NCO-ER Bullet Examples and Explanations
What Your Rating Means
Part IVa – NCO Values:
Values are what soldiers, as a profession, judge to be right. They are the moral, ethical and professional attributes of character. Values are the heart and soul of a great Army.
The rater will answer each question by placing an “X” in either the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ box. Bullets comments are used to explain any area where the rated NCO is particularly strong or needs improvement. Bullet comments are mandatory for a ‘no’ rating and must be specific.
Parts IVb-f – NCO Responsibilities:
Excellence rating means the NCO clearly exceeds standards and is better than most others. Excellence is demonstrated by specific examples and measurable results; it is special and unusual and achieved by only a few.
Success rating indicates the NCO meets all standards. The majority of ratings will fall into this category. It indicates that the NCO is fully competitive for schooling and promotion. The goal of NCO counseling is to bring all NCOs to this level.
Needs Improvement rating is used to indicate some weakness. It means the NCO has missed meeting some standards.
Part Va – Potential (Rater’s Portion):
Among the Best rating represents the NCO who meets or exceeds all standards. It means the NCO is strongly recommended for promotion.
Fully Capable indicates the NCO meets all standards and is recommended for promotion.
Marginal represents the NCO who has demonstrated poor performance, failed to meet one of more standards and should not be promoted at this time.
Special Note: NCOs who received one or more ‘needs improvement’ rating in parts IVb-f cannot receive a rating of ‘among the best’; however, NCOs receiving all ‘success’ ratings may receive a rating of ‘among the best’ or ‘fully capable.’
Part Vb – Positions in which rated NCO could best serve the Army at his/her current or next grade:
The rater lists up to three (at least two) different duty position in which the rated NCO could best serve the Army at the current or next grade. Past selection boards have identified this area as a useful tool in evaluating the capability of the NCO to perform in positions of progressive responsibility. The requirement is for the current or next grade; therefore, do not recommend a SSG to serve as a 1SG or a SGT to serve in a position normally identified for junior enlisted soldiers. The recommended positions should coincide with the NCO’s overall rating. For example, a SSG who receives a ‘marginal’ rating based on poor leadership skills should not be recommended to serve in a higher leadership position such as platoon sergeant or section chief.
Parts Vc and d – Overall Performance/Potential (Senior Rater)
Success/Superior – a “1” or “2” rating represents a very good, solid performance and is a strong recommendation for promotion. As a general rule, the 1-3 ratings are interpreted as this:
“1” = cream of the crop; promote immediately;
“2” = a solid citizen; strong recommendation for promotion;
“3” = a good performance; promote if allocations allow
Fair – a “4” rating represents NCOs who may require additional training/observation and should not be promoted at this time.
Poor – a “5” rating represents NCOs who are weak or deficient and, in the opinion of the senior rater, need significant improvement or training in one or more areas. These NCO should not be considered for promotion and may be considered for denial of continued service under the Qualitative Management Program.
COMPETENCE
- completed the battalion’s monthly Unit Status Report (USR) requirement for the past six months with zero defects (excellence)
- received commendable rating during division command inspection; only company in battalion to receive all ‘GOs’ and praise from ADC-S (excellence)
PHYSICAL FITNESS & MILITARY BEARING
- implemented an aggressive, robust, and diverse PT program ensuring all soldiers in the section passed the APFT (success)
- exhibits superb confidence and infectious enthusiasm with every task/mission without regard to level of difficulty (success)
LEADERSHIP
- expertise and experience were sought daily by officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers throughout the Corps (success)
- leads by example and enforces high standards of excellence in all areas (success)
TRAINING
RESPONSIBILITY
- set the standard for the DISCOM’S turn-in of the Chemical Defense Reporting equipment reports (success)
- sets the example in the battalion for NBC proficiency, often lends his expertise to other companies, improving their NBC training (success)
Strong Senior Rater Performance and Potential Bullets
- outstanding steward of battalion resources; S1 audits conducted recouped $100K in unauthorized Bank of America credit card entitlements
- already selected for promotion to SFC, this NCO will advance rapidly through the ranks to Sergeant Major
- an exceptionally talented and gifted NCO who consistently produces superb results – a must select for promotion
- select now for appointment to command sergeant major – soldiers deserve his leadership
