Letters

[hipfinnsy]

Who would you recommend getting LORs from? How many will suffice? As of right now I have two of my English professors and a Navy O-6. Would it be worthwhile to get another one from my cousin who is an Army O-1 with 15 years experience (mustang obv')? Or should I look for more diversity?

 

[twobecrazy]

Don't get any LORs from family. You should try and get more than what you have as you can always get rid of anyones that are not up to par.

 

[SC-NY-88]

You should aim to cover your experiences with letters, IMO. So if you're a college student, get professors, if you're an athlete get coeaches and trainers, if you have a career and its not awkward, get bosses, if you volunteer, get those leadrers to write them. You letters are how the board sees into the life you outline on your application, so one from each aspect of your life plus a few officers should be good.

 

[CUPike11]

Don't get any LORs from family. You should try and get more than what you have as you can always get rid of anyones that are not up to par.

I don't know if I fully agree with the first part of this. I had a LOR from my cousin who is an AF E-8, and it obviously worked out. I made sure I was balanced in my other LORs though. Professors, former bosses/supervisors/friends/pastors, etc. We talk about getting them from people you know and who knows you the best other than family; having someone who is already in the military, especially as an E-8 or as for the OP, a mustang O-1 I feel is beneficial.

I doubt the board is going to deny the person or anyone because they chose to have one LOR from someone in their family, who is gauging whether their relative would be a good fit for military life and as an officer.

Just my .02.

To the OP, get your LORs from who you feel its necessary and will benefit you. Getting an LOR from grandma or anyone else in your family probably isn't the best plan. HOWEVER, if that person is currently serving in the military in such a capacity (i.e. - isn't an E-3 or something or a fresh from boat school O-1), such that they can make a value judgment based upon your characteristics and whether you'd be a great Officer....well that can only help you IMHO.

 

[SC-NY-88]

^ agreed. The board definately doesn't toss you on that basis, I had an LOR from my uncle, a retired master chief.

 

[twobecrazy]

That's interesting. My OR told me no LORs from family members. I have a couple of cousins and 3 grandfathers (1 step and highly decorated, 2 retired) that served or are serving in the military that wanted to write me letters. I also had an uncle that flies for the airlines that wanted to write me a LOR as well. I couldn't use any of them according to my OR. So I searched and was able to get amazing LORs from the men and women I used to serve with. Oh well, either way it worked out for me rather nicely!