OER Rater Comment Examples

CPT Smith is an exceptionally talented officer who consistently performs above peers. Her technical expertise, combined with an innate ability to develop subordinates and lead through adversity, makes her one of the finest company grade officers I have observed in 22 years of service. She possesses the character, intellect, and leadership presence of an officer two grades above her current rank. Promote ahead of peers and assign to positions of increasing responsibility immediately.

CPT Johnson demonstrates superior performance in all assigned duties. His technical proficiency and leadership of a 45-Soldier organization through a complex NTC rotation resulted in the highest readiness rating in the brigade. He counsels subordinates consistently, enforces standards with firmness and compassion, and delivers results under pressure. Promote CPT Johnson with peers and select for broadening assignments.

LT Davis performed all assigned duties in a competent and professional manner. She demonstrated sound tactical judgment during field training exercises and maintained positive relationships with subordinates and peers. She continues to develop her leadership and technical skills and shows potential for increased responsibility. Promote LT Davis with peers.

MAJ Williams is a rare talent — an officer who combines deep intellectual capacity with exceptional interpersonal skills and flawless character. His performance as battalion S3 during a nine-month deployment was the single greatest individual contribution to the battalion's operational success. He managed a complex operational environment with precision, developed his section into the highest-performing staff element in the brigade, and consistently provided the commander with options when there appeared to be none. Select for battalion command immediately.

LTC Chen led her battalion through an exceptionally demanding operational year with skill and professionalism. She maintained the highest readiness rates in the brigade, developed three company commanders who were subsequently selected for battalion command, and executed the most complex training exercise in the battalion's recent history without a single serious incident. She is a complete officer — technically proficient, strategically minded, and deeply committed to her Soldiers. Select for brigade command.

MAJ Thompson performed his duties as battalion XO competently throughout the rating period. He managed the administrative functions of the battalion effectively, maintained positive relationships with subordinate commanders, and ensured logistics support was consistently available for training events. He continues to develop his strategic thinking and operational planning skills. Promote MAJ Thompson with peers.

COL Martinez is among the most gifted officers I have served with in over 30 years. Her ability to translate complex strategic guidance into executable operational plans, combined with an extraordinary talent for developing subordinate leaders, has elevated the entire brigade. Under her command, the brigade achieved the highest operational readiness rate in the division, deployed two battalions simultaneously without degradation, and produced seven battalion command selectees. She is ready for general officer responsibilities today.

COL Anderson led the brigade through a period of significant operational and organizational change with exceptional professionalism. His clear communication of priorities, consistent standards enforcement, and genuine investment in subordinate leader development resulted in measurable improvements across all readiness indicators. He is a highly effective senior leader who is ready for positions of greater responsibility.

What's the difference between the OER rater and senior rater comments?

The rater writes a performance assessment — what the officer actually did and how well — and box-checks Excels, Proficient, Capable, or Unsatisfactory. The senior rater writes a potential assessment — how the officer compares to peers and their potential for promotion and key positions — and box-checks Most Qualified, Highly Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified. Forward-looking lines like "promote ahead of peers" belong in the senior rater's section, not the rater's performance narrative.

What does "Most Qualified" mean on an OER, and how is it limited?

"Most Qualified" is the senior rater's top potential box. It is controlled by the senior rater's managed profile: across the officers a senior rater evaluates in a given grade, fewer than 50 percent can be rated Most Qualified — that constraint is what keeps the top box meaningful. A senior rater whose profile reaches 50 percent or more Most Qualified loses the differentiating effect of the rating.

Which OER form does my officer get — and is it the DA Form 67-10 series?

Yes, the OER is the DA Form 67-10 series (AR 623-3, the same regulation as the NCOER). The form follows grade: Company Grade Plate, DA Form 67-10-1 (2LT–CPT and WO1–CW2); Field Grade Plate, DA Form 67-10-2 (MAJ–LTC and CW3–CW5); Strategic Grade Plate, DA Form 67-10-3 (COL); and a separate DA Form 67-10-4 for general officers.

Who rates an officer on the OER?

Up to three rating officials: the rater (the immediate supervisor, who assesses performance), an intermediate rater (used only when one exists in the rating chain — the exception, not the norm), and the senior rater (who assesses potential). The report is not final until each required official has completed and signed it.

How should an OER comment be written?

In the third person about the rated officer, specific and quantified. Lead with a definitive assessment, show scope and measurable impact, and — for the senior rater — close with a clear, differentiated recommendation. Vague praise without scope is the most common weakness: "led a 120-Soldier company to the brigade's highest readiness rate" beats "performed well."

Is the OER governed by the same regulation as the NCOER?

Yes. AR 623-3 (current edition effective 14 February 2025) governs the OER (DA Form 67-10 series), the NCOER (DA Form 2166-9 series), and the Academic Evaluation Report (DA Form 1059) together as the Army's evaluation reports, so the underlying rules on accuracy, rating chains, and timeliness are shared across them.