Where can I find an example of a QMP character letter that got approved or helped someone be retained?

2021-12-27T08:21:05-05:00

Can someone contact me through RP Messages with an example of QMP character letter examples that got approved/retained?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2021 1:06 PM

2021-12-27T13:06:50-05:00

An example letter isn't going to get you retained. There's nothing you can say to the board that will cause them to ignore the file in front of them.

If you want to be retained, and the QMP is not for an alcohol related incident, you need to get letters of recommendation from your Commanders, previous and current, preferably field grade and above, as well as CSMs. The recommendation of Commanders, especially at the O6 level and higher, carry significant weight with the board. No magic format, it doesn't need to sing your praises, but if your BDE CDR is willing to step out on a limb for you it shows the board that the people in the best position to judge whether or not you should be retained, are recommendeding you be retained.

This isn't an opinion, this is straight from the mouths of CSMs who have sat on the QMP boards.

You may also want to write a letter to the board providing any additional information that is not available to them. They will already have everything in your iperms available. Be straightforward and factual in your letter. There's an example format on HRC for letters to the board. Let a few smart people review it so that it looks professional.

If your QMP is for an alcohol related incident, start TAP now and if you qualify for one, start working with your provider towards a Med board.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 28 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-12-28T18:46:40-05:00

1. They aren't published. 2. For a letter to change the set of a QMP board, it would have to show you walking on water or performing miracles. QMP look at your entire career, not just the last year. You have to be underperforming for some time, or a troublemaker for it to get to this point.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Dec 28 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-12-28T19:43:23-05:00

I came up on QMP in 2016 because I hadn't done SLC within 3 years of promotion. I had to defer it due to my daughter's medical issues. At that time you had to go within 3 years, I think after that it changed to 4.

I actually didn't even get the memo until after I had already reenlisted. This is when I was at STRATCOM so all our Army stuff went through Riley - and my Army Element deputy commander didn't get it until after I had reenlisted - I think it was four months later.

I filed a rebuttal and part of it I believe I could write a memo explaining why I should be retained - explaining my daughter's medical issues as the reason for not attending and as soon as her issues resolved, I would attend. I then had our Army Element commander (MG) sign a memo that I should be retained and affirming the issues. I also had memos from my immediate leadership. I had memos from prior commanders/CSMs/NCOs and DA civilians I'd worked with who wrote letters that I should be retained. I was retained - and then they changed all the promotion stuff so I became a lower priority as a SFC who didn't have SLC since SSGs needed it to get promoted.

I ended up getting put on the wait list though since our JIOC commander knew a general at Huachuca and at some point made a call and then I was on the wait list near end of 2017. I ended up slotted for Jan 2018 class which was 2 months after my daughter's transplant. But I was prepared to go even if she was still on dialysis because if I got kicked out - there goes TRICARE.

I also had letters from my daughter's doctors explaining her issues as well. But I do know I wrote a memo myself about why I should be retained. I don't know if I still have all that or not. Maybe somewhere on my external.