NCOER. Are they an accurate way to evaluate NCOs?

2014-01-10T05:21:00-05:00

I have been in the Army for 9 years and ever since I got my first NCOER I have always wondered if they are a good way to conduct an evaluation report. Now that I have had to write them for my NCOs, I feel like there could be a better way to write this evaluations. As I was writing the narrative for a BSM and explaining the reason why this individual should receive one, i thought that if NCOERs were written in the same format, they would more accuratelty reflect what the NCO did during his/her rating period. I understand that it would take more than just a narrative to write an evaluation report, but overall if the main portion was done in the same format as the BSM narrative instead of short bullets, I think that you would write a more accurate report of the NCO's performance and potential.

What are your thought on the way NCOERs and how could we make them better?

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Jan 10 at 2014 7:54 AM

2014-01-10T07:54:55-05:00

This is a good question and one that the Army has been wrestling with for years. I suppose the short answer is the current NCOER is the best tool we've been able to come up with. I think we've all seen well-written, objective NCOERs that provide a clear picture of an NCOs ability and promotion potential (good or bad) and those NCOERs that were written with the intent to protect an individual's career.

Regardless of whether the NCOER is written in its current form or like an OER, the system will depend on the integrity of the rating chain to ensure it works.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 10 at 2014 9:57 AM

2014-01-10T09:57:58-05:00

THe NCOER is as effective as the individual writing it. In the right hands, the NCOER is a great assesment tool. In the wrong hands.... Not so much.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 2:45 PM

2014-01-10T14:45:42-05:00

They would be a lot more accurate if we had more room for bullet comments, like the OER. A lot of times I have to try and cut down what I'm trying to say so it fits, especially when everyone raises Hell if something is abbreviated. It pains me to take away from the point I'm trying to make about an achievement because I only have room for roughly 10 words, if that

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 12:44 AM

2014-01-11T00:44:31-05:00

One way I use to make them better is to make MSAF a part of the counseling process. Using superior, peer, and subordinate surveys in the counseling speaks volumes to the NCO, not the rater, on their performance from multiple views. Again, what one PFC believes is not gospel and worthy of a bullet but I have seen several NCOs demonstrate immediate improvement when they look at how others rate them. I think its a safe bet that the MSAF will be utilized in some degree in the the future NCOER being considered. If your not familiar with MSAF go here and spread the word:

http://msaf.army.mil/LeadOn.aspx

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 8:54 AM

2014-01-11T08:54:15-05:00

Here's my take on the written evaluation - it's only as accurate as the person writing it, and how the reader interprets it. I've never liked the idea of judging someone from an evaluation. In the AF we get annual Enlisted Performance Reports. Quite frankly, it becomes less a measure of performance, and more a measure of the ability to write good bullet statements. I don't think it's possible to get a complete picture of someone based on that.