LOR Rebuttal Examples

The term commonly used to describe the response to the LOR, the rebuttal, implies a strong negative response or argument. But a "rebuttal" is nothing more than a written reply. It may agree with the LOR or disagree or present information not previously known.

Letters of Reprimand are normally not written unless there is ample evidence to support them and, because of that, they are more difficult to refute. LORs can have a very negative effect on your career and serve as justification for more serious punitive action. If you received one unfairly or without justification, don't waste time. You should challenge it with a rebuttal as soon as possible.

Normally, when you receive a letter of reprimand, the form has a line at the bottom that you mark Yes or No to indicate whether you intend to submit any paperwork in response to the LOR. Check yes. If you didn't check yes initially, but later changed your mind and now want to submit something, you can. But any paperwork submitted must be submitted in a timely manner, generally within 3 days of receipt of the LOR. When you submit a response or rebuttal, it is required to be attached to or stored with the LOR as long as it exists.

Below are examples of LOR rebuttals. Use the personal letter or official memorandum format and make sure you date and sign it. The overall tone must be civil and considerate. Not only will your supervisor read it but the Commander and his staff and your future supervisors may read it as well. The goal is to be conciliatory and persuasive. The first paragraph should be positive. Start off with a positive statement such as "I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the letter of reprimand I received on 1 April 12 and would like to express my sincere support of the squadron by providing any clarification of the issues described that I am able to" or some other positive remarks.

In the second paragraph, explain the situation in detail but as briefly as possible. No one has time to read two or three type-written pages. Maintain a neutral tone and state the facts that led up to the LOR. And don't ramble. Use a logical, chronological method to describe the events and get right to the point. Then explain why you think the LOR wasn't completely justified or provide previously unknown information.

In the final paragraph, make sure you call attention to your positive record. If you've been in the Air Force for five years without receiving any kind of disciplinary action, say so. If you have been in trouble in the past, avoid mentioning that and concentrate on positive accomplishments such as your involvement in the Honor Guard or Selection as Amn of the Quarter, etc.

It may help to mention the IG in a positive way. I don't mean that you should threaten to go to the IG if the LOR isn't withdrawn. That will only make management dig in their heels and make damn sure the LOR stays in your records forever. Instead, you should mention the IG in a polite way to let the reader know that you're aware of your options and resources. Something like I appreciate my supervisor's guidance and faith in my potential and am more committed to my career and the Air Force than ever before. I will make every effort to adhere to standards and improve my performance. To that end, I will make an appointment with the Area Defense Counsel to ensure I understand my responsibilities on and off-duty and fulfill my responsibilities. When management thinks that the situation will be reviewed by people outside the organization, they will take another look and make sure the LOR is deserved and supportable. And they may quietly withdraw it without even telling you.

Use the last paragraph for closing comments. This will likely be the only time that you'll be invited to state your opinion on this matter so make sure everything you want to say is addressed. Let a friend proofread it to make sure it's understandable to a stranger. Make two copies and keep one for your records. Give the original to the supervisor who gave you the LOR or his representative.

It's your right to go to the Inspector General's office on your base if you feel that you've been unfairly treated. If you intend to visit the IG, you should make every effort to let your supervisor know and give him or her a chance to withdraw the LOR before you go. Normally, if you indicate in your answer that you're considering going to the IG, the LOR will receive serious review and be withdrawn if it isn't fully supportable.

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