A Military Character Letter is a formal document used to attest to the character, conduct, and values of a service member. These letters are often written by commanding officers, supervisors, colleagues, or other reputable individuals who have directly observed the service member’s behavior and performance. The letter aims to highlight the individual’s qualities, such as integrity, leadership, discipline, and dedication, aligning them with the core values of the military branch they serve.
Uses of a Military Character Letter
- Court-Martial or Legal Proceedings: In military court cases, character letters can be used as evidence of the service member’s good conduct and moral integrity, helping to provide a fuller picture beyond the specific allegations.
- Discharge Upgrades: When seeking to upgrade a less-than-honorable discharge, a character letter can support claims of post-service improvement, reliability, and adherence to military values.
- Promotion or Reassignment: Character letters can bolster a service member’s application for promotion, reassignment, or special duties, highlighting their suitability for advanced roles.
- Enlistment or Reenlistment: When a candidate applies for enlistment or reenlistment, a character letter can demonstrate their commitment, trustworthiness, and fit for military life.
- Personal and Professional Development: Character letters can also be used in support of educational opportunities, job applications, or other career advancements, showcasing the service member’s professional attributes and personal growth.
Importance
Military Character Letters play a critical role in influencing decisions by providing insight into a service member’s overall character, beyond just their performance metrics. They help humanize the individual, offering a narrative of dedication, loyalty, and integrity that aligns with the values of the military and strengthens their case in various scenarios.
Military Character Letter
Logan Collins
3428 Spruce Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30301
Email: logan.collins@email.com
Phone: (404) 555-5678
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am honored to provide this character reference for [Service Member’s Full Name], who has served under my command in [Unit/Branch] for [duration]. During this time, I have observed [his/her/their] unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment to duty.
[Service Member’s Name] exemplifies the core values of the military: honor, courage, and commitment. [He/She/They] consistently perform[s] [his/her/their] duties with exceptional skill, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. [He/She/They] are respected by peers and superiors alike for [his/her/their] leadership, reliability, and positive attitude. For example, [briefly mention a specific instance, such as, “during a high-pressure operation, [Service Member’s Name] displayed outstanding leadership and decisiveness, ensuring mission success.”]
Beyond [his/her/their] professional accomplishments, [Service Member’s Name] is a person of strong moral character. [He/She/They] exhibit[s] empathy, respect, and support for fellow service members, making [him/her/them] an invaluable asset to our unit.
I confidently recommend [Service Member’s Name] for any role or consideration [he/she/they] may pursue. [His/Her/Their] exemplary character and dedication will undoubtedly continue to serve [him/her/them] well.
For further information, please contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address].
Respectfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit or Organization]
Character Reference Military Letter of Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit/Branch]
[Contact Information]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to highly recommend [Service Member’s Name], who has served under my command in [Unit/Branch] for [duration]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrate[s] exceptional dedication, discipline, and leadership skills.
[Service Member’s Name] is a person of integrity, always upholding military values with honor. [He/She/They] handle[s] responsibilities with precision and a strong work ethic, earning the respect of peers and superiors. For instance, [he/she/they] [provide a brief example, such as “led a team during critical operations, showcasing outstanding leadership and reliability.”]
I fully endorse [Service Member’s Name] for any future roles or opportunities, knowing [he/she/they] will continue to excel.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit/Branch]
Character Reference Letter For Military Enlistment
Grace Hernandez
2198 Chestnut Blvd
Nashville, TN 37201
Email: grace.hernandez@email.com
Phone: (615) 555-6789
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to write this character reference for [Applicant’s Full Name], who is pursuing enlistment in the [Branch of Military]. I have known [him/her/them] for [duration] and can confidently speak to [his/her/their] exceptional character and suitability for military service.
[Applicant’s Name] is a person of unwavering integrity, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrate[s] a high level of responsibility, resilience, and respect for others—qualities essential in the military. For instance, [briefly mention a positive example, such as, “during [school/community event], [Applicant’s Name] showed leadership by organizing and leading a volunteer effort, reflecting dedication and teamwork.”]
[His/Her/Their] commitment to self-improvement and helping others sets [him/her/them] apart as someone who will thrive in the structured and challenging environment of military service. [He/She/They] possess[es] a strong work ethic and an adaptable nature, making [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for enlistment.
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will be an asset to the [Branch of Military] and will excel in [his/her/their] service. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Position/Title]
Character Reference Letter Military Discharge Upgrade
[Your Name]
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit/Organization]
[Contact Information]
[16/09/2026]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to support [Service Member’s Name] in [his/her/their] request for a discharge upgrade. I have known [him/her/them] during [his/her/their] service in [Unit/Branch] and can attest to [his/her/their] commitment, integrity, and positive contributions.
Despite the circumstances of [his/her/their] discharge, [Service Member’s Name] has shown exceptional growth, accountability, and a dedication to improving [himself/herself/themselves]. [He/She/They] have consistently demonstrated [briefly describe a quality, e.g., “strong leadership and a commitment to community service.”]
[Service Member’s Name] has earned my respect and that of [his/her/their] peers, and I believe [he/she/they] deserve[s] a second chance to reflect [his/her/their] true character and service record.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Rank or Position]
[Unit/Organization]
Character Reference Letter For Military Court
[Your Name]
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit/Branch]
[Contact Information]
[22/02/2025]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Service Member’s Name], who has served under my command in [Unit/Branch] for [duration]. Throughout [his/her/their] service, [he/she/they] consistently exhibited dedication, respect, and integrity.
[Service Member’s Name] is known for [his/her/their] strong work ethic and willingness to help others. [He/She/They] maintain[s] high standards of conduct and show[s] genuine respect for fellow service members. I believe [his/her/their] actions are not reflective of [his/her/their] true character.
I fully support [Service Member’s Name] and respectfully ask for leniency in [his/her/their] consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Position/Rank]
[Unit/Branch]
Army Character Letter
Jack Robinson
[Your Rank/Position]
[Unit/Branch]
4310 Palm Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Email: jack.robinson@email.com
Phone: (801) 555-7890
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Service Member’s Name], who has served honorably under my command in [Unit/Branch] for [duration]. During this time, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her/their] performance and character closely.
[Service Member’s Name] embodies the Army’s core values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrate[s] a high level of professionalism, reliability, and dedication to [his/her/their] duties. [He/She/They] have proven to be a dependable team player and a respected leader among peers, consistently setting an example through [his/her/their] actions.
A specific instance that highlights [his/her/their] character occurred during [mention a relevant situation, such as, “a critical mission where [he/she/they] took initiative and led the team under challenging conditions, ensuring mission success.”] This showcases [his/her/their] commitment and ability to thrive under pressure.
[Service Member’s Name]’s conduct and commitment to excellence have made a positive impact on our unit. I have full confidence in [his/her/their] character and potential for continued success.
Please feel free to contact me should you require further information.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature]
Jack Robinson
[Your Rank/Position]
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Army Character Reference Letter Character Letter Army Character Reference Letter For Military Good Moral Character Military Character Reference Letter
Last modified: September 10, 2024