a.
The rating chain for a rated Soldier will be established at the beginning of the rating period. This allows the rated Soldier and rating officials to properly execute their roles and responsibilities in the evaluation process. Rating officials must meet grade requirements, as well as time in position, in order to render evaluation reports.
b.
Commanders, commandants, and organization leaders are responsible for ensuring valid rating schemes are established. Rating schemes for two-star level commands (or equivalent organizations) and below will be approved by the next higher commander, commandant, or organizational leader.
c.
When commanders, commandants, and organization leaders establish rating chains, they will ensure pooling of the rated population does not occur.
d.
It is essential that rating officials meet and maintain the required eligibility criteria throughout the rating period. If the rated Soldier’s grade changes during the rating period, rating officials must still meet the eligibility requirements in order to be authorized to render an evaluation report on a rated Soldier when one is due. If eligibility criteria are not met, evaluation reports will not be processed at HQDA.
e.
When necessary, rating chain exceptions to policy must be requested at the earliest possible date and cannot be implemented until approved by HQDA (for exceptions see para 2–7a(8)).
f.
Specific requirements for rating officials are addressed in this section and in specified appendixes of this regulation.
g.
Commanders, commandants, and organization leaders may use the Evaluation Entry System (EES) Rating Chain Tool to establish and publish rating chains with units and organizations.