If you’re a new Battalion S1, new supervisor, or are an officer trying to prepare your own OER, I highly recommend you check out AR 623-3 (version June 2012).
This Army Regulation covers every aspect of the OER/NCOER process imaginable.
Some of the topics included in this regulation are:
- The Rating Chain
- Roles and Responsibilities of the Rating Chain
- Evaluation Report Reviews
- Types of Evaluation Reports
- Restrictions
- Preparation and Submission
- Optional Reports
- Redress Programs
- Appeals
- And Much More!
To be quite frank, this regulation covers just about every aspect of the OER/NCOER process that you can possibly think of.
I think it’s important to read this regulation because (1) you should know your rights and responsibilities and (2) you should teach your subordinates what their rights and responsibilities are.
In addition, you want the right training, so you can write and approve accurate OERs that are done to standard.
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Secret Tip for Preparing Your Army NCOER or OER Support Form
- Army NCOERs – Top Five Do’s and Don’ts
- Sample Rater Comments and Bullets for Army OERs
- Sample Battalion Commander OER Support Form
- Sample Battalion S3 or Brigade S3 OER Support Form
You could read the AR 623-3 online in 5-6 hours and then give a class on it to your subordinates.
If you need some extra help, you could even ask your S1 to help you.
You could take the information and summarize it in a PowerPoint presentation.
Sharing this information with your subordinates will help them.
And the best way to learn is to teach.
You will learn more in the 3-4 hours you spend “preparing” that class that you probably ever knew about OERs before.
It amazes me how many Officers and NCOs (especially part-time leaders) who don’t have a clue about OERs and NCOERs.
My advice to you is “don’t let this happen to you.”
Spend a few days and skim through the regulation.
Highlight key points and make a list of questions you have.
Sit down with your supervisor or S1 to clarify these questions.
Doing this will make you a better leader and will help you be more prepared to write/prepare/evaluate the evaluation reports you are responsible for.
Even if you don’t supervise anyone, it’s still a wise idea to educate yourself, so you can make sure your OERs are done to standard.
In summary AR 623-3 is the official Army OER Regulation.
It covers every aspect of the OER/NCOER process that you can think of.
I believe every leader has a responsibility to familiarize themselves with this regulation so they will be better prepared to supervise the OER/NCOER process.
If nothing else, it’s good to be informed and have a source document you can refer to when you have questions.
If you are a personnel officer or NCO, or have experience with the OER/NCOER process, I would love to hear your thoughts about this subject.
Just leave a comment to help educate our community.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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"Know your rights and responsibilities." On more than one occasion I've seen a rater not know exactly what his responsibility as a rater was or how to fill out an evaluation report. Also they may not even know what their ratee's responsibilities are. Know your job and know the job of the people you supervise.
I couldn’t agree more.
As a civilian, I am constantly amazed at all the various regulations and policies that are in place in the military. It probably makes it much easier to do your job with all this guidance. However, as with any guidance, it is only useful if you know it exists. Thanks for your reviews of the Army Regulations, it’s helpful for us on the “outside” to learn more about the military.