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Who Rates the Squad Leader? Understanding the NCOER Chain

The squad leader’s rater is typically the platoon leader. The platoon leader is responsible for observing the squad leader’s performance, providing counseling, and preparing the initial performance evaluation on the Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). The commander then typically acts as the senior rater in the squad leader’s chain of command, adding an additional layer of evaluation and perspective on the squad leader’s potential.

The NCOER System and Squad Leader Evaluations

Understanding who rates a squad leader requires understanding the Army’s NCOER system. This system is designed to evaluate the performance and potential of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and provide them with feedback to improve their skills and leadership abilities. The NCOER has three key players: the rated NCO (in this case, the squad leader), the rater, and the senior rater.

The rater is the NCO’s direct supervisor. They are responsible for observing the NCO’s day-to-day performance, providing counseling and mentorship, and completing the initial portion of the NCOER. The senior rater provides an overall assessment of the NCO’s potential, based on the rater’s input and their own observations. The senior rater also provides a comparative assessment of the NCO against their peers.

The purpose of NCOER’s are to determine the professional trajectory of a soldier and ultimately the senior rater will provide a “potential” statement that is used when deciding for a promotion.

The Rater’s Role: Platoon Leader’s Perspective

The platoon leader, typically a lieutenant, is ideally positioned to assess the squad leader’s performance. The platoon leader directly oversees the squads within their platoon and works closely with the squad leaders to achieve mission objectives. They can observe the squad leader’s ability to:

Lead and motivate soldiers: How effectively does the squad leader inspire their team and build cohesion?
Execute tactical tasks: Does the squad leader understand and implement tactical doctrine?
Maintain equipment: Does the squad leader ensure that the squad’s equipment is properly maintained and ready for use?
Uphold standards: Does the squad leader enforce Army standards and discipline within the squad?
Develop subordinates: Does the squad leader mentor and train their soldiers to improve their skills and advance their careers?

The Senior Rater’s Role: Commander’s Perspective

The commander, typically a captain, provides a broader perspective on the squad leader’s potential. The commander assesses the squad leader’s contributions to the overall company mission and compares them to other NCOs within the organization. The commander’s senior rater comments carry significant weight in promotion boards and other career-related decisions. The commander will determine what is to be reported to higher HQ regarding the status of the squad leader.

The senior rater assesses the squad leader’s potential for:

Future leadership roles: Is the squad leader ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Service-wide impact: How will the squad leader contribute to the Army’s overall mission in the future?
Promotion potential: Is the squad leader deserving of promotion to the next rank?

Factors Influencing the Rater and Senior Rater

While the platoon leader is typically the rater and the commander is typically the senior rater, there can be exceptions. Here are some factors that can influence the rater and senior rater assignment:

Chain of command: The rater and senior rater must be in the squad leader’s direct chain of command.
Minimum rating period: The rater and senior rater must have observed the squad leader’s performance for a minimum period of time, usually 90 days.
Rank considerations: The rater should generally be senior in rank to the rated NCO. While an E6 can rate another E6 if senior in grade, this is often avoided for clarity and impartiality. The senior rater should be at least an O3 or above to provide an independent assessment.
Civilian supervisors: In some cases, a qualified Department of Defense (DOD) civilian supervisor may serve as the rater or senior rater. This often occurs in specialized units or organizations.
Joint environments: The rater and senior rater can come from different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces in a joint environment.

Why is this important?

Accurate and fair NCOERs are critical for the Army to identify and promote its best leaders. They also provide a valuable tool for NCOs to understand their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan for self-improvement. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of effective communication and leadership in all aspects of learning, principles that are directly applicable to the NCOER process.

The Army uses the NCOER system to drive leader development, making it important that the correct and well-qualified people are rating Soldiers. To read more about similar articles on leadership check out GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Squad Leader Raters and the NCOER

1. Can an E5 be a rater for a squad leader (E6)?

Generally, no. The rater should ideally be senior in rank. While an E6 Platoon Sergeant could rate an E6 Squad Leader if senior in grade, an E5 is typically not in a position to rate an E6 squad leader.

2. Can the Platoon Sergeant be the rater?

Yes, in certain situations. If the Platoon Sergeant is directly supervising the Squad Leader’s day-to-day activities, they can be the rater, as long as they meet the minimum time requirements.

3. Can the commander (CPT) be both the rater and senior rater?

While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended or common practice. The rater and senior rater offer different perspectives, and combining the roles limits the scope of evaluation. Typically, the Platoon Leader would be the Rater and the Company Commander would be the Senior Rater.

4. What happens if the Platoon Leader is new and hasn’t observed the squad leader for 90 days?

The NCOER will be adjusted to reflect the shorter rating period. A temporary rater may be assigned if a qualified rater isn’t available for the minimum period.

5. What qualifications are needed to be a rater or senior rater?

Raters and senior raters need to be knowledgeable about Army leadership doctrine and the NCOER system. They need to be fair, objective, and able to provide constructive feedback. Senior Raters must be in a position to evaluate the Squad Leader against his or her peers.

6. What if I disagree with my NCOER?

You have the right to appeal the NCOER through the established channels. It’s important to document your concerns and gather evidence to support your appeal.

7. Are civilian supervisors allowed to be raters?

Yes, a qualified DOD civilian supervisor who is in the rated NCO’s chain of command can be a rater or senior rater.

8. How often are NCOERs done?

NCOERs are typically done annually, upon change of rater, or upon promotion. There are also event-driven NCOERs, such as a change of duty assignment.

9. What is the difference between duty description and key duties?

Duty description is a general description of your job. Key Duties are what make you successful in your job, that you want the Rater to assess you on.

10. What if the Squad Leader is deployed?

The rater and senior rater should still make every effort to complete an accurate NCOER based on the available information. This may involve consulting with other leaders who have observed the squad leader’s performance in the deployed environment.

11. Can personal relationships affect the NCOER process?

Personal relationships, whether positive or negative, should never influence the NCOER process. Raters and senior raters must maintain objectivity and focus on the squad leader’s performance. It is important to note that officers are prohibited from dating or marrying enlisted soldiers, although enlisted soldiers can marry other enlisted soldiers.

12. What is the role of counseling in the NCOER process?

Counseling is a critical part of the NCOER process. The rater should conduct regular counseling sessions with the squad leader to provide feedback on their performance and set goals for improvement.

13. Can the 1SG be the rater?

The 1SG may be a rater if they are directly responsible for supervising the daily activities of the supply sergeant.

14. Can my rater and senior rater be the same?

Yes, this may be possible. Joint and Civilian Raters and Senior Raters will operate under the same rules, and manage a profile, just like those in the Army.

15. Do raters have a profile?

Yes. Joint and Civilian Raters and Senior Raters will operate under the same rules and manage a profile, just like those in the Army. An Army Officer must review those evaluations rendered by a Joint Officer or Civilian to ensure accuracy and correctness.

By understanding the NCOER system and the roles of the rater and senior rater, squad leaders can take ownership of their career development and strive to improve their performance. Remember, the NCOER is not just a piece of paper; it’s a tool for growth and a reflection of your leadership potential.

Who is the squad leaders rater?