What is a "Letter of Encouragement"???

Member, but many still cannot guess that they will sit behind a computer, not in a lab, or be flying in a simulator not a cockpit.

They shouldn't guess. If they are smart enough to apply to a SA, I think it is safe to assume that they can do some research. Does it make sense that some of these kids can do hours of research to write papers but can't research what military career expects of them?
 
They shouldn't guess. If they are smart enough to apply to a SA, I think it is safe to assume that they can do some research. Does it make sense that some of these kids can do hours of research to write papers but can't research what military career expects of them?
I think a lot of these kids just don't know how to do research, or use google effectively for that matter. It takes some experience to figure out possible sets of keywords to use some time. What kid has time for that? :rolleyes:
 
Um, many can't even read stickies, or know enough not to use their full names as their SN.
 
Perhaps I am beign harsh, but if a candidate wants a favorable interview from me as a FFR or my support for a nomination from my Congressman's nomination board, he or she better show some maturity to include understanding what the future holds for them (i.e. hardwork, challenges, doing things they don't want to do, being station at nowhere, USA vs. free college education)
 
Do letters of encouragement only come in your portal whereas LOAs come in the mail?
 
Ml1289-
Well DS got the LOE on Aug 28 in his portal and still hasn't received it in the snail mail. But it could be in the pipeline since it was a holiday weekend and we live in the boonies.
 
I got my LOE on Aug 27 and thought it went out to pretty much everyone who went to SLE (I did), however after talking with my squad I am the only one who received one. I have not gotten an LOA and don't really expect to receive one but it would be really nice to get one. Brawny77 how much of the application was filled out when they got the LOE.
 
About 70% was filled out. He is now at about 90%. He is putting off the CFA until his football bye week because he thinks he will do better being not so beat up that week. That and the recommendation from a physics teacher who is no longer at our school is all that is now lacking.
 
@MI1289 -

I think you're right. I got my LOA three days ago, but it still hasn't shown up on my portal. I don't think it's going to.

Also, do we have to send copies of our LOAs/LOEs to the MOCs? Or will they already know?
 
OrionSagittarius
I think they will know but I would make dang sure they did know. I am new to all this but I think I have read on here that an LOA will not count against the representative as one of his appointments. I bet some of the folks in the know on here will fill us in. But congrats on the L.O.A. By the way was your file complete when you got the LOA?
 
Yeah. I decided to send copies of my LOA to my MOCs. Just in case.

Nope. My file was missing the Math and Science teacher evaluations, CFA, DODMERB, Academic record and Activities Record.

I think I got in on SAT scores and transcripts.
 
OrionSagittarius: Is your LOA for USNA or USMA? If for USMA, is it the same as the "LOE" referenced above?
 
No. LOA as in actual LOA. From USMA. It says it reserves cadetship contingent upon certain conditions being met. Also says "letter of assurance" in the body.
 
His dream is aviation of some sort… his first goal is to fly
If he's applying to service academies, his dream and first goal had better be to be an officer in our armed services. Otherwise, he’s applying to the wrong schools. To Member’s “simple question of what happens after graduation,” the correct answer is, “Service to my country as an officer and leader.” In what capacity is irrelevant. He may not even have a choice. He should also clearly understand that his service may require his life.
 
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A dream and a first goal are two different things. I agree with what you say in general. Of course service as an officer is the backbone of what they do. But having a dream of a certain career path that is available is okay in my book. Of course not everyone gets that dream and there are many rewarding and honorable other paths. However, ability, hard work and perseverance can make dreams into realities. If you dream to fly, then a realistic way to make that happen can start at a service academy. I think it is completely relevant. Of course be realistic and be ready to serve honorably as you are needed and assigned but don't quit dreaming. It wont be a dream followed idealistically or blindly.
 
If you dream to fly, then a realistic way to make that happen can start at a service academy. I think it is completely relevant. Of course be realistic and be ready to serve honorably as you are needed and assigned but don't quit dreaming.

I would say "fly[ing]" is not a dream. There are some simularities between strategy formulation and how we determine what we want to do. Ways or means are not the end state. "Flying" is a way. Attending a SA is a mean to fly. The OP needs to answer why he wants to puruse a career in aviation and fly. What is the end state he is seeking? The most basic answer is likely to be personal happiness. So if his end state is not serving in the military, he doesn't need to attend a SA to achieve his end state. Although he could.
 
He should ask himself this question: If I never get to fly during my service years, would I still serve and perhaps give my life for my country? If the answer is yes, then he should complete his application with enthusiasm. If the answer is no, then he should not apply to a service academy.
 
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