The Ultimate Guide to Character Letters for Retention Boards – Military Defense Attorneys
Why Character Letters Matter More Than You Think
Character letters are one of the most influential components of any retention packet presented to a Board of Inquiry (BOI), Administrative Separation Board (ADSEP), or enlisted separation board. While the government focuses on the allegation, character letters shift the board’s attention back to your worth, your service, and your value to the military. Strong character letters win cases. Weak ones are ignored.
Board members rely heavily on character letters because they reveal something government evidence never does: who you actually are as a service member, leader, and person. Done correctly, character letters can outweigh allegations, reframe the narrative, and persuade the board to retain you—even in cases involving serious accusations.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law has helped service members gather thousands of career-saving character letters across every branch. Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington create tailored, high-impact letter strategies that align with the case narrative and board psychology.
What Makes a Character Letter Powerful?
A strong letter must be:
- Specific – detailed examples of your character, leadership, and professionalism
- Personal – written by someone who actually knows you
- Credible – from a respected NCO, officer, supervisor, chaplain, or peer
- Positive – focuses on strengths, not excuses
- Aligned – supports the defense narrative your attorney is building
Generic letters like “Service Member X is a good Soldier” hold almost no value.
Who Should Write Your Letters?
The most influential letter writers include:
- Senior NCOs (1SG, MSG, CSM, Chiefs)
- Company, Battalion, or Squadron leadership
- Peers with firsthand knowledge of your conduct
- Subordinates who voluntarily speak on your behalf
- Chaplains, medical providers, or mental-health professionals
- Community leaders or mentors
- Retired officers who supervised you
Letters from subordinates often carry massive weight because they demonstrate the leadership values boards look for.
What Should a Character Letter Include?
You must guide your letter writers. Each letter should contain:
- How the writer knows you
- Your leadership strengths
- Your work ethic and professionalism
- Specific examples of positive conduct
- How you contribute to mission success
- Your value to the unit and military
- A direct recommendation for retention
Most importantly:
Letters must address the allegations indirectly—without discussing specifics—to counter the negative narrative.
How Many Letters Should You Have?
A typical packet should include:
- 6–12 high-impact letters, OR
- 15–25 if you are an officer or senior NCO facing a BOI
More is not always better—quality matters exponentially more.
Organizing Your Character Letters
Letters should be grouped and labeled by category:
- Senior Leaders
- Peers
- Subordinates
- Community & Support
Provide a short summary paragraph introducing each group to help board members understand why they matter.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Character Letters
- Template-based, generic praise
- Discussing the allegation in detail
- Making excuses or attacking leadership
- Inflated or exaggerated claims
- Letters written by people who barely know you
A poorly written letter can damage your case more than help it.
Why Character Letters Win Boards
Boards respond to patterns of behavior. If 10–20 credible people—from different ranks and positions—describe you as an exceptional service member with integrity, professionalism, and leadership qualities, it becomes extremely difficult for board members to believe you suddenly became a problem.
Character letters show the board the person beyond the allegation.
Why Choose Gonzalez & Waddington
We build character-letter strategies that match the narrative of your case and present you as the professional, respected, mission-focused service member you are. Our firm’s experience ensures the board sees your full value—not just the allegation.
Contact Us
➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for Retention Packet & Character Letter Guidance
Character Letters – Frequently Asked Questions
Do character letters really matter?
Absolutely. Board members rely on character letters to understand your true value and credibility. Strong letters can be the deciding factor in retention.
Should letters mention the allegation?
No. Letters should avoid discussing the allegation directly. They should focus on your integrity, professionalism, leadership, and value—not case details.
Why hire Gonzalez & Waddington?
Because our firm has built thousands of winning retention packets. We know exactly what boards respond to and how to structure character-letter campaigns that save careers.