Contents of an "I Love Me Book"

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:26:05 -0500

One of the biggest things my former instructors and mentors have encouraged me to do is to build an "I Love Me Book." While I have one that does the job of creating a back up for all of my documents (ORB, Orders, Certificates, etc.) I was wondering in the community what everyone else would recommend to keep inside of the book so I can build one and give others a "guideline" to help build theirs.

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 16 at 2013 9:27 PM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:27:19 -0500

I had awards, ERB, NCOER's Certificates, anything that makes you look good, and things that your people accomplished because of your leadership

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:33:19 -0500

as an enlisted person I always recommend anything needed for a promotion packet. I also recommend the following: Contracts, Medical forms, Waivers, SF86, Orders, and if you really are concerned with retirement all of your LES.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:34 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:34:42 -0500

Priority Items:
Orders (promotion, pcs, tcs, etc)
Training certificates, 1059s, etc
Civilian training certificates, transcripts, etc

Awards (certificates and recommendations)

NCOERS/OERs

Copy of most recent APFT and BRM

Reenlistment paperwork

Certified copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.

Anything else that goes into OMPF/IPERMS/AMHRR

Secondary:
Counselings

Historical APFT & BRM

Most importantly: back the entire mess up as digitally scanned documents on your personal computer and somewhere online.

I had a Soldier whose storage unit caught fire while he was deployed, he reenlisted, and most of his digital record was wiped as the result of a SNAFU.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:58:37 -0500

I don't have an actual book, (it's 2013!) I keep digital PDF (or XFDL) copies of all of my pertinent data. You can start by downloading your OMPF from iPERMS. It's always good to have that in case something randomly disappears out of it someday. (It happens more than you think.) It should have all records of your NCOERs, Awards, SGLI/SGLVs, DD93s, 1059s, etc. I also have archival copies of my APFTs, range cards, SF86 (eQip) and every current military training cert I have. I keep all of these documents in the share drive at work and upload them to my Google Drive when I get the chance. That way I can always access everything.

Response by MSG Phil Herndon made Dec 17 at 2013 9:22 AM

MSG Phil Herndon — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:22:11 -0500

A good binder to keep your original documents in is all you need. If it is in your OMPF, you don't necessarily need to keep another copy, but all of the original source files in your career should go in there. I keep original award certs, original training certs, and the stuff that says "I Love Me". My NCOERs, counselings and copies of papers that I have mostly just clutter it up, when those docs are available online.

I recommend you not keep stuff with SSNs on it.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 9:24 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:24:34 -0500

LT,

SFC Watkins is dead on. I have digital and the hard copies as well. If you keep a digital one ensure you back it up and keep it current. If you keep the hard copy, I suggest you keep it in a fireproof box. When I was a young BNCOC SGL our academy burnt to the ground. Several of my battle buddies secured their "I love me books" in their offices. After the fire, all was lost. Cover your 6 and be prepared.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 17 at 2013 9:29 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:29:27 -0500

2LT Stout, at a minimum, you should keep these in your 'I Love Me Book' -- (a) all your counseling statements -- those done on you, and those you have done on any of your ratees; (b) all your OERs, and all the NCOERs you have written; (c) 7-10 copies of every set of orders you have ever received; (d) 5 copies of every hand receipt you have ever signed and closed out -- including copies of any sub-HR you have ever done; (e) copies of sensitive item inspections you have done, with your commander's initials/signature on it; (f) copies of awards you have earned; (g) copies of awards you have written others up for; (h) copies of certificates for the courses you have completed (e.g. anti-terrorism, etc.); (i) sensitive item lists for the element/unit you have command over, which includes the items YOU are not personally signed for, but your subordinates are signed for.  You are ultimately responsible for these as well.  Hope this helps!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 10:03 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:03:50 -0500

In a word? EVERYTHING! My love me book has every award, certificate, contract, PCS order, deployment order, redeployment order, closed out hand reciept, pretty much everything over close to fifteen years of service. It's pretty massive, but good luck catching me unprepared. Oh, and I have a digital back up, on hard drive, AKO files, and email database.

Response by SGT James P. Davidson, MSM made Dec 17 at 2013 11:05 AM

SGT James P. Davidson, MSM — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 11:05:58 -0500

Mine contains original documents, from my JROTC instructor, BCT certificate, AIT and Distinguished grad certs, every training certificate earned in service (that was handed to me - a few were missing and I have NO idea how to retrieve them), DD214s, Honorable Discharge certs, deployment orders, promotion orders, a letter of thanks from a 2-star (with a coin), college degrees (including transcripts). Want to know who I am? Open it up and see.

