NCOER changes, are we ready for OER style evalautions?

2015-06-03T12:56:02-04:00

I was just told the launch of the new NCOER is delayed until at least 1JAN. Is this a sign that either the Army jumped the gun on launch or did someone realize the ranks aren't ready for that type of writing?

The new NCOER is set to debut this fall with the intent of nesting with the current OER. Personally I have seen many NCOs struggle with writing using the current format and need considerable coaching. I haven't heard anything in the form of education or training on the transition and just wondering what the thoughts are on the changeover. I think it will be easier to implement at the senior NCO level where Officers are the Raters and Senior Raters but, junior NCOs may struggle with the new limitations.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/03/15/nco-evaluation-reporting-system/70154354/

New NCO rating system on target for a September launch

Army-wide training to precede launch of the new NCO Evaluation Report.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 3 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-06-03T13:01:05-04:00

there will be some growing pains. I am currently a delegate for a LTC when it comes to OERs and NCOERs. It can be mind-numbing. But it is more stream-lined in places.

Response by SSG James Doherty made Jun 3 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-06-03T13:01:06-04:00

The new NCOER is going to provide a much more in-depth review and allow us to start highlighting our true stars.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jun 3 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-06-03T13:01:23-04:00

That's a good thing. They'll struggle, and have it kicked back 1,000 times until they learn how to write professionally.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 3 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-06-03T13:02:51-04:00

I concur, 1SG being able to complete a sentence. It will challenge some NCO's and officers in their basic writing skills.

Grammar is a lost art.

#TheBrownHandbook

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_fowler_lbh_12/

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 3 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-06-03T13:45:04-04:00

I can't say I am huge fan of the new OER, let alone of the NCOER.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-06-03T13:46:01-04:00

I do like the new NCOER. I think the old one was lacking in depth as some here have said. I do question how it will be received. I have already heard some question the forms. I think it is more to do with it being new than anything else. It does make the rater write more. I am glad that we will lose that stupid bullet system. I book all of those companies that make those NCOER Bullet Books go out of business. I hate seeing an NCOER with bullets that are more generic than Walmart Brand Cookies.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-06-03T13:58:07-04:00

It will slowly show people that not all of your people are 1/1 Among the Best and boards should be able to quickly differentiate the stars from the masses.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:09 AM

2015-06-06T06:09:01-04:00

My concern with it lies less in the system or format but, in the level of writing needed to accurately represent the individual. I have seen plenty of educated Officers struggle with the new system and based on some of the NCOERs I have had turned into me for review I lack a little confidence in where the new system meets the old writing style. Primarily because bullets support the military writing style of bottom line up front but the new format contradicts that.
I don't have an issue with the current format or bulletizing achievements. Granted there is a lot of fluff in many of them and I think the ranking system (1 of 6 MSGs in the Bn) would help but at the same time this is also a second order effect of the zero-defect environment that has been created. If you don't write someone a picket line with a 1/1 you are dooming them!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:18 AM

2015-06-06T06:18:36-04:00

If you had to capture the essence of an NCO's performance in just a bullet, you lose a lot of context but it is easy to fluff up. Write a paragraph on what an NCO does, then NCOs who do little but sound good are suddenly afraid of NCO's that have long term strategic effects on the battlefield. Suddenly the staff NCO who battle tracked 1,200 hours of ISR at the battalion level seems insignificant against the guy who actually trained and led a partner force who accomplished a wide range of tactical and operational, and perhaps strategic level victories....but just got rated as "he led troops" and that's all the room there was to write.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 6 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-06-06T21:38:04-04:00

Is the new NCOER going to be inflated?