Evaluation comments - What are some "go to" phrases or "strong wording" you choose to influence whoever reads it?

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Sat, 10 May 2014 14:31:19 -0400

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 3:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 15:22:08 -0400

You succeeded! I definitely LOL!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 4:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 16:24:06 -0400

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.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 10 at 2015 6:08 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:08:12 -0500

I always liked "devoid of any socially redeeming value".

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Nov 25 at 2018 11:06 AM

1SG Dale Cantrell — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 11:06:47 -0500

Makes maximum effort for minimal results

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 14 at 2019 8:09 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 08:09:33 -0400

I have always found that focusing less on adjectives and more on verbs to be helpful. I don't think boards care near as much about how excellent you built bridges, but that you built 172 bridges, which provided freedom of movement for 10975 military missions. Numbers and results speak far louder than superlatives.

(But throwing an adjective or two in never hurts - built STURDY bridges...)

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 25 at 2019 4:21 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 04:21:40 -0400

I would go to war with him or her

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 2 at 2019 1:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 13:45:13 -0400

His next duty station should be the living room.