Quality of LOR's

[badger16]

I tried a search but came up with little. If someone knows of a link please forward me to it but I'm wondering about how much weight a Civilian LOR from somebody who truly knows you has vs. A Military/Goverment LOR? Lets say a family friend who has known me since I was young writes me an LOR, is that going to hold more weight then if I would make nice with say an O-5 and ask him to write me and LOR based on the couple of times we have met? My recruiter told me that a canned LOR would actually hold less weight with the boards then someone who actually knows you pretty well, but I just didn't know if any of you out there had any feelings or personal experiences with it? Thanks in advanced.
Cheers.

 

[FUPaladin]

It's not necessary to have Navy officers write your LORs (all of mine were from professors), but in my opinion, the guy needs to have better credentials than just "family friend," or he needs to know you in some other capacity, such as if you've worked for him.

 

[badger16]

It's not necessary to have Navy officers write your LORs (all of mine were from professors), but in my opinion, the guy needs to have better credentials than just "family friend," or he needs to know you in some other capacity, such as if you've worked for him.

"family friend" was just an example. Mine are a former Professor, 2 former bosses, a Guidance Counselor, and Former church youth group leader. However I have an opportunity to get some more from some 0-4's and maybe a senator. They all have not known me very long which is why I had left them out of my package but now i'm starting to wonder if it would hurt to throw them in there as long as I have the chance. It can't hurt can it?

 

[robav8r]

It's not necessary to have Navy officers write your LORs.

Yes & no. I agree that asking an Officer who knows very little about you, or whom has known you for only a short period of time can be viewed as "canned", but remember, it's the "Navy Officer" who knows what it takes to make it through training and be a success in the fleet. On the other hand, a well written letter that can speak to your character, integrity and leadership potential from a professor or member of the community can be just as powerful, if not more so. In terms of LOR's, Quality is much more important that Quantity.