These letters are more or less optional, depending on the unit. In some units they are entirely optional while in others, they are an actual requirement. Most of the time, if a new troop arrives at his next duty station with a Memo of Continuity in hand, the new supervisor will likely think that either this is a high-speed Soldier or that his previous workcenter thought so much of him that they wanted to make sure he got started off on the right foot at his next base. So, under these circumstances, a Memo of Continuity can be used to indicate superior performance (because not everyone gets one).
The form used for this purpose is a standard Army memorandum. Some units recommend using a DA 638 to record significant achievements instead of writing a memorandum. Check with your unit for their requirements. Note that it's not necessary to address the categories of performance listed on the NCOER. And there is no minimum amount of text required or specified format. All you have to do is list the work that the ratee has performed since the last reporting period, whether it's a single line or twenty bullet comments.
EXAMPLE:
OFFICE SYMBOL
Jan 25, 2014
MEMORANDUM FOR
SUBJECT: Letter of Continuity, SSG Mark Welch
1. SSG Welch is an exceptional NCO and capable leader. He has a positive can-do attitude and is an outstanding example to his peers and subordinates. While assigned here, from 15 Sep 13 to 25 Jan 14, he accomplished the following:
- Researched and developed headquarters training guide for operating the new UHF radio in HaveQuick mode
- As section Land Mobile Radio manager, he improved operation and deployment procedures and wrote Operating Instructions (OI) to ensure continued readiness
- Coordinated with the base fabrication shop to construct durable carrriers for our deployable equipment which helped ensure complete sets were deployed and protected them from damage
- Trained local and visiting Soldiers on Red Phone procedures and secure radio operation
- Volunteered for self-help project, spent 2 weeks finishing new workcenter interior walls
- Played a central role in our unit's participation in the annual readiness exercise
- Up to date on all training
- No Profile
- Current APFT with score of 385
2. If I had to write an NCOER on SSG Welch right now it would probably be the best of all my Soldiers. If you have any questions on SSG Welch's duty history you can call me at 456-0149 during regular duty hours.
JOHN A. ARMY
RANK, ORG
Position