Are you in the military and need to write a letter of recommendation for one of your colleagues or team members? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our sample military letter of recommendation template. This template is easy to follow and provides structure to make sure you touch on all the important points.
Our template includes sections for introducing the person you are recommending, detailing their military experience, and highlighting their qualifications and achievements. We also provide a section for personal comments and a conclusion. You can use this template as a starting point to create a letter of recommendation that truly highlights the person you are endorsing.
Don’t stress about crafting the perfect letter of recommendation – use our sample military letter of recommendation template as a guide. You can find examples and edit them as needed to create a personalized message of support for your colleague or team member. Your letter can make all the difference in helping the person you are recommending achieve their goals. So take a few minutes to use our template and make a positive impact on someone’s career.
The Best Structure for a Military Letter of Recommendation Template
If you have been asked to write a military letter of recommendation, it is important that you provide a well-structured and detailed letter that will assist the recipient in making an informed decision. A military letter of recommendation is typically written by someone who knows the applicant and their suitability for military service. This letter will be used to provide insight into the applicant’s character, abilities, and experience. To create a strong sample military letter of recommendation template, there are a few key components that you should include.
Firstly, it is important to begin with a clear and concise introduction that explains the purpose of the letter. This can be achieved by stating your relationship to the applicant and how you know them. For example, “I have known (Name) for (length of time) as (relationship to the applicant) and I am honored to provide this letter of recommendation for (his/her) military application.” This sets a positive tone from the very beginning, and lets the reader know that you are a credible source of information.
Next, you should provide information about the applicant’s character and abilities. This could include details about their work ethic, leadership skills, and ability to work well in a team. Be specific with your examples and provide detailed evidence for your claims. For instance, “During my time working with (Name) at (company/school/etc), I observed their exceptional ability to handle difficult situations with calmness, strategic thinking, and teamwork. For example, on (specific incident), (Name) took the lead in coordinating resources and successfully resolving the issue.”
In addition to character and abilities, it is crucial to mention the applicant’s past experiences and qualifications, particularly those that are relevant to military service. This can include education, previous military service, volunteering, or achievements in related fields. Provide specific examples of how these past experiences have shaped the applicant’s suitability for military service. For instance, “As someone who has worked directly with (Name) in a prior military experience at (location/unit), I can attest to their exceptional leadership qualities and innate tactical thinking. Specifically, during (specific incident), (Name) demonstrated their capability to make quick decisions under pressure while keeping a composed demeanor.”
Finally, it is important to provide a clear and strong closing to your letter of recommendation. This could include a summary of the applicant’s abilities and achievements, a reminder of your confidence in their suitability for military service, and your willingness to answer any further questions that may arise. For example, “In summary, I am confident that (Name)’s exceptional character, experiences and qualifications make (him/her) a strong candidate for military service. I am honored to recommend (Name) and am happy to answer any further questions that the recipient may have.”
In conclusion, by using these key components and a concise and clear writing tone, you can create a strong sample military letter of recommendation template that will provide the recipient with a well-rounded understanding of the applicant’s character, abilities, and experience. Remember to showcase specific examples, highlight relevant past experiences, and provide a strong closing statement to ensure that your letter stands out and carries weight. Good luck!
Military Letter of Recommendation Templates
For Promotion Recommendation
Greetings Commander,
It is my distinct honor to recommend Sergeant James Smith for promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant. I have had the pleasure of serving with Sergeant Smith for five years, and during that time, I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to duty, his outstanding leadership, and his exceptional technical skills.
Sergeant Smith has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, earning high praise from his superiors and inspiring his subordinates to do the same. He has demonstrated his leadership abilities by planning, coordinating, and executing complex operations with exceptional efficiency, while always putting the mission and the welfare of his troops first. Additionally, his technical expertise has been instrumental in driving the success of numerous projects and training programs.
I have no doubt that Sergeant Smith will excel in any position to which he is promoted, and I am confident that he will continue to advance the mission of our military and bring great credit to our branch of service. Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Captain John Doe
For Service Academy Recommendation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Private First Class Samantha Johnson as a candidate for acceptance into the United States Military Academy. I have had the privilege of serving with Private First Class Johnson for two years, and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by her dedication, intelligence, and leadership potential.
Private First Class Johnson is an exceptional soldier who is always eager to learn and grow. She has demonstrated her academic abilities by consistently achieving high marks in military training and coursework, and has proven her leadership potential by taking on additional responsibilities and successfully leading her peers in a variety of settings.
Having worked with many cadets and midshipmen over the years, I can say with confidence that Private First Class Johnson has the potential to become one of the best officers our military has to offer. I wholeheartedly recommend her for acceptance into the United States Military Academy, and I have no doubt that she will serve our country with distinction if given the opportunity.
Respectfully submitted,
Colonel Jane Smith
For Award Recommendation
Dear Awards Committee,
I am honored to recommend Staff Sergeant Michael Brown for the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device in recognition of his valorous actions during a combat deployment to Afghanistan. As his commanding officer, I had the privilege of witnessing his bravery firsthand, and I can attest to the fact that his actions reflect great credit upon himself and our military.
