Command BIO

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:11:40 -0400

Does anyone else feel less accomplished after writing a command bio? I just got finished writing mine, thinking I have done all this great stuff for the last 12 years...and my Bio was summed up in 4 paragraphs. I guess I won’t be writing a memoir anytime soon.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 22 at 2014 11:14 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:14:34 -0400

HAHA yeah I think it stems from having to get a years worth of acomplishments into 11 line for the FITREP Sir

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2014 11:21 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:21:02 -0400

The official bio really does nothing but list duty stations, assignments and awards so yes, when you break it down it does look like you've done nothing. If it wasn't for line and spacing requirements, you could fit everything on 1 page. Whatever it looks like, just remember, it was done it in an orderly, proficient military manner. :-)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 11:22 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:22:18 -0400

You think that's hard...try writing your epitaph in 140 characters or less.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 22 at 2014 11:26 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:26:13 -0400

Bio usually IS only 4 paragraphs.

Response by SSG Harper Peterson made Aug 22 at 2014 11:31 AM

SSG Harper Peterson — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:31:43 -0400

No disrespect, but the first thing that came to my mind Sir was "he's only a 2ndLt, of course it's only 4 paragraphs!" However, what the smartarse part of me left I understood that 12 years of service means you are Mustang and have more to offer in your "future memoir" Bio.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 22 at 2014 11:33 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:33:28 -0400

I think any bio that is more than 4 or 5 paragraphs starts getting too long. Remember, it should be quick and to the point. It isn't a novel. Just include where you been, what you have done and your awards and move on.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 22 at 2014 11:33 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:33:37 -0400

No one really reads beyond the first few paragraphs anyway! lol!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 22 at 2014 12:16 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:16:03 -0400

I have never even written mine...never had a duty title or requirement that needed it! not to mention, don't want to really see how pathetic I really look on paper!! hard to be a legend in my own mind if I have to face reality!! ;-)

Response by CH (MAJ) Scott Fluegel made Aug 24 at 2014 6:51 PM

CH (MAJ) Scott Fluegel — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 18:51:07 -0400

I have just updated my bio. I got this format from Chaplain's Captain Career Course. I will try to attach this document.

Pro Deo et Patria
Chaplain Scott Fluegel (RET)

See my comments to this post, for my Chaplain's Bio.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Dec 5 at 2014 3:42 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 15:42:04 -0500

Did my BIO for the next change of responsibility I am having in January, and it is the typical, joined here, went there, earned this and have this for family support. It is the quick down and dirty with awards and duty locations for the folks attending your C of C/C of R to get a slightly small look into who you are without the deep dive. Your command time will surely tell all interested in WHO you are a lot more about you and the line when you change OUT will not get but a mere update of your tour as a command team player.

One page, hit ya in the face, down and dirty.

When you really to summarize your career, try to write that 1500-2500 word essay for a regimental award recognition, then it gets a lot more into the weeds and sharing more about you. Often a pain to do, but necessary to have when you get closer to retirement as leaders look for other types of ways to show gratification of your service.

My simple .02.