Significance of a Referred Report Officer Evaluation Report (OER)

In the military performance evaluation arena, the Officer Evaluation Report (OER) plays a critical role in assessing an officer’s performance, potential, and suitability for career advancement. An OER report is of particular importance in this context. In this article, we will explore the concept of a referred report OER, its purpose, and its impact on the careers of military officers. By delving into the intricacies of this evaluation, we aim to shed light on its significance and provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact.

Understanding the Referred Report OER

A Referred Report OER refers to an evaluation that has been referred for further review due to concerns or deficiencies identified in the initial evaluation. It is issued when the reviewing authority determines that the officer’s performance, potential, or compliance with military standards is below expected levels. The referral report OER highlights areas for improvement and serves as a mechanism to address and correct identified deficiencies.

Purpose and Implications

The primary purpose of a referred report OER is to ensure accountability and maintain high standards within the military. It provides a fair and transparent evaluation process by addressing concerns and deficiencies in a timely manner. By identifying areas for improvement, the referred report OER serves as a catalyst for professional growth and development.

The impact of a referred report OER can vary depending on the circumstances and severity of the deficiencies found. It can have both short-term and long-term effects on an officer’s career development. In the short term, a referred report OER may result in limited opportunities for promotions, assignments, or special programs. It may also affect an officer’s reputation within his or her unit or branch.

It is important to note, however, that a Referred Report OER is not necessarily a career-ending event. It provides an opportunity for officers to address identified deficiencies, take corrective action, and demonstrate improvement in subsequent evaluations. By actively engaging in professional development, seeking mentorship, and demonstrating a commitment to growth, officers can mitigate the long-term impact of a Referred Report OER and regain momentum in their career development.

Navigating a Referred Report OER

Receiving a Referred Report OER can be challenging and emotionally taxing. It is important for officers to approach this assessment with professionalism, resilience, and a growth mindset. Here are some key considerations for navigating a referred report OER:

  1. Self-reflection and improvement:

    Take time to reflect on the feedback provided in the referral report OER. Identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to address them. Seek guidance from mentors, supervisors, or professional development resources to enhance your skills and knowledge.

  2. Seek mentorship and support:

    Connect with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support during this challenging time. They can offer valuable insights, help you navigate the evaluation process, and help you identify strategies for improvement.

  3. Professional development:

    Invest in ongoing professional development to enhance your skills. Attend training programs, pursue additional education, and actively seek out opportunities to expand your skill set. Demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement can have a positive impact on subsequent evaluations.

  4. Performance Improvement Plan (PIP):

    If offered, actively participate in a performance improvement plan designed to address identified deficiencies. Commit to the plan’s goals, seek regular feedback, and demonstrate progress toward the established objectives.

Common deficiencies that can result in a referred report OER

Several common deficiencies can result in a referred report OER. While the specific deficiencies may vary depending on the military branch and the officer’s role, here are some examples:

  • Inadequate leadership skills: Leadership is a critical aspect of military service, and deficiencies in this area may result in a Referred Report OER. Examples include failure to effectively communicate goals, inability to inspire and motivate subordinates, or inadequate decision-making skills.
  • Performance Issues: Performance deficiencies can include a number of factors, such as failure to meet standards of work performance, lack of attention to detail, or consistent underperformance of assigned duties or responsibilities.
  • Professional Conduct and Ethics: Officers are expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct and ethics. Deviations from these standards, such as misconduct, ethical violations, or failure to maintain personal integrity, may result in a referral to the OER.
  • Insufficient physical fitness: Physical fitness is an important component of military readiness. Failure to meet fitness standards, consistently low physical fitness scores, or a lack of commitment to maintaining physical readiness may be grounds for a referred report OER.
  • Lack of professional development: Officers are expected to continually develop their skills and knowledge. Insufficient participation in professional development opportunities, failure to pursue relevant training or educational opportunities, or lack of initiative in self-improvement may be considered deficiencies.
  • Ineffective communication: Effective communication is essential in the military. Deficiencies in this area may include difficulty articulating ideas clearly, poor listening skills, or difficulty working with peers and subordinates.
  • Inadequate Adaptability: The military operates in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Officers who struggle to adapt to new situations, demonstrate inflexibility, or have difficulty adjusting to different roles or responsibilities may face an OER referral report.

It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and the specific deficiencies that result in an OER may vary depending on the circumstances and expectations of the military branch. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis, taking into account the unique context and performance standards.

Conclusion

The OER serves as a mechanism to address concerns and deficiencies in an officer’s performance, potential, and adherence to military standards. While it can have a short-term impact on an officer’s career development, it also provides an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and improvement. By approaching a referral report OER with professionalism, resilience, and a commitment to continuous development, officers can manage this evaluation, mitigate long-term effects, and regain positive momentum in their military careers.

FAQ

What is a referred report OER?

