Posted on Apr 19, 2017
Any tips for writing a strong letter of support for a soldier facing Chapter 13?
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Are we trying to get the commander to reconsider invoking chapter 13, or supporting the Soldier in future endeavors?
If it is the former, the Soldier needs to get to work in the gym and show his commander that he is working on it and on track to meet standards going forward. Any letter you write should show that progress.
If it is the latter, highlight in a resume kind of way the work the Soldier does and how he is a valued member of a team. Many employers know what codes mean on a DD 214 (or can look them up) so he will need something to balance that.
If it is the former, the Soldier needs to get to work in the gym and show his commander that he is working on it and on track to meet standards going forward. Any letter you write should show that progress.
If it is the latter, highlight in a resume kind of way the work the Soldier does and how he is a valued member of a team. Many employers know what codes mean on a DD 214 (or can look them up) so he will need something to balance that.
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1SG (Join to see)
CPL Randi Smogonovich - How much improvement over how long a period? That is what the commander will want to know.
He'll also want to know how the Soldier (and now you that you are going to bat for the Soldier) are going to ensure it doesn't happen again.
I would request some face time with your 1SG and get his/her take on how to best approach this.
He'll also want to know how the Soldier (and now you that you are going to bat for the Soldier) are going to ensure it doesn't happen again.
I would request some face time with your 1SG and get his/her take on how to best approach this.
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1SG (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) - 1SG, this is a good response. As a young NCO I went to bat for a Soldier in the same regards and got burnt. With time comes understanding, the Soldier should be showing significant improvement before he/she gets my endorsement. I would strongly look at the Soldiers loyalty and make sure the Soldier wants to be in the Military for the right reasons.
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MSG David Johnson
As a young NCO right before Desert Storm we got a new commander that wanted to let everyone know he was in charge he started giving Article 15's for various reasons.
Mine was for dereliction of duties. I had let a Soldier go to chow and was waiting in his truck for the mechanics to inspect the drive train.
I was reading the Stars and Stripes when the CPT came down the line, I saluted him but didn't get out of the truck. About 10 minutes later he came by again and asked what I was doing, I explained and he went on his way. What I didn't know was that the mechanic, on his creeper was rolling down the line under the trucks, only getting up to talk with the drivers if there was a problem. The CPT had seen this, I did not. At recall formation my squad leader said we had to see the commander for my Article 15. WTF!?!?! What did I do wrong? Well, the commander had the impression I was shamming to get out of other work and I should have been standing by the truck not sitting in it reading the comics.
At the time I had an outstanding squad leader, but a so so PSG, my squad leader explained to he new 1SG what had happened and go the charge dropped to a summarized Article 15 instead of a company grade. I ended up watching the CQ desk for an hour each night while the CQ went to chow. The new 1SG had heard a lot of good shyte about me before the commander came in, so when the 3 NCO's went to bat for me the CO backed down a little.
So the point to this story is this, get your PSG, and your 1SG involved, if you believe as strongly as you do about this young Soldier you need to bring it up the support channel before the chain of command eats this kid up.
Don't ever under estimate the power of your senior NCO's if you can convince them, that is a lot of the battle right there. Because by the time the kid comes in to se the CO, the CO's decision is already made, the rest is usually just formality.
IMHO
Mine was for dereliction of duties. I had let a Soldier go to chow and was waiting in his truck for the mechanics to inspect the drive train.
I was reading the Stars and Stripes when the CPT came down the line, I saluted him but didn't get out of the truck. About 10 minutes later he came by again and asked what I was doing, I explained and he went on his way. What I didn't know was that the mechanic, on his creeper was rolling down the line under the trucks, only getting up to talk with the drivers if there was a problem. The CPT had seen this, I did not. At recall formation my squad leader said we had to see the commander for my Article 15. WTF!?!?! What did I do wrong? Well, the commander had the impression I was shamming to get out of other work and I should have been standing by the truck not sitting in it reading the comics.
At the time I had an outstanding squad leader, but a so so PSG, my squad leader explained to he new 1SG what had happened and go the charge dropped to a summarized Article 15 instead of a company grade. I ended up watching the CQ desk for an hour each night while the CQ went to chow. The new 1SG had heard a lot of good shyte about me before the commander came in, so when the 3 NCO's went to bat for me the CO backed down a little.
So the point to this story is this, get your PSG, and your 1SG involved, if you believe as strongly as you do about this young Soldier you need to bring it up the support channel before the chain of command eats this kid up.
Don't ever under estimate the power of your senior NCO's if you can convince them, that is a lot of the battle right there. Because by the time the kid comes in to se the CO, the CO's decision is already made, the rest is usually just formality.
IMHO
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Sgt (Join to see)
CPL Randi Smogonovich - Great advice from MSG Brad Sand. Looking out for the well being of your soldiers is what leadership is all about. Good job!
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