Study guide
3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
Army Promotion Board SGT/SSG
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1 The Promotion Board Process, Eligibility, and Preparation
1.1 AR 600-8-19 Board Eligibility, TIS/TIG Zones, and PME Requirements 1.2 Board Proceedings, Protocol, Uniform Inspection, and Boardroom Bearing 1.3 Promotion Points, the AFT Conversion, IPPS-A, and Monthly Cutoff Scores 1.4 Board Preparation: Study Plan, Current Events, and World Affairs 1.5 Situational Questions, ICTL Proficiency, and Board Scenario Technique
2 Uniform Standards, Grooming, and Awards (AR 670-1, AD 2025-18, AR 600-8-22)
2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement 2.2 Hair, Cosmetics, Fingernails, and Jewelry Standards (AD 2025-18) 2.3 Wear of Combat Uniforms, Duty Accessories, and Body Modification & Tattoo Policies 2.4 Facial Hair, Medical Exceptions to Policy, and Religious Accommodation 2.5 The Army Awards and Decorations System (AR 600-8-22)
3 Army Leadership & Doctrine (ADP 6-22 & FM 6-22)
3.1 The Army Leadership Requirements Model: Attributes and Competencies 3.2 Leadership Levels, Dynamics, Command Climate, and the Warrior Ethos 3.3 The Counseling Process (ATP 6-22.1 & DA Form 4856) 3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
4 Customs, Courtesies, and Military Traditions (AR 600-25 & TC 3-21.5)
4.1 Saluting Protocols, Courtesies to Officers, and Hand Salute Standards 4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation 4.3 Drill and Ceremonies Fundamentals (TC 3-21.5) and Formations 4.4 Rank Structure, Chain of Command, the NCO Support Channel, and Unit Organization
5 Army History, Heritage, and Creeds
5.1 Army Birthday, Continental Army Foundations, and Historical Milestones 5.2 Evolution of the NCO Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Army 5.3 Major American Campaigns and Military Battle History 5.4 The Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, and The NCO Creed
6 Army Programs, Command Policy, and Soldier Readiness
6.1 SHARP Under AR 600-52: Reporting Options, Complaint Processing, and the OSTC 6.2 The Military Equal Opportunity and Harassment Prevention Program (AR 600-20, Chapter 6) 6.3 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and SUDCC (AR 600-85) 6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS 6.5 Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health, and Resilience 6.6 Prohibited Activities: Extremism, Retaliation, Prohibited Relationships, and Political Activity 6.7 Retention, Reenlistment, and the Career Counseling of Subordinates
7 Tactical Combat Casualty Care & First Aid (TC 4-02.1 & ATP 4-02.83)
7.1 TCCC Phases of Care: Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and TACEVAC 7.2 MARCH PAWS Assessment: Massive Hemorrhage and Airway Management 7.3 Respiration, Circulation, Shock, Burns, and Environmental Injuries 7.4 9-Line MEDEVAC Request Protocol and Tactical Evacuation Procedures
8 CBRN Defense & Force Protection (ATP 3-11.32 & AR 525-13)
8.1 CBRN Hazards, Chemical Agent Classifications, and Physiological Effects 8.2 MOPP Gear Levels, Protective Mask PMCS, and Decontamination 8.3 Antiterrorism, Physical Security, and Force Protection Conditions (AR 525-13)
9 Weapons, Land Navigation, and Physical Readiness
9.1 M4/M16 Rifle Characteristics, Clearing, Malfunctions, and Weapons Safety (TC 3-22.9) 9.2 Map Reading, Grid Coordinates, and Marginal Information (TC 3-25.26) 9.3 Land Navigation: Terrain Features, Azimuths, Intersection, and Resection 9.4 Holistic Health and Fitness, the Army Fitness Test, and the Combat Field Test 9.5 The Army Body Composition Program and the Waist-to-Height Standard (AD 2026-13) 9.6 Crew-Served Weapons, Sidearms, and Munitions
10 Military Justice, the Law of War, and Duty
10.1 The UCMJ, Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment, and Courts-Martial 10.2 The Code of Conduct, the Law of War, and Rules of Engagement 10.3 Guard Duty, the Three General Orders, and Operations Security
11 Training Management and Unit Sustainment
11.1 Training Management: ICTL, the Digital Job Book, and Sergeant's Time Training 11.2 Maintenance, Supply Discipline, and Property Accountability
3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
Governed by AR 623-3 and DA PAM 623-3, the Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER) serves as the primary instrument for assessing NCO duty performance and promotion potential.
The rating chain typically includes the Rated NCO, Rater (assesses performance, min 90 days), Senior Rater (assesses potential, min 60 days, min E-7 for SGT), and Supplementary Reviewer when required.
