans network :-)
The article presents some good ideas. In some cases a cover letter may be advisable as long as it provides a hook which will get the attention of the recipient to read further.

Thanks for the information, LTC Jay Hicks,

I highly encourage a cover letter because it gives insight to your (the applicant's) writing style and written communication skills. I usually try to use those same skills suggested in the article, especially expressing gratitude for taking the time to review my cover letter and optimism that I'll be getting that interview, as well as transportability.

I hate having to rewrite my cover letter over and over again, so I try to give an overview of what I bring to the table that will benefit my employer. When I see another posting for a different company, but similar position, I change the name and send it.

I'd never considered using a "Coverletter: your name, your credential" as an opener, though. That's some great input, considering I'm sure HR reps do get tired of reading "Dear HR representative" or "Dear Hiring Manager" all the time for those who do write cover letters. All the same though, a cover letter does show that you're putting more thought into your desire for the position than most. Simply adding a Coverletter, regardless of how well-written it is, may be the one thing that gets your resume looked at over someone who doesn't add one.

Just an opinion, but even if they do not read the cover letters, they will probably be looking for them. Not submitting one could suggest to a potential employer that you were not motivated enough, or have not taken the initiative to write one.

Employers may receive hundreds of applications for a position. So, what is the first step in weeding them out? Incomplete applications and resumes (including cover letters) are generally kicked out first, and if you get the interview, you may be at a disadvantage against those who did.

A resumé can say a lot about you: it can tell where you have been and what you have done. It can show skills you have acquired and degrees you have earned.

All of those are very important.

What it cannot do is catch a potential employers eyes and tell him what you want to do and where you want to do.

While the resumé shows where you have been and where you are, the cover letter tells where you want to be and where you want to go.

Despite all of what I have written, it really just comes down to this; a well written cover letter can definitely increase your chances of getting hired, and turning in a well written cover letter will most definitely not hurt your chances on getting the job.

It just comes down to how badly you want the job you are applying for, and with military experience, it should not be hard to create one.

Heck, if anyone needs any help with one, message me and I will help you out.

"To stand out as a potential employee, you must first stand out."

In my opinion, the only way to really stand out is through your cover letter. It is the part of the process that makes your resumé more than a formality, it makes it a story worth reading.

There are no down sides to submitting, and many pitfalls may arise if you don't.