What Is AR 623-3?
AR 623-3 is a U.S. Army rulebook for evaluating soldiers. It applies to all Army members: enlisted soldiers ,
AR 623-3 is a U.S. Army rulebook for evaluating soldiers. It applies to all Army members: enlisted soldiers , non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and officers. This rulebook explains how to create, process, and use evaluation reports. The latest version, updated in 2020, ensures all soldiers are judged fairly and consistently.
Why Does the Army Use AR 623-3?
The Army uses AR 623-3 to:
- Keep evaluations the same for everyone.
- Help leaders decide promotions, jobs, or training.
- Give soldiers clear feedback on their work.
- Make sure no one is treated unfairly.
Main Parts of AR 623-3
Who Gets Evaluated:
- Enlisted soldiers: Evaluated when moving to a new job or rank.
- NCOs: Get a Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER).
- Officers: Get an Officer Evaluation Report (OER) every year.
Forms Used:
- DA Form 2166-9-1: For NCO evaluations (NCOER).
- DA Form 67-10: For officer evaluations (OER).
Evaluation Steps:
- Rater: The soldier’s direct boss writes the report.
- Senior Rater: A higher-ranking leader reviews the report.
- Counseling: Soldiers must meet with their rater before and during the evaluation period.
Time Limits:
- Reports must be finished within 3 days after the evaluation period ends.
- Late reports can hurt a soldier’s career.
Fixing Mistakes:
- Soldiers can appeal a report if they find errors or unfair ratings.
How Evaluations Work
Start the Evaluation:
- The rater meets the soldier to discuss goals (initial counseling).
Mid-Term Check:
- Halfway through, the rater gives feedback on progress.
Write the Report:
- The rater fills the form, focusing on performance, skills, and behavior.
Review and Sign:
- The soldier reads the report, adds comments if needed, and signs it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Counseling: Raters must hold initial and mid-term meetings.
- Bias: Personal feelings should not affect ratings.
- Missing Deadlines: Late reports create problems for soldiers.
- Vague Feedback: Reports must include clear examples of good or bad performance.
Recent Changes to AR 623-3
The 2020 update added:
- Digital forms to replace paper.
- New rules to reduce rating inflation (too many high scores).
- Focus on leadership skills and teamwork.
Why Following AR 623-3 Matters
Fair evaluations help soldiers trust the system. They know their hard work will be noticed. Leaders can make better decisions about who gets promoted or needs training. When everyone follows the same rules, the Army stays strong and ready.
Fixing Problems in Evaluations
If a soldier thinks their report is wrong, they can:
- Talk to their rater or commander.
- Submit a written appeal with evidence (emails, notes, witness statements).
- Send the appeal to the Army Human Resources Command.
Training for Leaders
Leaders must learn AR 623-3 rules to avoid errors. The Army offers classes and online tools to help raters write honest, useful reports.
AR 623-3 for Reserve and National Guard
Part-time soldiers (Reserve, National Guard) follow the same rules. Their evaluation periods might adjust based on duty time.
Terms to Know
- NCOER: Evaluation for sergeants and higher.
- OER: Evaluation for lieutenants to colonels.
- Rater: Direct supervisor writing the report.
- Senior Rater: Higher-level leader approving the report.
By understanding AR 623-3, soldiers and leaders can work together to ensure fair, accurate evaluations. This keeps the Army focused on excellence and teamwork.