The DA Form 2166-9 series differentiates echelons: 2166-9-1 for Direct Level (SGT, unconstrained profile), 2166-9-2 for Organizational Level (SSG-1SG, constrained 24% Most Qualified profile), and 2166-9-3 for Strategic Level (CSM/SGM, narrative format).
NCOER bullets must follow the Action-Impact-Result construct, quantify achievements, and the report must document the Soldier's record Army Fitness Test result and compliance with the Army Body Composition Program under AR 600-9.
Last updated: September 2026
3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
Board Exam Essential: The NCOER is the single most critical document in an NCO's Army career. Promotion board members expect candidates to master AR 623-3 and DA PAM 623-3 , including the exact roles and qualification timelines for the Rater (90 calendar days) and Senior Rater (60 calendar days) , the 24% Most Qualified profile constraint on DA Form 2166-9-2/3, mandatory Army Fitness Test and ABCP entries , and the structure of high-impact Action-Impact-Result bullets .
1. Regulatory Framework & Purpose of the ERS
The Army Evaluation Reporting System (ERS) is governed by AR 623-3 (Evaluation Reporting System) , currently dated 14 February 2025 , and detailed in DA PAM 623-3 . The system encompasses evaluation reports for officers (OER), noncommissioned officers (NCOER), and academic evaluation reports (AER).
Dual Functions of the ERS
Primary Function (HQDA Decision-Making): Provides key performance and potential evaluation data to Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA) centralized selection boards. These boards use NCOERs to make career decisions regarding promotions, military schooling selections (e.g., Master Leader Course, Sergeants Major Academy), command assignments, and retention under the Qualitative Management Program (QMP).
Secondary Function (Leader Development): Reinforces professional development through mandatory quarterly counseling, clarifies duty descriptions, sets performance standards, and provides objective feedback to the rated NCO.
2. Rating Chain Composition & Qualifications
A standard NCOER rating chain consists of the Rated NCO, the Rater, and the Senior Rater. When regulatory conditions dictate, a Supplementary Reviewer is appointed. ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ RATED NCO (SGT-CSM) │
- │ Maintains Support Form (DA Form 2166-9-1A) │
- └───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
- │
- ▼
- ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ RATER (Immediate Supervisor) │
- │ Min 90 Days | Assesses PERFORMANCE (Met Standard) │
- └───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
- │
- ▼
- ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ SENIOR RATER (Senior Evaluator) │
- │ Min 60 Days | Assesses POTENTIAL (Most Qualified) │
- │ Profile Capped at 24% (SSG through CSM) │
- └───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
- │
- ▼
- ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ SUPPLEMENTARY REVIEWER (If Required) │
- │ Mandatory if SR is ≤1LT, CW2, or Non-uniformed │
- └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- A. The Rated NCO
Role: Must actively participate in the counseling process and maintain the NCOER Support Form (DA Form 2166-9-1A) throughout the rating period.
Administrative Responsibility: Verifies administrative data on the report (full name, Social Security Number, date of rank, primary MOS, unit of assignment, rating chain accuracy, Army Fitness Test date, and body composition screening compliance).
B. The Rater
Role: The immediate supervisor of the rated NCO, responsible for directing daily tasks.
Grade Qualification: Must be senior in grade or date of rank to the rated NCO. (In exceptional civilian supervisor chains, authorized civilian employees may serve as rater).
Time Qualification: Must supervise the rated NCO for a minimum of 90 calendar days for Active Component (120 calendar days for USAR and ARNG).
Scope of Evaluation: Assesses PERFORMANCE during the rating period against the established duty description and the Army Leadership Requirements Model (Character, Presence, Intellect, Leads, Develops, Achieves).
Box Checks: Rates performance as "Met Standard" or "Did Not Meet Standard" .
Counseling Mandate: Must conduct an initial face-to-face counseling session within 30 calendar days of the rating period start and quarterly counseling thereafter using DA Form 2166-9-1A.
C. The Senior Rater
Role: Evaluates the rated NCO from a broader organizational perspective, focusing on long-term potential.
Grade Qualification: Must be senior to the rater. For Sergeants (E-5), the senior rater must be in the minimum grade of E-7 (Sergeant First Class) or First Lieutenant (1LT) . For SSG through 1SG/MSG, the senior rater must be in the minimum grade of Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) , Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2), or Captain (CPT).
Time Qualification: Must supervise the rated NCO for a minimum of 60 calendar days for Active Component (90 calendar days for USAR and ARNG).
Scope of Evaluation: Assesses POTENTIAL for future service, promotion, command, and higher-level schooling compared to peers in the same grade.
Box Checks: Evaluates potential into four categories: "Most Qualified" (MQ) , "Highly Qualified" (HQ) , "Qualified" (Q) , or "Not Qualified" (NQ) .
