Introduction:
Today we had our Officer Evaluation Report briefing with our Officer In Charge (OIC). I have previously commented on the importance of filling out an Officer Evaluation Report (OER), however, this meeting has inspired me to expand on the process.
As I recommended in the ASR position description, keeping a journal of your accomplishments, is key: I personally set up a G-mail calendar and named it ASR. Anytime I do something of importance or talk to a recruit, I record the time, location, essential information, and other pertinent notes in my calendar.
How to Access OERs electronically:
With your log-book of accomplishments, you have established the foundation of your OER. The next step is filling out the required military forms. Forms can be found in Army Knowledge Online (AKO): in the upper right hand corner of the screen, click on the button marked Forms-->type DA 67-9 in the "Form Type" dialog box. The search engine will pull up three forms: the Developmental Support Form, the Supplemental Officer Evaluation Form, and the Officer Evaluation Form. I have attached the three forms, below, in the attachments section for your convenience (beware, forms may change with time, so it is best to access the forms directly from AKO, if my attachments are dated).
How often do OERs need to be completed:
OERs need to be completed to satisfy the following:
Once yearly.
During periods of command change.
Any time you join a new unit.
After you return from deployment.
Advice when filling out OERs:
To start, you will need to fill out all three of the forms mentioned above. Begin with the form titled, "Developmental Support Form (DSF)." This form will help you to develop your goals in the key areas that the ARMY believes are necessary to becoming a competent Officer. Next, fill out the "OER Support Form." This form more or less consolidates the information on the DSF. It should be submitted to your senior rater, so that he or she may provide you with guidance if needed. Finally, you will need to complete the OER.
The forms have decent directions, and two of them even come with "wizards" to assist in the process. That said, filling out the forms can be a bit tricky. Our Officer in Charge (OIC) gave us these suggestions:
Talk with your commander to determine his or her goals for the unit (they may be typed out) so that you can align your goals and ambitions with the objectives of the unit.
As you progress in rank, your goals should more closely mirror the goals of your leadership. 2-3 matching goals are probably sufficient for Lieutenants.
The best way to align your goals is look at your job from the view point of your superior, then ask yourself, What can I do to help him or her to achieve their goal. If their goal is to make your unit more efficient, you will set a specific goal that will allow you to make yourself more efficient.
Search the web for completed examples of the OER. Bulleted goals are not as easy to develop as you may think; might as well read a few exemplary OERs before developing your own. Senior members of your officer corps are also good resources; most of them can give you copies of their past OERs for guidance.
When filling out the forms
Remember that your goals must be both measurable and achievable. Ie. If it is your goal to score above a 290 on your next PT test you must be close to that 290.
Add civic and educational goals with your military objectives: coach youth wrestling, serve as youth minister, be president of the student branch of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). These goals should develop qualities in you that will also bode well for the military.
Significant duties should align with both the ASR program goals, and the objectives that your unit OIC develops for you.
Performance objectives are your goals: Again both Military and Civic.
The significant contributions that you list on your form should stem from your goals. In other words, they should demonstrate that you have taken your objectives seriously. This is where the "rubber meets the road."
If you run out of space, when filling out the forms, you can attach a seperate word document. Be sure to label it with your name, date, ssn, and the specific name of the form.
How to submit OERs:
You will need to submit the OERs electronically, on the forms portal in AKO (how to access mentioned above). Click here for more information on submission. You will want to send your form to your senior rater so that he or she may asses you.
What's next:
After submitting your OER, your rater will asses you and you will receive an e-mail on how to view their comments. If you do not agree with what they have said, and you feel comfortable contacting them, do so. If you do not, there are means of appealing your OER; appeal directions should be given in the e-mail that is sent to you.
Other considerations:
As mentioned earlier, in COL Steve Owen's briefing, being promoted on time, or early, is as much a product of your own due diligence, as it is a consequence of federal, state, and local bureaucracy. Do yourself a favor, and view your promotion record, on the Army Human Resources Command (HRC) website, early and often. I have included instructions on how to do so in the briefing link at the start of this paragraph.
If you are reading this and have further advice, or questions, please leave a comment below.
Good Luck!
Matt