What is the Army's policy on letters of recommendation?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:02:53 -0400

What is the Army's Policy on letters of recommendation? Specifically, for a former Soldier who is no longer your subordinate and is applying for a civilian job or college. Further, when is it appropriate to use DoD letterhead? Also, is the standard military signature block appropriate?

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Apr 9 at 2017 4:20 PM

LTC Peter Hartman — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:20:56 -0400

I don't know whether the Army has a specific policy- I am sure that they do. However, the general "rule" on letters of recommendation are that they must be based on personal knowledge and are merited. I see no issue with using your official letterhead (vice DoD letterhead) when providing the letter of recommendation when your knowledge is based on your position. I have written letters of recommendation before and have not had an issue.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 9 at 2017 4:37 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:37:36 -0400

Although the Army seems to have a reg for everything, they don't likely have one on this except a very specific no-no. If you want to write a letter for a former SM, have at it. You better be able to write well though. If it looks like Larry the Cable Guy wrote it, the opposite effect is likely. The big no-no is using any DoD letterhead. It's only used for official stuff and only signed by those having authority to sign official correspondence. That would be the skipper or "by direction" types.

I used to write these letters pretty much in my sleep. For this one, plain paper, cite so and so was a member of blah blah between this and that date doing whatever job. His performance was marked by superior traits of this and that. Insert specific incidences if you like. Summarize and end with please give every consideration to (insert descriptor) individual. Sincerely you.

I'd tailor the letter towards the specific entity having a conclusion that targeted what they need or provide. Sometimes it's appropriate to end with "Please feel free to contact me for additional information". Those are good for job references in which they backcheck.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 4:49 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:49:33 -0400

Actually, AR 25-50 has everything you need to know.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 9 at 2017 11:12 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 23:12:18 -0400

Use AR 25-50. There is a military letter to a civilian organization example in the regulation. page 34-35, chapter 3.

If you are still on active duty or an active guard/reservist and your interaction with the person was pursuant to that duty, use the DoD letterhead and signature block. If it wasn't, consider a personal letter. You may still use your retired title if you are retired.

The signature block on a civilian letter:
John A. Doe
Staff Sergeant, United States Army
Title

It's in 25-50 too

It is up to you whether you write one or not. As a Technique, I would ask the requester what elements they are looking to show with regard to the job or academic program. Write to those. It should not be longer than a page unless there is a very specific form or set of questions from the institution itself.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 11:27 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 23:27:25 -0400

Remember, that's your signature and job title to which you are signing as an endorsement. I would highly suggest you mean what you write and write what you mean. Your credibility is on the line.