On [date], Staff Sergeant Brown displayed extraordinary courage and a willingness to put himself in harm’s way to protect his fellow soldiers and complete a critical mission. In the face of intense enemy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger by moving forward to provide suppressive fire and allowing his team to maneuver into position. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he refused to leave his position until the mission was complete and his wounded team members had been safely evacuated.
Staff Sergeant Brown’s selfless actions and commitment to duty embody the finest traditions of our military. His heroic actions are a credit to himself, his unit, and our nation’s armed forces, and I strongly recommend him for the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device.
Respectfully submitted,
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Johnson
For Discharge Upgrade Recommendation
Dear Discharge Review Board,
I am writing to recommend that Private First Class John Smith’s discharge be upgraded to general, under honorable conditions. While Private First Class Smith received an other-than-honorable discharge under conditions that led to a challenge in his mental health, I believe it would be a disservice to overlook the entirety of his service and potential to be a valued member of our military again.
During his time in service, Private First Class Smith was a diligent, hardworking individual who always made an effort to lead by example. He excelled in his duties as a combat medic and was able to provide quality care to his fellow soldiers. The events leading to his discharge happened suddenly and left John struggling. However, during his time under our care, he received successful treatment for his condition and is now a mentally and emotionally stable individual.
Private First Class Smith made a mistake, but it does not define his service and character as a whole. I believe he deserves a second chance to prove his worth and continue serving our country with distinction. Therefore, I highly recommend that his discharge be upgraded.
Respectfully submitted,
Major Rachel Kim
For Commissioning Recommendation
Dear Officer Candidate Selection Board,
I am pleased to recommend Sergeant First Class David Lee for appointment as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. I have had the pleasure of serving with Sergeant Lee for several years, and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by his leadership skills, technical expertise, and dedication to duty.
Sergeant Lee is an exceptional soldier who has continually demonstrated his commitment to our military’s core values of duty, honor, and country. He has the ability to inspire and lead the soldiers under his command, and has consistently demonstrated his superior technical skills in a variety of operational assignments.
With his extensive experience and distinguished service record, Sergeant First Class Lee embodies the ideals of the American officer, and I have no doubt that he will make an outstanding officer if given the opportunity. I proudly endorse his application for appointment as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.
Respectfully submitted,
Lieutenant General William Mills
For Retirement Award Recommendation
Dear Retirement Review Board,
It is my honor to recommend Master Sergeant Lisa Rodriguez for the Legion of Merit award in recognition of her exceptional service to our military. Master Sergeant Rodriguez has served our country with distinction for more than 20 years, consistently demonstrating her commitment to duty, honor, and country throughout her career.
During her distinguished career, Master Sergeant Rodriguez has served in a variety of assignments, always bringing her extensive knowledge, technical skills, and leadership abilities to bear in support of our mission. Her exceptional performance and dedication to duty have earned her widespread respect and admiration from her superiors, peers, and subordinates alike.
The Legion of Merit is an appropriate recognition of Master Sergeant Rodriguez’s exceptional performance and outstanding contributions to our military. She is an asset to our service and a fitting representative of the finest traditions of our military, and I am proud to endorse her for this award.
Respectfully submitted,
Colonel Michael Chang
Tips for Writing a Sample Military Letter of Recommendation Template
Whether you are writing a military letter of recommendation for a current or former officer, there are some tips you should keep in mind to ensure your letter stands out and accurately reflects the person you are endorsing. Below are some in-depth tips that you can use when crafting your own military letter of recommendation template.
- Be specific about the person’s accomplishments: Don’t just list the person’s job duties or responsibilities. Instead, describe specific examples of how the person went above and beyond in their role and contributed to the unit or organization’s mission. This will help the reader to understand the value that the person brings to the table.
- Use strong, action-oriented language: Instead of using passive verbs like “was responsible for,” use strong, active verbs like “led” or “managed.” This will make the letter more engaging and convey a sense of the person’s leadership skills.
- Mention any awards or commendations: If the person you are recommending has received any awards or commendations during their military career, be sure to mention them. This will help reinforce the person’s accomplishments and show that they have been recognized for their hard work and dedication.
- Include specific anecdotes: Don’t just focus on the person’s professional accomplishments. Try to include personal anecdotes that demonstrate the person’s character or leadership skills. For example, you might describe a time when the person went out of their way to help a fellow soldier or performed an act of bravery in the face of danger.
- Don’t exaggerate: While you want to paint a positive picture of the person you are endorsing, it is important to be truthful and avoid exaggerating their accomplishments or skills. The reader will be able to see through any hyperbole and may view the letter as less credible as a result.
- Proofread carefully: Before you submit your letter, make sure to proofread it carefully. Check for any spelling or grammar errors, and make sure the letter is formatted correctly. A well-written letter that is free of errors will reflect positively on both you and the person you are endorsing.
By following these tips, you can create a strong, effective military letter of recommendation that accurately reflects the person you are endorsing and showcases their skills, accomplishments, and character.
Thanks for reading, soldier.
I hope that this sample military letter of recommendation template has helped you in your quest for the perfect words to honor a fellow servicemember. Remember, the soldiers who serve alongside you are the backbone of our military, and it’s up to each of us to recognize them for their exceptional service. If you need more guidance on how to craft a letter of recommendation, keep checking back on our site for tips and templates. Until next time, stay safe and keep honoring your fellow heroes. Hooah!