In a footlocker I have every single LES from my first enlistment (1989- 1997), (1st and 2nd) enlistment papers, medical records, and so on.

My recruiter once told me, before I started my first NG drill (8 months before BCT): Do not throw away a single piece of paper that the Army gives you. You never know when you will need it.

He was right. I told the wife those go in the casket with me, just in case - we'll know where they are if they are ever needed again, and she can say 'Hi!' when she comes for them. ;)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 11:46 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 11:46:11 -0500

In mine, I keep:
- My EPRs (Enlisted Performance Reports)
- My Cyber Professional SURF
- Any award packages I've written
- Cerficates/Letters of Appreciation and award certificates
- Educational/Development certificates
- My orders
- EPRs I've written
- Award Packages I've judged
- My reenlistment
and a last section for little mementos I've picked up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 1:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:33:26 -0500

A. Orders

PCS

Deployments

JRTC

Professional Classes

WLC

ALC

SLC

B. NCOERS/OERS

C. Awards

D. Certificates

E. Civilian Education

F. Military Education

Weapons

ANY medical profiles

G. Any Civilian Training done outside the Military

You need to make sure you have and keep ALL originals, photo copy and have at least 2 of the copies certified as originals. This is how I’ve had my “I love me Book” set up for years thanks too a very good Team and Squad Leader when I first came in. With my Leaders Book, that was set up completely differently sir, but you’re asking about the latter. After I retired I was VERY glad I did have this set up like this; due to the fact my OMPF was missing a lot of information from my file. I had to seek the assistance of the Division S1 to look at my file before I was medically retired and they were outstanding in updating all my info. Again, some units are good at getting this information in BUT others are not. And if you are looking at promotion, this will assist you greatly. There is a lot of great info here sir, so take a good look and see what you can use. Good luck.

Response by SFC Oscar Colon made Dec 17 at 2013 3:40 PM

SFC Oscar Colon — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:40:24 -0500

The important to have "I love Me Book" is crucial because it will help you to see what you missing in you OMPF/IPERMS/AMHRR. Most of the time we have paperwork that is not in the OMPF/IPERMS/AMHRR and having a "I love Me Book" contribute to update you online files.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 5:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:40:55 -0500

Thank you for the variety of answers provided here. I've already started on building the Leaders Book you mentioned SFC Gates and have begun setting up my digital copy for the rest. Thank you for the variety of input.

Response by MSG Bobby Ewing made Dec 18 at 2013 1:41 PM

MSG Bobby Ewing — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:41:21 -0500

Sir,

Everyone before me has pretty much stated all I would have suggested. I would just like to highlight SFC Watkins and SGT Townsel. They both hit the nail on the head. All documents that are great to have in your "I love me Book" and also having back up, back up, back up, files.

Prior to the digital age, I kept 3 "I love me Books". One I kept with me, One I kept locked in storage, and the last I kept with my parents at my home of record. I am currently working on my digital files now to have access to all my docs no matter where I go, but I would highly suggest having at least one hard copy of all files as a last resort. Keep that in the safest place possible to avoid damage or loss.

SFC Ewing

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 12:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:42:14 -0500

I keep a three ring binder with all of my certificates and awards inside document protectors so they stay crisp and clean. I've also heard of people keeping digital copies, but I myself in addition to having my ILM book have folders full of multiple copies of all certs and awards as well.

I also keep an updated ERB inside, an updated Bio, and my high school. If you have any college, it would be wise to have a certified document stating how many hours you completed included as well.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 12:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:51:38 -0500

I think it may be a great idea, because you never know. In the case in our Maintenance Unit, an airman was using words that she should not use. She got away with it, because there was no documentation of what she did outside our testimony.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 10:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 10:19:39 -0500

I have everything in my OMPF in my book.

