Letter of Recommendation Examples

A comprehensive reference providing examples of Air Force writing requirements that can't be found anywhere else. Includes sections on EPRs, LOCs, Periodic Feedbacks, Trip Reports, and much more.

Because of their nature and purpose, letters of recommendation almost always follow the same format. They normally consist of three paragraphs. The first paragraph states the purpose of the letter --that you're writing a letter of recommendation and identifies the person being recommended. It should establish credibility and explain how you know the individual, in what capacity, and for how long. Be very clear about the working relationship. That is, explain whether he or she was your subordinate, co-worker, etc. The relationship is the greatest factor in establishing credibility. If the writer is a co-worker, the reader may think this recommendation is merely a buddy doing another buddy a favor. If the author is a supervisor or a Senior NCO, the letter will have more influence. In general, the higher the rank, the more weight the recommendation will carry. Not just because of the rank but because the less personal and more distant the relationship, the less reason a person has to embellish on the subject's record.

The second paragraph, the body of the letter, should address whatever details are relevant to the recommendation. For example, if the position being sought requires supervisory skills, list examples of the subject's leadership in his or her current position. Use this paragraph to describe the character of the individual in general terms. List personal attributes that you feel are appropriate and for which you have direct knowledge.

Use the last paragraph for closing comments. Express your level of confidence in the individual. Explain the extent to which you believe he or she is suited to the job or program sought.

These letters are used as a basis for choosing leaders and filling key positions. Integrity demands that we always tell the truth in letters of recommendation. You should not write a letter of recommendation if you don't truly believe the person deserves to be recommended. It's your responsibility as a member of the Air Force to make sure the system is not abused. If someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation for them and you have any doubt as to whether they deserve it, find a way to avoid doing it or, if you have to, write a very vague and unenthusiastic recommendation. Below are examples of successful letters of recommendation.

Letter of Recommendation

MEMORANDOM FOR RECORD

25 May 2010

FROM: 960 AACS/DOW

SUBJECT: Recommendation for SrA Schwarzenegger

1. The purpose of this letter is to recommend SrA Schwarzenegger for a quality assurance inspector position. SrA Schwarzenegger has proven himself to be a subject matter expert in his current position and shows great desire to progress into a field requiring more responsibility. I have no hesitation recommending SrA Schwarzenegger for this prestigious opportunity.

2. SrA Schwarzenegger has shown time and time again his dedication and competency to do outstanding work. Since SrA Schwarzenegger has been under my supervision, he has completed his 5 skill level upgrade and has been promoted above his peers to swing shift. SrA Schwarzenegger is currently being held to a high standard as a first-rate-instructor. He has streamlined his career and has great ambition for his future.

3. It is my sincere hope that you will consider SrA Schwarzenegger for this distinguished position. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about this subject. You can reach me at (555) 555-5555 or DSN 555-555. Thank you for your time.

GATLIN R. JOHNSON
Supervisor

Letter of Recommendation

21 Jul 2009

MEMO FOR United States Air Force Academy Admissions Office

FROM: 6th CS/SCM

SUBJECT: Letter of recommendation for SSgt Anthony Sims

To whom it may concern,

Staff Sergeant Anthony Sims has my highest recommendation for acceptance into the United States Air Force Academy. As a Master Sergeant with over 22 years in the United States Air Force and a vested interest in the future of our military, it is with the utmost care and sincerity that I recommend prospective leaders. Sergeant Sims' character and personnel records exceed my standard for the level of performance and behavior that I expect from our best young Airmen.

As Sergeant Sims' immediate supervisor, I have spent a great deal of time with him and can honestly say that he is positive, earnest, and professional at all times. He is an upright Non-commissioned Officer of high character, as evidenced by his total devotion to duty and his efforts to further his education. Not satisfied with merely doing his job, on his own initiative, he has continued to advance his education. He continuously seeks self improvement and accepts greater responsibility with humility. Sergeant Sims is the type of Airman that needs little or no supervision to get the job done. He is the epitome of the Air Force NCO and possesses enormous potential to be a great leader as an Air Force Officer. He maintains a rigorous physical training program that keeps him in top condition. His personnel record confirms what I have observed and you will see that this young man has continuously demonstrated that he has what it takes to be a sterling addition to the United States Air Force Officer Corps.

