What’s an appropriate thank you gift for my AMEDD recruiter?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 18:31:58 -0500

I worked with a fantastic AMEDD recruiter throughout my board and commissioning process. (Still working with them as I wait for HRC) I would like to show my appreciation for all their hard work through this process. I don’t feel a thank you note would suffice, however I do not know the etiquette for this. Thanks!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 17 at 2019 8:59 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 20:59:35 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Welcome to the officer corps. You will need to understand ethics rules for gift giving and gift acceptance. This should be something you get in your initial entry training. Given the link below, I would think a small gift between 20 and 50 dollars could be ok. What muddies these waters is the recruiter is still working on your packet and your commission. Recommend a note and a sincere extension of a lunch invitation as a thank you as that would be acceptable and non-reoccurring.

https://www.army.mil/article/34509/gifts_ethical_rules_for_dod_employees

Gifts: Ethical rules for DoD employees

USAG RED CLOUD, Republic of Korea - At some point during a career, someone may have received an unsolicited gift from a person who was unrelated to them and who gave them the gift solely because of their status as a military or civilian employee of t...

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 17 at 2019 9:00 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:00:02 -0500

I understand your feelings, but a personal note of thanks will be appreciated and will never be subject to suspicions or investigations of undue influence. I know, seems foolish and is, but the genteel tradition of tokens of appreciation is now akin to bribery.
Welcome to one of the world's adventures!

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Nov 17 at 2019 9:39 PM

LTC Ray B. (Ret) — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:39:41 -0500

Keep it simple and say thank you. Do not put that recruiter under the scrutiny of the IG or disgruntled service member

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2019 9:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:58:41 -0500

I don't know how it goes in the officer world, but on the enlisted side the norm is a six pack of their favorite beer if they did you a solid, or a bottle of their favorite whiskey if they really went above and beyond.

That being said, you should really wait until the process is complete in order to avoid placing him in any unethical positions. It could be perceived that you are trying to bribe him/ curry favor, or that he is coercing you. Anything that could be perceived as transactional should be avoided until the process is completed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 2:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:16:30 -0500

Recruiter here. Just being easy to work with, I.e. providing needed documents etc is thanks enough. I personally would not accept a gift because of how it may be perceived by others

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 2:21 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:21:43 -0500

I’d imagine being genuinely grateful, making his life as easy as possible, and being the best officer you can be after commissioning would be thanks enough.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 18 at 2019 2:51 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 14:51:36 -0500

After your processing is complete, send a "thank you" to the recruiter's boss. Usually via e-mail.

Start with "Dear Capt Whoever, I want to tell you about LT (Name or Names). I recently completed the AMEDD recruiting process." Then tell how helpful, convincing, professional, respectful, etc., the recruiter was. Also mention how he or she assisted you in coming on board, relived stress, made you feel like part of the team.
"Respectfully,
Shanley Brasher, CPT, ??"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 6:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 18:31:14 -0500

I sent my a thank you email and text. Also told him if he ever needed a favor or anything to never hesitate to contact me.

The service is very small and you’d be amazed how many connections you make and will come across again. I’ve been in less than a year and I’ve already met several people who know people or have served with people I know. The military is a very small community especially in the medical world.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 11:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 23:57:45 -0500

One thing too remeber ... the recruiter was doing his/her job. A simple thank you and in note form would suffice..... and yes as previous replies indicate , it’s the appearance of bribery etc. care and caution in the arena of gifting ... welcome to a new environment and welcome to AMEDD

Response by John H Green Jr made Nov 8 at 2020 7:00 PM

John H Green Jr — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 19:00:30 -0500

As a former AMEDD Recruiter and Commander I would suggest no more than a thank you card.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Nov 9 at 2020 7:45 AM

SPC Steven Depuy — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:45:08 -0500

Glad you had a good experience. For my own experience, and my sons, I don't have a lot of kind words to say about them.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Nov 5 at 2021 11:58 AM

SPC Steven Depuy — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:58:19 -0400

Nothing in my experience with my recruiter, or my sons, would ever lead me to want to give them a gift, thats for sure.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 15 at 2023 10:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:41:10 -0500

https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2022/12/what-federal-employees-need-know-about-giving-and-receiving-gifts-workplace/380573/

However, if you are a Supreme Court Justice, limits on gifts do not apply! lol

What Federal Employees Need to Know About Giving and Receiving Gifts in the Workplace

For ethics purposes, there are restrictions on what gifts federal workers and mail carriers can accept.