Civilian to OCS Letter of Recommendation.

[bassman]

My “grand-nephew”(GN)  has asked me for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for the Army Officer Candidate School (OCS).  Looking for a template, sample letters or suggestions I can use.

Background:  I’ve known my GN since he was born 25 years ago.  However, I didn’t have much interaction with him growing up other than family social functions and attended a couple of his
high school football games (he was co-Captain?).  He has a  Bachelor of Business degree.  A career in the Army suddenly appeals to him and he talked to a recruiter who advised him to apply to OCS
after completing Basic Training.  Part of the application asks for LOR’s which is where I come in.  He has asked a former college professor and me for the LOR so far.  He is asking me because
I’m the only one in the family who has been in the service and the recruiter suggested using someone with that background as well as a professor or two.  However, my Army service dates back to 1965-1968.
I do have 34+ years with the Department of Defense (retired in 2006) including the Army which did have some experience interviewing and selecting individuals for government postings during those many years.

My question is (other than templates/sample letters) how do I parlay my experience into a decent LOR for a person I’ve known all his life but have little or no interaction as to his qualifications to
meet the Army values without it being about me?  Almost impossible to use examples of him doing things on a level the Army would find useful.  Organizing the family corn hole playoffs at the annual family 4th of July party
to demonstrate leadership qualities doesn’t seem too helpful.

I’ve committed to doing this but could really use some advice to provide him the best product possible.  He’s a good “kid”, works hard, personable, smart and very helpful to anyone needing assistance.

Any positive input would be greatly appreciated.

TIA !

[The emperor has no clothes]

My “grand-nephew”(GN)  has asked me for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for the Army Officer Candidate School (OCS).  Looking for a template, sample letters or suggestions I can use.



I’ve committed to doing this but could really use some advice to provide him the best product possible.  He’s a good “kid”, works hard, personable, smart and very helpful to anyone needing assistance.

I have no advice, being that I’ve never done a recommendation like this. But I will say, this last paragraph of yours sounds like a good start. Maybe gathering up notes on his education qualifications, and any other positive info and working it in to your letter. I think you shouldn’t sell your experience in the 60’s short. I think that would mean something to those reviewing this letter.

Best of luck to you and your nephew. 

[scooperhsd]

Time in service is time in service. You may not think so, but almost everyone who has served has changes somewhere that affected them.

[Jersey mike]

My “grand-nephew”(GN)  has asked me for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for the Army Officer Candidate School (OCS).  Looking for a template, sample letters or suggestions I can use.

Background:  I’ve known my GN since he was born 25 years ago.  However, I didn’t have much interaction with him growing up other than family social functions and attended a couple of his
high school football games (he was co-Captain?).  He has a  Bachelor of Business degree.  A career in the Army suddenly appeals to him and he talked to a recruiter who advised him to apply to OCS
after completing Basic Training.  Part of the application asks for LOR’s which is where I come in.  He has asked a former college professor and me for the LOR so far.  He is asking me because
I’m the only one in the family who has been in the service and the recruiter suggested using someone with that background as well as a professor or two.  However, my Army service dates back to 1965-1968.
I do have 34+ years with the Department of Defense (retired in 2006) including the Army which did have some experience interviewing and selecting individuals for government postings during those many years.

My question is (other than templates/sample letters) how do I parlay my experience into a decent LOR for a person I’ve known all his life but have little or no interaction as to his qualifications to
meet the Army values without it being about me?  Almost impossible to use examples of him doing things on a level the Army would find useful.  Organizing the family corn hole playoffs at the annual family 4th of July party
to demonstrate leadership qualities doesn’t seem too helpful.

I’ve committed to doing this but could really use some advice to provide him the best product possible.  He’s a good “kid”, works hard, personable, smart and very helpful to anyone needing assistance.

Any positive input would be greatly appreciated.

TIA !

Good for you guys. Hope it works out for him.

As for LOR I would think his HS teachers, coaches and other individuals who know the young man would be beneficial. I think you can also contact state and local representatives for a possible recommendation, of course a background check may be necessary or involved and dealing with govt entities can be a prolonged process. Was he a Scout? A troop leader’s opinion may be beneficial showing group loyalty and such. Anyone in law enforcement or other agencies or government institutions available?

It helps to think outside the box, there may be more folks than you think who would be able to assist.

As for writing of your letter, some creative writing skills would definitely help…not to embellish facts but to have a more enticing aspect to them…something along the lines of a good resume outline.