Sergeant Sims is not only a disciplined professional. He is a team player and gets along well with his team mates. His cheerfulness and consideration for others have made him an indispensable part of our unit. His fellow Airmen are drawn to him by his personality and sincere concern for others. I hope you will give this young man the opportunity to continue to excel both at the United States Air Force Academy and as a future Air Force Officer.

Sincerely,

MSgt Wayne P. Pinckney, USAF
NCOIC, Civil Engineering, AC DIV

Letter of Recommendation

21 Jul 2009

MEMO FOR Keesler Air Force Base Training & Evaluation Office

SUBJECT: Letter of recommendation for TSgt Felicity Kendal

To whom it may concern,

It is my great honor to recommend TSgt Felicity Kendal for the position of NCOIC of Training and Instruction. I have known TSgt Kendal in a professional capacity for more than ten years. In that time, working both as a coworker and as a supervisor, I have always observed TSgt Kendal to be very knowledgeable in all aspects of our jobs as staff members supporting the communications division of the U.S. European Command. She has always been consistently helpful in any requirements whether planned or short-notice. She has a keen sense of anticipating needs, not only for communications support but for operational requirements as well.

TSgt Kendal was recently reassigned to the Future Plans office in the EUCOM J6 Division. In a surprisingly short period of time, she has turned around a fledgling operation and made it a highly professional and responsive unit. Her leadership style and personality have created an atmosphere where subordinates want to follow and perform to the highest expectations. The diverse work is performed with outstanding success and TSgt Kendal has earned a tremendous reputation not only from her immediate supervisor, subordinates, and peers, but also from the large joint community of communications specialists.

I am confident that, if selected, TSgt Kendal would perform beyond expectations as NCOIC of Training and Instruction just as she has here, in the Future Plans Office. Even though TSgt Kendal has only been on the J6 staff for six months, she has proven to me that she is capable of assuming the additional responsibilities required as head of Training and Instruction. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything with me, please feel free to contact me at DSN 314-430-345X.

Sincerely,

SMSgt Wanda C. Waverly, USAF
NCOIC, TCCC

21 Jul 2009

To whom it may concern,

My name is MSgt Derek Westerfield and I am the NCOIC of the 1922nd Communications Squadron Plans and Programs office. I am recommending TSgt Wesley Johnson for the position of Element Leader. Sergeant Johnson's current assignment as Operations NCO requires a high degree of leadership, skill, judgement, and responsibility, all of which he possesses in abundance. As Operations NCO, he provides direct leadership and guidance to almost 20 personnel in several career fields.

Even though Sergeant Johnson is always busy with the administrative support tasks necessary to support a large workcenter, he manages to find time to become personally involved in resolving major process issues. I could probably count on one hand, the number of weekends that have passed without him being called into work to solve some crisis. His ability to analyze inter-agency problems, understand their cause, and establish workable and acceptable solutions is evidence of a great amount of disciplined self-study and on-the-job training. He is dedicated to providing the best possible service and sets an impeccable example for his subordinates to follow.

TSgt Johnson's leadership, initiative, and abilities exceed those of his peers and I believe that he is the best qualified candidate for the Element Leader position. I strongly recommend TSgt Johnson and feel confident that his performance will exceed your expectations.

Very Respectfully,

MSgt Derek Westerfield, USAF
NCOIC, Plans and Programs

25 Sep 2009

To whom it may concern,

1. I work in the Land Mobile Radio office at Luke Air Force Base and am the government's representative for managing base radio operations and repair. In that capacity, I have worked with Mr Smith, who is employed by Sun City Transmissions, for over two years. During that time he has maintained the Land Mobile Radios supporting Luke Air Force Base under the annual maintenance contract.

2. During the time I have known and worked with him, Mr Smith has provided excellent and reliable service and met or exceeded all our contract requirements. He has repaired many of our hand-held radios that could not be included in the base maintenance contract because of their non-standard make at no charge. He has also analyzed base communications networks and made several recommendations that improved communications coverage at minimal cost.

3. Mr Smith's encyclopedic knowledge of radio maintenance and propagation has made him an indispensable member of Team Luke and something of a superstar among the disaster preparedness folks. His thoughtful and diligent efforts have ensured the safe and effective operations of the Flying Training Wing. I highly recommend him to anyone requiring 100% effective communications management.

Lynne Gilkey, YA-02
Land Mobile Radio Manager