New NCOER PART IV and V: NCOER Bullets

From DA PAM 623-3, pg. 46:

b. Bullet comments. Bullet comments are mandatory regardless of the ratings given (at least one bullet will be entered in each block of a through f). Standardized rules apply to bullet comments on DA Form 2166–8. Bullet comments will—

1. Be short, concise, to the point. Bullets will not be longer than two lines, preferably one; and no more than one bullet to a line.
2. Start with action words (verbs) or possessive pronouns (“his” or “her”); personal pronouns (“he” or “she”) may be used; use past tense when addressing how the NCO performed and his or her contributions made during the rating period.
3. Be double-spaced between bullets.
4. Be preceded by a small letter “o” to designate the start of the comment. Each bullet comment must start with a small letter unless it’s a proper noun (name) that is usually capitalized.
5. Support the box checks by rating officials.
6. A specific example can be used only once; therefore, the rater must decide under which responsibility the bullet fits best (or is most applicable).

Other Notes (these may be unit specific and may not apply to all BNs; check your local CSM guidance to be sure):

• Do not copy bullets from year to year.
• Do not use Soldier’s name in the bullet, but DO use other’s names if applicable: “recognized by MG Smith, Commander 1 ID, for excellence”
• Numbers; 1-10, write them out (e.g. one, two, ten). 11 or higher, write the number; e.g. 11, 15, 105. Exception, when a 1-10 is WITH an 11 or higher; e.g. “5 tool kits with 20 tools each.”
• NO PERIODS at the end of the bullets
• Fashion the bullet to the Soldier; double check use of “he/his” vs. “she/hers.”
• School/Course Comments: Bullets about how a Soldier did in a school or course are ONLY allowed if that school did not produce an AER/DA Form 1059.
• Awards: Awards and/or special recognition received during the rating period may be cited in evaluation comments (for example, “received the Humanitarian Service Medal” or “named the NCO of the Year”).

NEGATIVE COMMENTS: (see sections)

• References CAN be made to the following (if verified) in Part IV, V or any NCOER Enclosure
• DO NOT put a negative comment unless it has been verified and there is counseling to back it up (except in the rarest circumstances).

• Senior rater may recommend/request discharge, separation or QMP
• Violated AR 600-20 (fraternization or similar regulatory noncompliance)
• Dropped from the rolls
• Criminal incident – Fraud – Desertion
• Tested positive on urinalysis – Apprehended – Incarcerated
• Cited for or received a DUI – AWOL – Arrested
• References CANNOT be made to the following in Part IV, V or in any NCOER Enclosures:
  – Allegation
  – Anything pending (might want to hold off and do an extended annual)
  – Letter of Reprimand – Letter of admonishment – Flagged
  – Court martial – Reduction – Civil Trial
  – Reenlistment or letter of declination (same as bar)
  – Article 15 (but you can include what the ART 15 was for, e.g. AWOL, negligence, etc.)
  -Not meeting UNIT APFT standards

Complete lesson/PowerPoint on the new NCOER.

Guides with in depth examinations of performance measure definition.