AR 623-3 Table 3-2 states: The rated NCO’s signature verifies the following: They seen the completed report, the administrative data (Part I) is correct (except Part Ik through o), the rating officials are proper (Part II), the duty description is accurate (Part III) and includes the counseling dates, the APFT and height/weight entries are correct (Part IVc), and that the rated NCO is aware of the appeals process. It is important that rated NCOs and rating officials clearly understand that the rated NCO’s signature does not constitute agreement or disagreement with the evaluations of the rater and/or senior rater. NOTE: If the rated Soldier is unavailable, unable, or fails to sign the DA Form 2166-8 for any reason, the senior rater will either resolve the problem or explain why in DA Form 2166-8, Part Ve and the rated Soldier’s signature is left blank. The report will not be delayed because it lacks the rated Soldier’s signature.
Comments
Joe
Can I be punished for refusing to sign an NCOER that is unjust? I understand the meaning of signing however I feel any signature would justify the inaccurate statements.
-Joe
Mark Gerecht
Joe,
You cannot be punished for not signing your NCOER. The choice to sign is yours. AR 623-3 and DA Pam 623-3 are very specific with regard to what you are verifying when you sign your NCOER. DA PAM 623-3 page 43 specifically states that: NCOER Part : IIe – Rated NCO’s signature Action Required: The rated NCO’s signature verifies the following: They seen the completed report, the administrative data (Part I) is correct (except Part Ik through o), the rating officials are proper (Part II), the duty description is accurate (Part III) and includes the counseling dates, the APFT and height/weight entries are correct (Part IVc), and that the rated NCO is aware of the appeals process. It is important that rated NCOs and rating officials clearly understand that the rated NCO’s signature does not constitute agreement or disagreement with the evaluations of the rater and/or senior rater. NOTE: If the rated Soldier is unavailable, unable, or fails to sign the DA Form 2166-8 for any reason, the senior rater will either resolve the problem or explain why in DA Form 2166-8, Part Ve and the rated Soldier’s signature is left blank. The report will not be delayed because it lacks the rated Soldier’s signature.
If these items are correct then there is no problem with signing the NCOER. If one or more of these items are not correct then you can use that as your reason for not signing the report and include this as part of your rationale during the commander’s inquiry or during your appeal.
Part-Time-Commander
Good information Mark. I learn something every time I visit your blog.
Chuck
mac
I don’t agree with the reviewer on my ncoer because its somebody else and not the commander can use this as to refuse signature.
Mark Gerecht
Mac,
Your reviewer should have been provided to you on an approved rating chain. If it is different than your approved rating chain then you have justification not to sign. However there is no time requirement for a rater. Here is an extract of AR 623-3.
Paragraph 2-8
b. Noncommissioned officer evaluation reports.
(1) Reviewer eligibility and responsibility. The designated reviewer on the published rating scheme will perform the mandatory review of completed NCOERs.
(a) The reviewer will be a U.S. Army officer, CSM, or SGM in the direct line of supervision and senior in pay grade or date of rank to the senior rater. A promotable MSG working in an authorized CSM or SGM position may serve as a reviewer.
Note. Every NCOER should be reviewed by the rated NCO’s 1SG, CSM, or SGM to ensure accountability of Soldiers’ evaluation reports and to oversee performance of junior NCOs (para 2–19).
(b) No minimum time period is required for reviewer qualification.
Notice b(1) states published rating scheme.
Hope this helps!
TOP
Anonymous
TOP, I really appreciate your answering back. I didn’t sign the ncoer cause I know that I was about to sign something that was not true. I read the AR and senior rater has to explain why soldier didn’t sign ncoer, so what is the next step for me to do?
Mark Gerecht
You can ask for a commander’s inquiry to resolve the issue. If you do this quickly it can be taken care of prior to the NCOER being finalized and submitted. Usually this will take care of the issue. If not you have to appeal. Regardless the Senior Rater should address the issue in his block.