Is there a valid reason to not write a letter of recommendation for a Soldier who has done nothing wrong and has performed well?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 17:40:34 -0400

Is "you haven't been in the unit long enough" a valid point to not endorse a Letter of Recommendation for WOCS? I'd think over a year time on station is plenty of time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2018 6:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:43:00 -0400

Could be they don't want to write it or don't know how to write it.....or both. Sounds like a possible "polite" cop-out

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2018 6:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:55:59 -0400

Of course. There are many valid reasons, unique to each situation. I have friends since I was 5 that I’d lay down in traffic for. They haven’t done any thing wrong. That said, there are some things I’d recommend some of them for, and other things I’d never recommend any of them for.

On a previous deployment, I had a soldier who repeatedly volunteered for tactical opportunities. I loved the kid. But he was a ‘shouldn’t leave the wire’ type. Not to get too deep into him particularly, but he did nothing wrong, he usually did everything right...he was just better suited as an analyst, and only an analyst.

There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to write a recommendation, even for someone who does things right. However, by not doing so, I think the person refusing owes the soldier a straight, honest answer. ‘Not in the unit long enough’ seems like a cop out.

Best of luck

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2018 7:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:02:30 -0400

It's a letter of recommendation, he is not being recommended. If it wasn't voluntary it would be a statement of service.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 2 at 2018 7:38 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:38:58 -0400

You wrie what you feel is the best recommendation for him.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2018 10:16 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 22:16:06 -0400

Can you add some details?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 2 at 2018 11:42 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 23:42:16 -0400

The circumstance happens all the time. PCS, new unit, packages due. When I was Skippering, if an ENL was new, needed something, etc. I'd have the SEL have a nice chat with the member's prior SEL and get the gouge. Sometimes the last unit knew the date was coming up but punted for various reasons. Sometimes the Unit was toxic and we'd end the conversation fast. Bottom line, you can get a good drift of the newcomer if you get off your butt and put the effort in. Then there's the assessment on what the letter would say and would it help or hurt. We've had those both ways. If it would hurt, some serious counseling would happen so the SM has a choice on what will happen the next cycle. Like anything administrivia, it's doing the drill to do the right thing. My staff always knew an early question from me would be why this is the right thing. If the conversations have not been had beyond the first line, then there's a CoC problem. Bottom line, SM deserves more than that Candy Alpha statement. All that does is keep pushing him/her down and demonstrates CoC laziness.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2018 5:32 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 17:32:28 -0400

Any reason the senior warrant has to not endorse you is a valid reason. Their recommendation holds a lot of weight for the selection process and are charged with recruiting the next generation of warrants. They may feel you are not ready yet. Also, Performing well and doing nothing wrong is the standard for all soldiers. You need to prove your potential to serve at the higher level.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2018 5:38 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 17:38:30 -0400

It can be understandable if the soldier isnt deserving. But a lame excuse such as " you havent been here long enough", even though the BC has been in the unit less time.