Posted on May 10, 2014
Evaluation comments - What are some "go to" phrases or "strong wording" you choose to influence whoever reads it?
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As more and more requirements are placed on things that go into the ER (NCO/O) [ie. "Multisource Assesment", "SHARP training", using that little bit of left over space in the most effective and efficient manner becomes vital. What are some of your "key" phrases or highlights that you think are most important in an evaluation report?
Also, because, at least on the "O" side, if we don't get "enumerated" in the SR comments we might as well be fired, would it be bad form to put, "Ranked 8 out of 3461 O-4s on RallyPoint."? I mean, surely that's better than "one of the top four Majors I rate." Right?
**DISCLAIMER: The previous comment was a joke intended for humorous purposes with the goal of making someone - ANYONE - chuckle, smile, grin, or even, so help me, LOL. It should not be taking seriously and should no way impart the notion that all Field Grade Officers are NOT humorless sticks in the mud.
Also, because, at least on the "O" side, if we don't get "enumerated" in the SR comments we might as well be fired, would it be bad form to put, "Ranked 8 out of 3461 O-4s on RallyPoint."? I mean, surely that's better than "one of the top four Majors I rate." Right?
**DISCLAIMER: The previous comment was a joke intended for humorous purposes with the goal of making someone - ANYONE - chuckle, smile, grin, or even, so help me, LOL. It should not be taking seriously and should no way impart the notion that all Field Grade Officers are NOT humorless sticks in the mud.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
Sir, the problem is that so many OERs are just jammed with ridiculous superlatives. I read my own and feel embarrassed because they are just so over-the-top. It gets to a point where it all becomes meaningless jibber-jabber.
On the other hand, it is powerful to be endorsed for a specific position with a specific example, "LT's flawless execution of the BN UMO role during redeployment and his/her leadership of the top producing platoon in the BDE, demonstrates his/her immediate readiness for company command." Really anything that indicates that the senior rater could actually pick this Soldier out of a line up, would be a big improvement over a lot of the OERs I've read. I was in the role of reading OERs of people I never met, and sir, I'm telling you the same hollow "must promote," "excellent performer," etc. remarks appear over and over again. These words no longer have any impact. But as our BDE looked to fill slots, officers who had that specific job* listed with a specific reason why he/she would be good in that role definitely stood out.
*side note: it is really important to tell your senior rater what job you want next and why you would be good in that role so that he/she writes up your OER that way.
On the other hand, it is powerful to be endorsed for a specific position with a specific example, "LT's flawless execution of the BN UMO role during redeployment and his/her leadership of the top producing platoon in the BDE, demonstrates his/her immediate readiness for company command." Really anything that indicates that the senior rater could actually pick this Soldier out of a line up, would be a big improvement over a lot of the OERs I've read. I was in the role of reading OERs of people I never met, and sir, I'm telling you the same hollow "must promote," "excellent performer," etc. remarks appear over and over again. These words no longer have any impact. But as our BDE looked to fill slots, officers who had that specific job* listed with a specific reason why he/she would be good in that role definitely stood out.
*side note: it is really important to tell your senior rater what job you want next and why you would be good in that role so that he/she writes up your OER that way.
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