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The Character Statement

Occasionally an Airman will be subject to some sort of formal punishment where he is judged by members outside the squadron. Because he is being judged by strangers who don't know him, character statements will be required in his defense. A character statement helps judges, Commanders, First Sergeants, and other strangers make fair decisions by providing a factual description of a person's character. The people who will read your character statement don't know the individual personally and are depending on you to accurately and honestly describe his or her character.

The most effective character statements are those written by someone who has known the person a long time and who can be considered to be impartial. An NCOIC or manager would usually be considered to be impartial.

If you are asked to write a character statement, don't worry if you can't write well. The important thing is that you cared enough to write. Usually, when things get to the point where character references are requested, the subject of interest is in potentially serious trouble and his career is on the line. He will be grateful for any effort on his behalf. And the members who will be judging the case don't care if you use bad grammar. They just want to get an idea of the person's history so that they can make a fair decision based on the evidence.

If you are called on to write a character statement on someone's behalf, make sure what you write is 100% factual. To do otherwise would hurt your reputation and possibly make you subject to UCMJ action.

Type your statement and print it on good quality paper. Your statement will represent both you and the subject and its appearance will have some influence. Make it as presentable as possible.

In general, character statements have three sections:

Introduction. Normally a single paragraph of only a sentence or two explaining who you are (rank, place of work, etc) and your relationship with the subject (co-worker, friend, supervisor, etc). This is important. The reader will automatically assign a certain level of credibility to the letter based on the relationship.

Body. The body is the majority of the letter. It can be one or several paragraphs. Here is where you make the case for the subject by describing your experiences with him or her and giving examples of the subject's good qualities. The first sentence should state your overall opinion of the subject and everything else written should support it.

Make sure you address the type of behavior that the person is accused of having. If the person who needs the character statement was accused of reckless behavior, you should emphasize aspects of his or her behavior that demonstrate a serious regard for safety and the welfare of others. This will suggest to the reader that the incident was a one-time, out-of-character act, not likely to be repeated. Spend some time thinking this through --the Air Force often moves surprisingly swiftly to discharge offenders and your statement will have a lot of weight in determining the outcome and may save the subject from being discharged.

Ask the subject of the character statement if they have any information that could help project a positive image such as a list of accomplishments, organizations that he or she belongs to, or any other relevant information. Ask your co-workers too. This is important.

Closing. Normally a single paragraph that reinforces your belief in the subject and summarizes your statement. Expressing a willingness to go further in defense of the subject by providing a phone number or offering to show up at any hearing will help.

Make sure you address specific traits. An effective character statement focuses on specifics. It can't be a rambling, general statement that "John is one of the nicest guys I have ever met". It must directly describe traits that support the person's character and counters the alleged bad behavior. The prosecution will methodically present arguments proving their case by focusing on specific traits.

If, for example, someone is being prosecuted for dereliction of duty, a character statement on that person's behalf should include information describing your experience with that person's earnest dedication to his assigned responsibilities.

If someone has been accused of insubordination, a character statement for that person should address your direct knowledge of that person's respect for authority and willingness to follow orders with examples if possible.

Of course, along with this focused description, you should also include your subject's other positive attributes. If possible, these additional positive attributes should overlap with or complement your main assertion. For example, a central theme of respect for authority and a natural willingness to follow orders would be supported by additional positive attributes of dedication to duty, an understanding of the need for order, and a positive attitude.

Character Statement Examples 12 Oct 2008 My name is SSgt Smith and I am SrA Morrison's supervisor. I am writing this character statement in support of SrA Morrison. I understand that he recently got in a fight at the NCO Club and is now subject to UCMJ action. I have worked with SrA Morrison (as a co-worker and now as a supervisor) for almost two years and in that time I have never seen him lose his temper or even raise his voice to anyone. He is one of the most quiet members of our work center. I have always known him to be quietly cheerful and, to my knowledge, he has always had a good attitude and a positive outlook. He does his share of the work without complaint and appears to enjoy his job and being a member of the Air Force. I remember one incident that may illustrate his non-confrontational nature. One day, as SrA Morrison and I were walking back to the barracks after working all day at the air show, we were stopped by a Senior NCO and accused of shirking our duties. The NCO apparently thought we were assigned to his work detail and blasted us with insults and even put his hand on SrA Morrison's shoulder as if to arrest him. Despite the unjustified provocation, SrA Morrison remained calm and answered in a respectful manner, explained our situation, and then just walked away. He doesn't like confrontations and will avoid them if at all possible. He has never been in trouble before or involved in any kind of altercation. He has not received any discipline here in our work center, not even a verbal reprimand. Despite his young age, he is one our most mature Airmen and never has to be told what his job is or be reminded to do something. In fact, I once heard our Maintenance NCO praise him at a meeting with the NCOIC, saying he wished he had more Airmen like him. In summary, I am shocked to learn of the behavior SrA Morrison is charged with. It is completely out of character for him and I can't help but wonder if there were mitigating circumstances. He is one of our best troops and I would not hesitate to recommend him for retention and promotion. I feel certain that our Section Chief would agree. Sincerely, ---signed--- SSgt Reginald P. Smith 1922d CS/SCMM 20 Jun 2009 My name is SSgt Johnson and, as SSgt Jones' co-worker, I have known him for over one year. I am writing this character statement in response to allegations that SSgt Jones was involved in misconduct downtown. I know SSgt Jones to be a dependable and reputable member of our work center. Since his arrival here, he has become a key member of our team. He is one of our most reliable members and is always on time. He always has a pleasant demeanor and gets along well with all members of our shop. He never complains about the workload and takes all assignments in stride. He really is an example to our Airmen of model behavior. He is also very competent and 100% qualified on all tasks. He won Maintainer of the Month in March and often trains new Airmen in shop qualification tasks. He is also frequently involved with his church's charity. I was surprised and disappointed to hear about the incident he was involved in downtown because it is so much out of character for him. I have never known him to be in any trouble and he has not been the subject of any disciplinary action either in our work center or the barracks. I know that, if given the opportunity, he would not repeat that kind of behavior and will continue to be a model Airman. If you have any other questions that I have not addressed or if I can be of further service, please don't hesitate to call me at DSN 234-5678. Respectfully ------Signed--------- SSgt Stewart Johnson 735AMS/SCM

Positive attributes often found in character statements: reliable, thoughtful, dependable, mature punctual, meticulous non-confrontational, calm, patient, cooperative efficient, resourceful, effective ambitious, eager to learn and advance satisfied, happy in position, motivated dependable, thoroughly follows instructions considerate, respectful, courteous fair, competent leader, responsible, mature honest, trustworthy good listener, good communicator, counselor hard working, industrious intelligent, learns quickly, motivated organized, methodical, orderly determined, driven, persevering, diligent generous, volunteers, helpful patient, level-headed, sober innovative, a problem-solver people-oriented, team player, selfless works independently, without supervision, has initiative, self-starter, thoughtful, patient, detail-oriented involved, invested, committed, loyal, devoted goal-oriented, long-term planner

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