How does the rater assess the NCO's performance?

The rater assesses the NCO's performance by evaluating their achievements and leadership qualities against established standards, which provides a structured and objective framework for the assessment. This approach ensures that the evaluation is based on measurable outcomes and specific criteria that reflect the NCO's capabilities and contributions to the unit's mission. Established standards offer clarity on what is expected from an NCO and help to ensure consistency in evaluations across different ratings and contexts.

By focusing on achievements and leadership qualities, the rater can provide a comprehensive overview of the NCO's effectiveness, including their ability to lead and mentor subordinates, accomplish tasks, and contribute to team goals. This method moves beyond subjective opinions and personal relationships, allowing for a more fair and equitable evaluation process that aligns with the overall standards set forth by the military.

While personal observations and feedback from peers may play a supporting role in forming a complete picture of an NCO's performance, the primary assessment should always anchor in objective criteria and documented accomplishments. This ensures the evaluation reflects the true performance and readiness of the NCO in their role.