2 people write 1 reccomendation

[navy2016]

Would it be considered one recommendation if two people co-wrote it and put their signatures together next to each other? Should I ask the congressional/senatorial staff in charge of this that?

Scenario: I have had 2 scoutmasters (just finished by 6th year of scouting, Eagle rank pending). The first one is a retired Army Major and was my scoutmaster for the first 3 years. The second one is also my current scoutmaster for the past 2 (there was one scoutmaster that served in between). I would prefer the first scoutmaster to do this simply because he is a retired military officer but he left the troop before I really matured to this stage and would have to rely on what my current scoutmaster tells him of me to provide a recommendation. My current scoutmaster could provide the most accurate recommendation but I do feel like the first one can best provide content based on qualities he knows what it takes to be an officer.

In other words, I feel like getting both to do this would provide the best recommendation for me.

 

[Pima]

I would assume it will count as one. Theoretically, I see a problem with this idea/approach. People have different writing styles, and it can cause confusion to the person reading it. Additionally, how will you integrate them? Will they break it up between age ranges? Will one speak of your character, ability, and commitment, and the other discuss your accomplishments? Have you even thought how they will handle it, if you ask them to do it? Will they work together to smooth it out, or will they both hand your their rec and ask you to cut and paste it together?

I think you are placing too much emphasis on the fact that one was a Major in the Army. Rank, unless very high, think O7+ and an SA grad, or AD, is not going to impress them to the point where they will use it as a deciding factor. The quality of the essay is what counts.

Did this major command anything? I ask that because many will use that as a spring board..."As a commander of XYZ, with ABC military members in my unit, I have seen.... and Navy 2016 IMPO .... ". When you ask a military member to write a rec., do so wisely, don't do it just because they served. They need to know you now, and be able to intimately illustrate it in the rec. Otherwise, all you are going to have is a boiler plate special of: Good kid, did good things, I recommend him for the Class of 2016.

I would use one, and it would be the current scoutmaster. That person will be able to illustrate the facts about you now. The ret. major, has not been actively involved in your life for 2 yrs., thus, it is really going to be more flowery than facts. Again, he can state intimate details describing how you set yourself apart from everyone else.

JMPO. The rec. is not about getting the highest ranking support, it is about you and illustrating to the nom. board that they have to have you on their slate. Key word: YOU!

I don't know how much you know about the nom process, but I am going to take a leap that you are new and know little. MOC's have boards. The members come from all different walks of life, AND rarely does the MOC sit on the board. Traditionally, they sign off from the boards rec. Most boards do have military members, such as ALO/BGO/MALO's on them, not necessarily all 3. I state that so you don't take the leap that having a retired military member sign your rec. is going to give you an amazing edge.

What will give you the edge? Being an Eagle Scout, and having someone succinctly write about what you have done to accomplish it.

Good luck.

 

[navy2016]

Thanks a lot for the information. I now rest assured that my current scoutmaster would be the best choice.