How To Write an Air Force Letter of Recommendation (With Examples)

I wholeheartedly endorse Staff Sergeant Anthony Sims for admission to the United States Air Force Academy. I recommend potential leaders with the utmost care and sincerity as a Master Sergeant with more than 22 years of service in the United States Air Force and a stake in the future of our armed forces. The level of performance and conduct that Sergeant Sims exhibits goes above and beyond what I would expect from our best young Airmen.

I have had a lot of interaction with Sergeant Sims as his immediate supervisor, and I can honestly say that he is always positive, sincere, and professional. His complete devotion to duty and efforts to further his education serve as evidence that he is an upright non-commissioned officer of high character. He has taken the initiative to further his education because he isn’t content with just doing his job. He continually strives for improvement and humbly accepts more responsibility. When it comes to getting the job done, Sergeant Sims is the kind of Airman who requires little to no supervision. He embodies the Air Force NCO ideal and has enormous leadership potential as an Air Force Officer. He follows a strict physical training regimen that keeps him in top shape. His personnel record backs up what I’ve seen, and you’ll see that this young man has consistently shown that he has what it takes to make a valuable addition to the officer corps of the United States Air Force.

Sergeant Sims is not only a disciplined professional. He works well with his teammates and is a team player. He is an essential member of our team thanks to his optimism and consideration for others. His personality and genuine concern for others captivate his fellow Airmen. I’m hoping you’ll give this young man the chance to keep achieving great things at the US Air Force Academy and as an upcoming Air Force officer.

How to write an Air Force letter of recommendation

Examine the following guidelines to write a thorough letter of recommendation for an Air Force service member:

1. Ask clarifying questions

Before you draft the letter of recommendation, it would be wise to speak with the service member who is asking for it. This can help you comprehend why they require the letter and enable you to talk about its purpose. Some questions to consider asking during this conversation include:

2. Consult The Tongue and Quill: AFH 33-337

You can learn more about writing official documents by reading The Tongue and Quill Air Force Handbook (AFH) 33-337. Review the sections on how to prepare for writing and speaking as well as the sections on common document standards. This manual contains numerous sections that offer illustrations or suggestions to stimulate your own writing. The quality of your document can be improved by following the guidelines in this document, which also covers essential writing mechanics, acceptable abbreviations, and other Air Force writing guidelines.

3. Review military records

You can learn more about the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments in the Air Force by looking over their personnel record. You can review these records by speaking with your unit’s First Sergeant or personnel office. Many unit superintendents have access to these records as well, which is advantageous if the applicant is from a different field of work. Some common paperwork added to personnel records include:

4. Examine your personal experience

You can choose which abilities, experiences, and accomplishments to include in your document by thinking back on your interactions with the person who requested the letter. You may want to speak with other professionals who have worked with this service member to identify additional abilities or accomplishments to highlight. This is helpful if the person is unfamiliar with the unit or if other team members have more experience working with them.

5. Create your first paragraph

Usually, the letter’s first paragraph explains its goal and suggests a course of action for the reader to follow. The top abilities of the letter’s subject are also discussed in this paragraph, which can help the reader understand why they would be a good fit for a particular job or duty. Some items to consider addressing in this first paragraph include:

6. Write the second paragraph

Your personal interactions with the service member are frequently covered in the second paragraph of the letter. A lot of people also use this paragraph to go into more detail about how the service member employs the abilities discussed in the first paragraph. Any significant honors should be mentioned in this section to help readers fully grasp the author’s expertise and experience.

7. Draft your third paragraph

Frequently, the third paragraph looks at the service members’ prior performance and current duty positions. Giving specifics about primary responsibilities and additional achievements can help demonstrate the member’s contribution to the Air Force. In the final sentence of a paragraph, the author frequently explains what they would do if they were the reader or the hiring authority. This can support the optimistic message the author is trying to get across to the reader.

8. Develop your concluding paragraph

More information about your background and current position is provided in the concluding paragraph. Readers can better understand your credentials and authority by learning about your service history, special duty experience, and field of expertise. This paragraph is the last chance to recommend an action to the reader and leave a good impression. Some additional detail to add to this section include:

9. Add a signature block

Signature blocks can aid readers in recognizing the letter’s official tone. If a letter needs to be routed up the chain of command, it may also include signature blocks for unit commanders. Some common items in Air Force signature blocks include:

What is an Air Force letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation from the Air Force serves to highlight a person’s accomplishments, abilities, and commitment to the Air Force’s core values. For a variety of reasons, service members ask their superiors, peers, or leadership teams for these letters. Some common situations that these professionals request these documents include:

Air Force letter of recommendation template two

Another sample of a general recommendation letter for the Air Force is provided below:

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

For [number of years] years, I have known [member rank, first and last name]. I observed them [two to three skills observed] during that time. [One sentence listing additional skills observed]. I’ve known this professional for [number of years] years, and I think that [state the recommendation you would like the reader to follow]

