Do I need an LOR from my Reserve Unit?

[flyboy]

I am currently in the Navy Reserves and I'm trying to apply for BDCP SNA. I have my package completed and have checked into a new reserve unit. My training Lt. has told me to wait a few months for him to get to know me before he will write my CO LOR. Has anybody heard of submitting a package without a CO LOR to get accepted for BDCP. I really don't want to wait a year to get my LOR and DD Form 368 conditional release in order to submit my package. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[Twitterpate03]

I am a reservist applying for OCS. I don't know about you but waiting a few months is not an option for me. I have gotten the conditional release form and a simple memo type approval from my current CO. Like you, he barely knows me. I just came back from deployment and the unit changed. I spoke with my former CO who has done nothing but wonderful things for me and he spoke with the new guy briefly about me and my plans.

The letter is simply 2 lines, memo style...

So and so has a wonderful performance record with the unit.

I approve and give permission for so and so to apply for OCS.

That's all it really says and my recruiter said it was a must because he is my current CO. You must have something from your current CO.

However, I am not considering it as one of my LOR's.

And my strongest LOR is coming from my former CO.

hope that helps.

 

[flyboy]

Thanks for the reply. Thats what I thought I would have to do. That's ok, I guess all I have to do now is impress them to a point where they want to sign my release form. It would be nice if my old CO would call the new one and recommend me. Good luck in OCS.

 

[Twitterpate03]

Thanks for the luck. NEED it!

And that's exactly what my old CO did. He called and emailed the new guy and CC'd me on everything. I guess Im just lucky to have great officers in my unit.

Good luck to you too.

 

[wink]

Thanks for the reply. Thats what I thought I would have to do. That's ok, I guess all I have to do now is impress them to a point where they want to sign my release form. It would be nice if my old CO would call the new one and recommend me. Good luck in OCS.

They don't need to know you to give the conditional release. Get that asap. Your CO doesn't have to write a LOR but he can send in a letter simply saying he hasn't had time to observe you, so. hat way it doesn't look like you had a reason not to get one from him. And since we are talking a simple LOR here, there is no reason not to have your former CO write one. I would absolutely do that. There is no disrespect to your current chain of command in doing that. Good Luck.

 

[flopper]

Like he /\/\/\/\ said. I just got out of the guard to join BDCP. I had only been at my unit for 5 drill weekends when I found out about the program. You don't need a LOR from your current CO, just their blessing. From my experience its the AGR full timers at the reserve units that get stuff done anyways. Just move quickly because the CO is only there on drill weekends and every missed drill is another month you have to wait for their signature. You did the right thing by informing your chain, but get in contact with your officer recruiter and fill out one of these with the recruiter http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd0368.pdf and get it to your unit to get it working up the pipeline. A brief formal letter to your CO is the norm when submitting the 368 to let him/her know of your intentions. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

 

[a-6intruder]

Everyone is in agreement on this one. Wasting a year for an admin check in the block risks wasting an opportunity. Your LT isn't doing you any favors on what is really an acknowledgement by your Reserve Command that they are aware you are applying, meet the basics as outlined in the application instruction, and have nothing adverse that would prevent you from being considered. That can all be done via a records check. A simple face-to-face with you for a few minutes could even enable him to write a stronger, more personal letter. Let's face it, he probably doesn't have anyone else trying to apply, so it's not like he needs to triage you guys and rank you or anything.

This is basic Leadership 101 and if your LT gives you any pushback after you politely and professionally request his assistance, please PM me and I'll be glad to give him a call. It bugs the crap out of me when people get derailed because someone is unaware of their responsibilities, or unwilling to do their job. Frankly, he really doesn't have a choice, he needs to do this for you. Now, having said that, please tread lightly. All you need from them is a basic endorsement of your application. Letters of Recommendation would probably best be coming from previous COs who knew you better.

It doesn't hurt to do a bit of the work yourself. Go to Admin, or google Navy Correspondence Manual, and look at sample Letters of Recommendation. Write one up, saying what you hope he would say, in the proper format, and ensuring you address all the things the references say you must. For example some need your CO to verify you possess a clearance, or verify you meet height / weight / body fat standards, and have passed the recent PFA. If you need any help, see your admin guys, or PM me. I write / endorse several Letters of Recommendation a month, so can assist w/ the formatting. And I do appreciate it when the individual makes the effort to help himself. It shows a lot about character and desire, even if none of the words are the ones I would use.

Good luck!