Here's what was explained to me at a candidate visit weekend in February-admissions said that if the letters of recommendation you get only tell them what they already know by looking at your transcripts and email evaluations that your teachers fill out, then they are not necessary. They said if you have someone that has known you a lot of years and can write about your leadership etc - that would be a letter worth obtaining. They said if you get a letter of recommendation from a four-star general that is a friend of your dad, but does not know you personally, it is useless. A coach that has known you a lot of years or a JROTC instructor, Boy Scout etc.- these would be good people to write a letter