Army Letter of Recommendation Template

Writing guide

How to use a army letter of recommendation template

An Army letter of recommendation template helps service members, NCOs, and officers write professional military references for promotions, Officer Candidate School (OCS), Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), special assignments, award nominations, and various military programs. Military recommendation letters follow specific conventions and expectations that differ from civilian references, and using a proper template ensures the letter meets Army standards.

The format of an Army recommendation letter follows official memorandum style. It begins with the letterhead or sender’s information, the date, the recipient’s information, and a subject line that clearly states the purpose. The body should be concise and well-organized, using standard military writing style. According to U.S. Army regulations, recommendation letters should be factual, specific, and focused on the Soldier’s demonstrated performance and potential.

A strong Army recommendation letter addresses several key areas. First, it should state the writer’s rank, position, and relationship to the Soldier being recommended, as well as how long they have known the Soldier and in what capacity. Second, it should discuss the Soldier’s technical competence, leadership ability, physical fitness, military bearing, and character. Third, it should provide specific examples of the Soldier’s achievements, such as successful missions, training accomplishments, or leadership assignments.

Army promotion recommendation letters often compare the Soldier to their peers. For example, the writer might state that the Soldier is the best performing specialist in the platoon, or one of the top NCOs in the company. These comparative statements help promotion boards understand where the Soldier stands relative to others of the same rank. However, comparisons should be honest and based on direct observation rather than speculation.

When writing an Army recommendation letter, it is important to use the correct military terminology and address the appropriate audience. For example, a letter for a promotion board should focus on the Soldier’s potential to serve at the next higher grade. A letter for OCS should emphasize leadership potential, academic aptitude, physical fitness, and the qualities of an officer. A letter for a special assignment should highlight skills and experience relevant to that specific position.

The tone of an Army recommendation letter should be professional, respectful, and direct. Avoid overly casual language or personal opinions not supported by facts. Focus on what you have personally observed and verified. Include specific dates, ranks, positions, and achievements. Mention any schools or training the Soldier has completed, any awards or decorations they have received, and any notable contributions they have made to the unit mission.

Before submitting an Army recommendation letter, proofread it carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and military format. Make sure all ranks, names, and unit designations are correct. The letter should be signed by the writer and include their full rank, name, title, and contact information. In most cases, the letter should be prepared on official unit letterhead or memorandum stationery. If you are unsure about the proper format, consult Army Regulation 25-50 or your unit S-1 for guidance.

In the Army, a army letter of recommendation template carries significant weight because it reflects on the unit and the leader who writes it. For this reason, only write a recommendation letter if you can honestly and enthusiastically support the Soldier. A lukewarm or forced recommendation does more harm than good, both for the Soldier and for your own credibility as a leader. If you cannot write a strong letter, it is better to decline politely and explain why.

Soldiers preparing to request a recommendation letter should approach the process with the same professionalism they bring to their military duties. Schedule a meeting with the person you are asking, come prepared with all necessary information, and give them ample time to write the letter. After the letter is submitted, follow up with a formal thank-you note. Building and maintaining these professional relationships throughout your career will serve you well at every promotion point and transition.