Service members upon retirement may be eligible for letters of appreciation from the Secretary of Defense and current or previous Presidents of the United States. Requirements for eligibility and submission process vary by individual issuing the letter.
- Regular Army: Active Duty
- Regular Army: Retired
- Army National Guard: Active Duty Under Title 10 USC or Title 32 USC (Full-Time National Guard Duty)
- Army National Guard: State Active Duty
- Army National Guard: Drilling
- Army National Guard: Retired
- Army Reserve: Active Duty
- Army Reserve: Drilling
- Army Reserve: Retired