Wish you the best.

[Pluggy]

Call the young man and interview him just like he is applying for a new job, which he is.  First you have to determine if he is recommendable.

Ask:

What are your significant accomplishments?
How does your experience, to date, support the position of Military Officer?
How does your education support the position?
Are you eager to travel anywhere at any time?
What assignments would you find interesting?
What assignments would you not find favorable?
How would you define leadership?
Tell me about when you solved a problem.
Tell me about when you got in trouble.
How long would you expect to remain in the Army?

This will let you decide what his strenghts (and weaknesses) are.  We all want family members to do well.  We have to be careful that we don't recommend them for a job that is not right for them.

[Moonshot_1]

Call the young man and interview him just like he is applying for a new job, which he is.  First you have to determine if he is recommendable.

Ask:

What are your significant accomplishments?
How does you experience, to date, support the position of Military Officer?
How does your education support the position?
Are you eager to travel anywhere at any time?
What assignments would you find interesting?
What assignments would you not find favorable?
How would you define leadership?
Tell me about when you solved a problem.
Tell me about when you got in trouble.
How long would you expect to remain in the Army?

This will let you decide what his strenghts (and weaknesses) are.  We all want family members to do well.  We have to be careful that we don't recommend them for a job that is not right for them.

Good questions.

Well bassman, I'd call the GN up and take him out for a beer and a steak and include Pluggy's questions as well as others in a great evening conversation. I'd bet he'd have some questions for you too.
Win/Win right there.

[Jess from VA]

Bassman, I think Pluggy has the right idea.

Since you're not his dad or mom, you have limited information to write about him.

If he has an existing resume, I'd want a copy.  If he can supplement it with notes for you to use (to flesh it out, and bring it up to date) he should do so.

Written is better than verbal... for you to write an accurate letter for him (not on your memory of verbal conversations).

You are a relative, so it is expected you will be extra favorable.  

Hit the main points: education, grades, leadership (in anything), no drugs or alcohol, no criminal record, no bad driving record, excellent work ethic (school and jobs), excellent physical fitness (vision, hearing).

Don't write a book, but be briefly thorough with best foot forward.  And don't go off on tangents.  One page is great, page and half to 3/4 max.  Your letter must be perfectly grammatical.  The letter should be a series of short paragraphs 3-5 sentences each (by subtopic), not long run on paragraphs.

When I applied to the USAF for a direct appointment commission (lawyer - judge advocate, at age 31, as old as you could be without special waiver) I got passed over the first time (they took like 18 of 60 applicants), and they asked me to apply again.  And I did, and the 2d time I asked my congressman for a letter, and not knowing me from Adam, he wrote me a good one, and I was selected on that 2d go round.  I found this pretty weird, but I couldn't argue with success.  (My resume even without the congressman was pretty darn good; senior patrol leader of scout troop though sports success, and high college honors, student government, resident advisor, and more)

The funny thing was, I was a staunch conservative even then, and my congressman was a liberal democrat (but also a life member of the NRA).  I knew him, but he didn't know me.  Look up John Dingell (who holds the record as the longest-serving member of Congress in American history)     He got elected 30 times, and writing letters for people helped.  

[Pluggy]

Jess mentions a good point.  The selection process is "Why select this person insteard of others".  Each applicant will likely have strong recommendations.  You want your nephew stand out, but he has to be as good as you describe him to be.  

The applicants will be given tests such as IQ, personality, physical fitness, etc.  Letters of recommendation are useful to describe a person in ways that can't be tested.  Examples might be a disposition to work and learn, achievement, and also maturity.

[bassman]

EXCELLENT input gentlemen.  Thank-you for your time and effort.  Will be contacting him shortly and go over some of the suggested questions and maybe a few others that might pop into my head.

Much appreciated!

[da prez]

  My two cents before taxes.  Do not have a cell phone on him at all.
 The answers are "Yes Sir  or No Sir".  Sit up straight in the chair.  If standing , do not figit.  It is impossible to make a good second , first impression.  It is usually a one shot deal to get to the second interview!
  Been there about a hundred years ago , but for a Non-com promotion.

                                             da prez

[bassman]

  My two cents before taxes.  Do not have a cell phone on him at all.
 The answers are "Yes Sir  or No Sir".  Sit up straight in the chair.  If standing , do not figit.  It is impossible to make a good second , first impression.  It is usually a one shot deal to get to the second interview!
  Been there about a hundred years ago , but for a Non-com promotion.

                                             da prez