However I found it necessary to having the following:
-DA 1506 Statement of Service (if you have more than one term of service ),
-ALL training certs (including those less than 40 hrs and Annual Training),
-All orders (deployment, PCS, unit assignment, SKI, UNIT AWARDS, and promotion),
-Commission and enlistment contracts,
awards,
-Association membership paperwork
and any past DD 214 and NGB 22.
-OERs
-Jump Log

I also keep a separate binder for each PCS or ETS (clearing paperwork). This last one has saved me money.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 12:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 12:06:50 -0500

Keep it all in page protectors in a nice 3 ring binder "with a cool cover of course" then lock it in your gun safe at home along with all your other important papers of the world like birth certificates, social security cards, etc..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 12:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:52:33 -0400

Sections,

Awards

Evals

Schools

Orders

Other

Response by SGT Tina G. made Nov 15 at 2014 10:53 AM

SGT Tina G. — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 10:53:26 -0500

Reading this thread, I would agree that the items listed and insights are right on target. I would like to offer up some additional food for thought.

Being a prior Army NCO, the "I Love Me Book" is still valuable to me today in my civilian career and as part of my family emergency planning. It's not just specific to the military but an investment into yourself (career and professional development) and your family (Emergency info and Legacy Planning). You may need more than one 'binder' based on where you are in your career and in life. Consider it a piece of good advice to share with everyone, not just your soldiers.

1. Important Records: Birth Certificates, Marriage/Divorce Certificates, Copies of passports and ID Cards, SGLI/VGLI info, Disability Ratings & VA Documentation, etc..

2. Career Info: Current Resume, CV, EOPF, Orders, Annual Evaluations, Training Certificates, Awards, COA's, Degree's, SF-50's or other Promotion/Pay Raise Documentation, Offer Letter's, Acceptance into special programs, Letter's of Recommendation, etc..

3. Legacy Planning Info: Retirement Info, 401K/TSP info, Beneficiaries of accounts, Wills, POA's for medical issues (Durable POA, and Healthcare POA), Trust documents and Designated Executors of your estate, Any other documents/items if there is a sudden accident or life event and a loved one needs to handle your affairs.

I have mine in hard copy and also have a copy digitally scanned in saved to my Gmail account in a separate folder for easy access, and saved in my Kindle Books as a PDF file to pull up on my iPad. It has helped me numerous times in my military career and my civilian career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 11:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 11:05:08 -0500

I have both a physical book with records as well as a digital copy. I keep in there all the general stuff; awards, training, orders, NCOER stuff, etc., and I try and keep a copy of my ERB in there, as recent as time allows.

I use the digital version (Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, any of those are great) a lot more than the physical version, since you can download/email them around whenever you need them.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 11:35 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:35:43 -0400

The way it was explained to me was a three binder that explains everything "you". Since no one loves me more than I do, I had all awards, promotion cert up to Sgt. SNCO promotion warrants are too big and don't fit in the binder. All school certificates and MCI course completions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 10:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 10:55:14 -0400

I keep everything in mine, mostly digital copies or scans. Its basically a second copy of my iPerms + APFTs, 5500s, Certificates of Completion (i.e. CCC Phases or DL Courses), OER Support Forms, etc. I keep all the digital records on an encrypted flash drive (to reduce the chances of PII exposure).

Response by Mike Arienti made Nov 19 at 2015 1:07 PM

Mike Arienti — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 13:07:06 -0500

Simply put, an "I Love Me" book is supposed to contain every document pertaining to your career in the Army. DD 214/215, DA 5960s, DA 638s, orders of all types, award certificates, course completion certificates, training certificates, jump/flight logs, DD 93 and SGLVs, and any other item which pertains.

Also, all of these items COULD be required in your iPERMS record. Your S1/admin person should upload them for you each time you receive something that is required in iPERMS, as well as updating your ERB/ORB accordingly. When you separate, you'll find the DD 214 process to be far easier if your records are in good order.

Response by PO1 Matthew Reynolds made Jul 25 at 2016 3:55 PM

PO1 Matthew Reynolds — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:55:21 -0400

Hey Guys, I found this post about making an “I Love Me Book’ through a google search and it lead me to your page. I’m considering making a business around this idea. I’ve designed what I think an I Love Me Book should look like and how it should be laid out. I think this would help people stay organized, instead of just throwing papers into a drawer somewhere. So I’ve attached a couple of pictures of my design and I just want to know if current service members would pay for the convince of having this setup. Thanks for any feedback you can provide(both positive and negative). P.S. I’m a former NAVY veteran who was always told to start an I Love me book, but I chose to keep all of my paper files in a crappy manila folder. Thanks

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 4:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:15:31 -0400

One thing that I am not seeing on here that is in my book, is all my official photos.