If an Officer receives a “referred OER,” or “relief for cause OER,” AR 623-3, paragraph 3-27, requires that he/she be allowed to submit a “comment” to the OER that becomes an enclosure to it. “Referred” is defined as follows: A “Fail” for the APFT or a “No” entry for the height and weight.

What is an OER in the Army?

OER: Officer Evaluation Report. The official document of the Army to document an officer’s performance and potential for promotion, specific assignments (command), and advanced educational opportunities.

How early can you submit an OER?

14 days

Raters can choose the rating up to 14 days prior to the THRU date (like signatures) and will digitally sign to lock and profile their box check. Once the OER is digitally signed, the rater profile will include that rating.

What is a change of duty OER?

Change of Duty Report: When an Officer starts a new duty position, either from promotion or transfer they will receive a Change of Duty OER for their previous job.

How long can you extend an OER?

Extended Annual reports have 3 or 12-16 months AC; 4 or 12-16 months USAR and ARNG.

How often do you get an OER Army?

Annual Report: This is quite perhaps the most common type of OER. After you have been in a duty position for 12 months, you would receive an annual report. You should always check it to make sure it is accurate.

What are the types of OER?

Open Educational Resources

  • Open Courseware.
  • Learning Modules.
  • Open Textbooks.
  • Streaming Videos.
  • Open Access Journals.
  • Online Tutorials.
  • Digital Learning Objects.

 

How do I know when my OER is due?

OERS are due to CPC within 45 days following the end of the reporting period, however prompt submission is recommended to ensure time to correct any deficiencies found during review. Contact the Chief, Career Management Division for further guidance on Officer Evaluation Reports.

Is a CW3 a field grade officer?

Field grade Warrant Officers (CW3-CW4) serve in a variety of positions. CW3s serve as BCT Targeting Officers, SF Group Targeting Officer, DIVARTY Targeting Officers, and Field Artillery Intelligence Officers in Divisions and Corps.

How do you evaluate OER?

Evaluate OER

  1. That the content under consideration covers the subject area appropriately.
  2. That the content of the OER is accurate and free of major errors and spelling mistakes.
  3. That the license of the content can be used or altered for the course’s needs.

Can you delete an OER After rated?

Evaluations (OER’s and NCOER’s) in “Draft” status can be deleted by a rating official (or delegate with active permissions) once all signatures and the Rater’s overall assessment “LOCK” is removed.

What are the 3 types of NCOERs?

How many types of NCOERs are there?

  • Annual.
  • Change of Rater.
  • Relief for Cause.
  • Complete the Record.
  • 60 Day Rater Option.
  • 60 Day Senior Rater Option.
  • Temporary Duty, Special Duty or Compassionate Reassignment.

 

Can an e6 rate another e6?

For example: If the Platoon Sergeant is an E-6, and the Squad Leader is an E-6, the Platoon Sergeant can counsel the Squad Leader – and even rate him – as long as he is senior in grade (See AR 623-3 on Rater requirements).

How often are OERs due?

OERs are due at HRC within 90 days after the thru date of evaluation − Maintain a working copy of your rater profile and monitor for accuracy − Profile calculators are provided for raters to use on the Evaluation Webpage at HRC.

Do cpls get NCOERs?

DA Form 2166-8-1 (NCO Counseling Checklist/Record) along with a working copy of the NCOER (DA Form 2166-8) is mandatory for all NCOs, CPL through CSM.

How do I appeal an OER in the Army?

Appeals are sent directly to the agency that decides the appeal. All regular Army appeals are sent to: U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC-PDV-EA), Evaluation Appeals, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Department 470, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5407.

What is an example of an OER?

OER can include textbooks, course materials and full courses, modules, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge. An open source (or open) textbook is a textbook which is OER.

What can I use OER for?

OERs can supplement textbooks and lectures where deficiencies in information are evident. enhancement of regular course content. For example, multimedia material such as videos can accompany text. Presenting information in multiple formats may help students to more easily learn the material being taught.

What does OER and Aer mean?

Open Educational Resources (OER) and Affordable Educational Resources (AER) are no-cost and low-cost alternatives to traditional (and expensive) textbooks for courses. Choosing to implement OER/AER can save your students money and increase their likelihood of successfully graduating.

Which of the following is an example of OER?

Types of open educational resources include full courses, course materials, modules, learning objects, open textbooks, openly licensed (often streamed) videos, tests, software, and other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge.

What are the 5 R’s of OER?

The framework, which will be freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (CC BY), encourages educators to capitalize on the unique rights associated with open content also known as the 5Rs: the ability Retain, Reuse, Revise, Remix and Redistribute content for educational purposes.

How do you evaluate OER?

Evaluate OER

  1. That the content under consideration covers the subject area appropriately.
  2. That the content of the OER is accurate and free of major errors and spelling mistakes.
  3. That the license of the content can be used or altered for the course’s needs.