Promotions & Admin AR 623-3 / DA PAM 623-3

NCOER & Evaluations

NCO Evaluation Reporting System — types of reports, rating chain, and counseling requirements.

NCOER Overview

The NCO Evaluation Report (NCOER) is the primary tool for evaluating NCO performance and potential. It is governed by AR 623-3 and DA PAM 623-3. The NCOER provides the basis for promotion, schooling, and assignment decisions.

The Tiered NCOER Forms

  • The NCOER system uses different forms based on the rated NCO's rank and level of leadership:
  • DA Form 2166-9-1A: NCOER Support Form (Required for all NCOs)
  • DA Form 2166-9-1: SGT (Direct Level)
  • DA Form 2166-9-2: SSG through SFC (Organizational Level)
  • DA Form 2166-9-3: MSG and SGM (Strategic Level)

Common Types of NCOERs

  • Annual: Covers a 12-month rated period.
  • Change of Rater: Completed when the rater changes (e.g., PCS, lateral transfer). Requires a minimum 90-day rating period for Active Duty.
  • Relief for Cause: Prepared when an NCO is removed from duties for cause.
  • Complete the Record: Prepared when needed for a DA centralized selection board.
  • 60-Day Rater/Senior Rater Option: Used when one of the raters leaves and the minimum 60-day rating period has been met (often used during deployments).
  • Extended Annual: When the annual period extends beyond 12 months due to non-rated time.

Rating Chain & Signatures

  • Rated NCO: The NCO being evaluated.
  • Rater: The immediate supervisor. Must be senior in rank/grade or date of rank. Assesses PERFORMANCE.
  • Senior Rater: Must be senior to the rater. Assesses POTENTIAL compared to NCOs of the same rank.
  • Supplementary Reviewer: ONLY required in specific situations (e.g., Senior Rater is 1LT and below, or SFC and below). Not required for every NCOER.

Signature Sequence: Rater -> Senior Rater -> Rated NCO -> Supplementary Reviewer (if required).
*Important:* The Rated NCO signs after the Rater and Senior Rater, and before the Supplementary Reviewer (when one is required). The Rated NCO's signature does NOT indicate agreement with the ratings; it only verifies administrative data, rating officials, and counseling dates are correct.

Counseling Requirements

The initial NCOER Support Form (DA Form 2166-9-1A) counseling is required within the first 30 days of the rating period. Quarterly counseling reviews are required thereafter to discuss progress toward objectives. Counseling must be documented and given face-to-face.

Board Tips

Know the tiered forms (2166-9-1, -2, -3). A classic 'gotcha' question is: 'Does every NCOER need a Supplementary Reviewer?' The answer is NO, only in specific situations like when the Senior Rater is a 1LT or SFC/below. Know that the Rater assesses PERFORMANCE and the Senior Rater assesses POTENTIAL. Know the signature sequence (Rater -> Senior Rater -> Rated NCO -> Supplementary Reviewer if required) and that the Rated NCO's signature verifies admin data, not agreement with the report.