Profile Constraint: Senior raters managing profiles for SSG through CSM/SGM are strictly capped at a maximum of 24% "Most Qualified" (MQ) ratings across their cumulative profile. If a senior rater awards an MQ that exceeds 24%, the Evaluation Reporting Branch will automatically downgrade the report to "Highly Qualified" (a "misfire").
D. The Supplementary Reviewer
Mandatory Trigger: A supplementary review is required whenever the senior rater is in the grade of Second Lieutenant (2LT) , First Lieutenant (1LT) , Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) , Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) , or is a civilian supervisor without a designated uniformed supervisor in the chain.
Qualification: Must be a uniformed Army officer, warrant officer, or senior NCO senior to the senior rater. The supplementary reviewer examines the evaluation to ensure fairness, objectivity, and compliance with AR 623-3.
3. The DA Form 2166-9 Series Echelons
The Army utilizes three distinct evaluation forms based on grade echelon to reflect expanding leadership responsibilities:
Form Number Echelon / Grade Primary Evaluation Focus Format Style Senior Rater Profile Cap
DA Form 2166-9-1 Direct Level ; (Sergeant / E-5) Tactical and technical proficiency; hands-on leadership; task accomplishment Bullet comments (Action-Impact-Result) Unconstrained ; (No 24% profile cap)
DA Form 2166-9-2 Organizational Level ; (SSG through 1SG/MSG / E-6 to E-8) Organizational systems; mission execution; training programs; leader development Bullet comments (Action-Impact-Result) Constrained ; (Max 24% Most Qualified)
DA Form 2166-9-3 Strategic Level ; (CSM / SGM / E-9) Enterprise stewardship; joint operations; institutional strategy; high-level policy Narrative essay format ; (Formal prose paragraphs) Constrained ; (Max 24% Most Qualified)
Note: DA Form 2166-9-1A (NCOER Support Form) is the mandatory counseling companion used across all NCO grades from SGT to CSM.
4. Common Types of NCOER Reports
Evaluation reports are submitted under specific regulatory codes based on career milestones and operational changes:
Annual Report (Code 02): Submitted upon the completion of 12 consecutive calendar months of rated time under the same rater.
Change of Rater (Code 03): Submitted whenever the designated rater is reassigned, changes duties, or departs the unit, provided the minimum 90-day rating requirement is met.
Complete the Record (Code 09): Submitted on an NCO who is in the primary zone of consideration for a centralized HQDA promotion or selection board, ensuring the board sees the most current performance record.
Relief for Cause (Code 05): Submitted when an NCO is officially relieved of duty for documented misconduct, gross negligence, severe safety violations, or total dereliction of duty. Requires formal approval by the first General Officer in the chain of command.
60-Day Rater Option (Code 04): Authorized when a rater departs after at least 60 calendar days of supervision, provided the rated Soldier is also departing within 30 days.
Temporary Duty (TDY) / Dual Reports: Documenting evaluations during deployed or detached assignments.
Non-Rated Time: Periods during which the Soldier cannot be evaluated (e.g., hospitalization, convalescent leave, AWOL, military schooling over 30 calendar days). Non-rated codes must be accurately accounted for in Part III of the report.
5. Crafting High-Impact NCOER Bullets (Action-Impact-Result)
Except for the strategic narrative form (2166-9-3), performance comments on the NCOER are documented using concise, punchy bullet points. Selection boards review thousands of files; poorly constructed bullets harm a Soldier's promotion potential.
The AIR Formula
Every high-impact bullet must follow the Action-Impact-Result (AIR) structure:
Action: What the NCO specifically did (begins with a strong, past-tense action verb).
Impact: How the action affected the squad, platoon, company, or overall mission.
Result: The measurable, quantified outcome (numbers, percentages, dollar values, awards, inspection scores). ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ HIGH-IMPACT NCOER BULLET CONSTRUCT │
- ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
- │ [STRONG ACTION VERB] + [SPECIFIC ACTION] │
- │ + [OPERATIONAL IMPACT] + [QUANTIFIED RESULT] │
- └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- Weak Bullet (Avoid): "o Soldier worked hard in the arms room and kept weapons clean."
Strong Bullet (Promotable): "o spearheaded the overhaul of the company arms room; secured 100% accountability of 450 weapons during the brigade inspection, earning an exemplary 98% rating."
Mandatory Army Fitness Test and ABCP Entries
Army Fitness Test entry: The rater enters the record AFT result and the date of the test, together with any physical profile status. A failed record test drives a "Did Not Meet Standard" performance assessment.
Army Body Composition Program (AR 600-9): The rater enters whether the NCO is in compliance with the Army Body Composition Program. Since Army Directive 2026-13 , compliance is measured by the waist-to-height ratio rather than the rescinded height and weight tables and tape test, and the result is recorded on DA Form 5500 and in the Army Training Information System. An NCO enrolled in the ABCP is flagged, which drives an adverse assessment and a supporting bullet.