With regard to [one to two skills], [members rank and last name] has demonstrated [members preferred pronoun] commitment. [Two to three sentences highlighting the abilities, successes, and awards of the service member]

I have had the chance to gain a thorough understanding of what it takes to fill [service member’s desired position] as an [your duty position] and having served for [number of years] in the [service branch]. [One to two sentences that reiterate the suggested course of action for the reader]

Sincerely,
[Your rank] [first and last name]
[Duty position]

Air Force letter of recommendation template one

Review this sample to learn how to draft an official letter of recommendation for the Air Force:

[Date]

MEMORANDUM FOR TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

FROM: [rank, first name and last name]
[Duty position]
[Unit address]

SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation for [members rank and full name]

1. I’m happy to lend [members rank and full name] my support for [statement about recommended action] for [duty position, special duty, step-promotion]. [Preferred member pronoun] is [list of skills member possesses]. [State the members’ contribution to the unit or Air Force in one sentence]

2. The type of Airman [character statement] is [member’s rank and last name] [Two to three sentences describing service members skills and awards].

3. Since the beginning of [preferred member pronoun] career, [rank and last name] have demonstrated their commitment to Air Force core values and performance as a [service member duty position]. [Two to three sentences highlighting the service member’s past performance and accomplishments] I would [do this if you were the person making the decision]

4. I have had the chance to gain a thorough understanding of what it takes to fill [service member’s desired position] as an [your duty position] and having served for [number of years] in the [service branch]. [One to two sentences that reiterate the suggested course of action for the reader] Please get in touch with me at [duty phone number] during business hours in [your time zone] if you need more details, or send me an email at [your official email address].

[Your first name, middle initial, last name], [Rank]
[Service branch]
[Duty position]

Air Force letter of recommendation example one

Examining sample letters of recommendation can assist you in writing your own. Examine this formal letter of recommendation sample to assist you in creating your own:

12 Mar 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

FROM: TSgt Anne Quin
Shift supervisor
Dover, Delaware

SUBJECT: Letter of Recommendation for SrA Jamie Wright

1. I’m happy to lend SrA Jamie Wright my support in his special duty job as a mailroom technician. She is an ambitious airman who works hard and has a strong work ethic.

2. SrA Wright is the kind of Airman who inspires and guides others to achieve success and deliver excellent work. SrA Wright won Airman of the Quarter because of her commitment and technical knowledge.

3. Since the beginning of her career, SrA Wright has demonstrated their commitment to the Air Force’s core values and performance. Her dedication to excellence has enabled her to process six tons of special cargo for missions related to special operations. In any setting, I would hire her as a mailroom assistant.

4. I had the chance to fully comprehend what it takes to fill special duty assignments during my ten years as an Air Force shift supervisor. SrA Wright’s ability to pay attention to detail and serve as a mentor can significantly improve mailroom operations. Please call me at (302) 555-7841 during regular business hours Eastern Time if you require more information, or email me at anne. quin@email. mil.

Anne R. Quin, TSgt
USAF
Shift supervisor

Air Force letter of recommendation example two

Examine this sample to learn how to write your own general letter of recommendation for the Air Force:

18 July 2021

To Whom It May Concern,

I have known SSgt Ronald Julian for eight years. I saw him manage his team well and train others during that time. Additionally, he pursues any chances for advancement that have contributed to his success in his position in the maintenance industry. After eight years of collaboration with this individual, I believe his military demeanor, subject-matter knowledge, and commitment to excellence make him a prime candidate for Officer Education Institution.

SSgt Julian has led three leadership seminars, demonstrating his commitment to fostering others’ development. His contributions have helped develop over 100 airmen.

I spent 18 years in the Air Force and now, as a unit superintendent, I have the opportunity to fully comprehend what it takes to succeed as an officer. I hope you’ll give this outstanding airman the chance to succeed as an officer in the future.

Sincerely, MSgt Erik Webber
Unit superintendent

Tips for creating an Air Force letter of recommendation

Review the following guidelines to write a thorough and persuasive letter of recommendation:

Please be aware that Indeed is not connected to any of the organizations mentioned in this article.

Air Force Officer Applicant. Letters Of Recommendation

FAQ

How do I write a letter of recommendation for the Air Force?

You should address your letter to the appropriate person at the Air Force Officer Selection Board. It’s also advised that you refrain from using recommendations in the form of bullet points. No more than two pages should make up your letter, and you should use a 12-point font.

What should a good letter of recommendation include?

There’s a good chance that a letter of recommendation will be necessary at some point in a military career, whether it’s with the Air Force, the Army, the Marines, or the Navy.

How do I write a letter of recommendation for officer candidate school?

A letter of recommendation ought to explain your relationship to the person being recommended, the reasons they should be trusted, and any particular qualifications they may have. Specifics. It’s beneficial to give specific examples and anecdotes to support your claims whenever possible.

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