a.
Rating chains for OERs and NCOERs will correspond as nearly as practicable to the chain of command and supervision within an organization.
b.
Rating chains will normally consist of the rated ARNG Soldier, the rater, and the senior rater (see para 2–3).
When a rating chain is established, the rater, intermediate rater (if applicable, for OERs only), senior rater, and supplementary reviewer (identify for when applicable) are the first officials designated (see table 2–1 and paras 2–4, 2–6, 2–7, and 2–8).
Some OER rating chains may have an intermediate rater (see para 2–6) and/or a supplementary reviewer (paras 2–7 and 2–8).
Rating schemes and all subsequent changes will be published with an effective date and distributed in accordance with paragraph 1–4.
No changes to rating chains may be retroactive.
Note Pooling, or elevating the rating chain beyond the senior rater’s ability to have adequate knowledge of each Soldier’s performance and potential, in order to provide an elevated assessment protection for a specific group, runs counter to the intent of the ERS and is prohibited.
Rating schemes based on pooling erode Soldiers’ confidence in the fairness of the ERS and in their leaders.
Commanders at all levels must ensure rating chains correspond as nearly as practical to the chain of command or supervision within an organization.
Senior raters must evaluate and identify their best Soldiers based on performance and potential, regardless of the particular position they occupy.
c.
In rare cases when it is necessary to obtain an exception to policy for designating rating officials, the following rules apply:
(1)
Requests for exceptions to policy will be in accordance with paragraph 2–7a(7).
(2)
Any HQDA-approved exception to rating officials must be cited in published rating schemes.
The rating official serving under exception will cite the authority to evaluate by exception on the evaluation report and will attach a copy of the approval memorandum as an enclosure at the time of submission (see paras 3–34 and 3–36).
(3)
The HQDA memorandum of exception states the rated Soldier’s name and rank, the position in which the rated Soldier serves, the specific period covered by the exception, the rating official’s name and position authorized to evaluate by the exception, and the reason for the exception.
d.
Rules for establishing rating chains for general officers are in Table H–1.
Table H–1
Rules for establishing rating chains for general officers
| Assignment of rated officer | Rater | Intermediate rater | Senior rater |
|---|---|---|---|
| State AG | None1 | None | None |
| Assistant state AG | State AG | None | State AG |
| Officers commanding divisions | State AG2 | None | State AG2 (rated officer’s state) |
| Officers serving as assistant division commanders or deputy commanders of commands authorized a MG when the organi- zation commander is from the same state | Organization commander | None | State AG2 (rated officer’s state) |
| Officers serving as assistant division commanders or deputy commanders of commands authorized a MG when the organi- zation commander is from a different state | Organization commander | None | State AG2 (rated officer’s state) |
| Other general officer commands | State AG2 | None | State AG2 |
| All other officers serving in general officer positions | As directed by the state AG | ||
Notes:
1 No OER or NCOER will be rendered for a state AG unless a governor of the state or territory-or in the case of the CG of the District of Columbia Na- tional Guard, the Secretary of the Army desires to write an OER or NCOER.
2 Or overseas commander, if applicable.
Referenced Paragraphs and Chapters
Paragraph 1–4. Responsibilities
Covers responsibilities for managing, publishing, maintaining, and overseeing rating schemes, evaluation reports, and compliance with the Evaluation Reporting System.
Paragraph 2–3. Rating chain information
Covers requirements for establishing rating chains and maintaining rating chain information.
Paragraph 2–4. General rules for establishing rating chains
Covers policies and rules governing how rating chains are established.
Paragraph 2–6. Rules for designating an intermediate rater
Covers requirements and qualifications for intermediate raters on OERs.
Paragraph 2–7. Rules for designating a senior rater
Covers requirements, qualifications, and exception policies for senior raters.
Paragraph 2–7a(7)
Covers requests for exceptions to policy for designating rating officials.
Paragraph 2–8. Rules for designating a supplementary reviewer
Covers requirements and responsibilities for supplementary reviewers.
Paragraph 3–34. Preparation and submission requirements
Covers requirements for preparing and submitting evaluation reports.
Paragraph 3–36. Authorized enclosures
Covers authorized documents and memorandums that may be attached as enclosures to evaluation reports.
Table 2–1
Minimum grade requirements for senior raters on DA Form 67–10 series and DA Form 2166–9 series.
Table H–1
Rules for establishing rating chains for general officers.
Referenced Chapters
Chapter 1 — Introduction
Covers:
- Purpose
- Responsibilities
- Records management
- Evaluation principles
- Policies and standards
Chapter 2 — The Rating Chain
Covers:
- Rating chain management
- Rating chain rules
- Rater, senior rater, and supplementary reviewer requirements
- Rating chain responsibilities
- Evaluation reviews
Chapter 3 — Army Evaluation Principles
Covers:
- Evaluation preparation and submission
- Mandatory and optional reports
- Evaluation processing requirements
- Authorized enclosures