Is the new NCOER system creating a culture of back stabers, sycophants and selfish individuals?

I too was excited to see a change in the NCOER system. However, the last NCOER that I did for a SGT changed that opinion. The new form for Sergeants E-5 only has "Met Standard" and "Did Not Meet Standard" as rating qualifiers. The last NCOER I did for a Sergeant E-5 truly earned "Did Not Meet Standard" for 3 of the 5 blocks on the form. Long story short, I was "convinced" to tone down the bullets I wrote and make the evaluation more favorable, since it was that NCO's first evaluation. I tried defending the "Did Not Meet Standard" blocks but was told that I would have to have court of law grade evidence to prove those bullets, I had to delete them. I guess my word and assessment as a NCO doesn't count for much anymore. So the eval got sugar-coated and another NCO who, in my opinion would do better in the civilian world, will be moving up to lead Soldiers. My gripe with the form is that the old form allowed a NCO to receive a "Needs Improvement" or "Needs Much Improvement" check block. That makes the evaluation more specific and granular. Now it's either a GO or NO-GO, and thus far, "NO-GOs" are a "NO-GO" because they will heavily affect the rated NCO's career negatively. And we all know that we are not allowed to hurt people's feelings, much less their careers, via an honest evaluation.

This is a clear case of going to IG. If the NCO'S counseling packet shows that he was given ample opportunities for improvement, then the rating is what it is. The rater is evaluating based on performance, the senior rater based on potential. If the Rater and Senior rater disagree, oh well! You should have go to IG and seek support.

I personally think that we needed this change 10 years ago. Most of the NCOS who don't like the idea, are those who know that with the new system they will have to actually work, and that the 1/1 is no longer a guarantee. No more over inflated NCOERs, no more excellence for "did done well"! Time to be a professional, and get to work. Separate yourself from your peers with actions.