How to Add a Memorandum to Your NCOER Rebuttal Packet

A memorandum can give your NCOER rebuttal packet structure, context, and a clear explanation of the issues you believe require review. It should support your response to the evaluation rather than replace the required rebuttal form or command review process.

The strongest memorandum is factual, concise, and organized around specific errors or procedural concerns. It should identify the evaluation, explain what is inaccurate, and point reviewers toward documents that support your position.

Before assembling the packet, verify the status of the evaluation and determine whether it has already moved through the rating chain. The guide on check NCOER status can help you understand where the report may be in the Army’s administrative process.

Understand The Memorandum’s Purpose

A memorandum for record, often called an MFR, is used to document information in a formal military format. In an NCOER rebuttal, it can explain the reason for the rebuttal, summarize disputed content, establish a timeline, or identify supporting evidence.

The memorandum should not make unsupported accusations or become a general statement about dissatisfaction with the evaluation. Focus on measurable facts, relevant dates, counseling records, duty requirements, rating-chain actions, and specific portions of the NCOER that you believe are inaccurate, unfair, or inconsistent with documented performance.

A rebuttal memorandum generally supports the packet in one of three ways:

• It explains the circumstances behind the disagreement.
• It organizes evidence for the reviewing authority.
• It identifies the relief or administrative correction being requested.

Gather The Required Information

Start by collecting a complete copy of the contested NCOER and any documents connected to the disputed entries. Relevant materials may include counseling statements, award recommendations, duty descriptions, training records, medical or leave documentation when appropriate, correspondence, and statements from individuals with direct knowledge of the events.

Review the evaluation against the applicable Army guidance and the expectations of the rating chain. The performance evaluation guide may provide useful background on NCOER responsibilities, rating roles, and evaluation standards, but local command procedures and current official policy should control the submission.

Create a simple timeline before writing. List the date of each counseling, event, communication, or administrative action. A timeline helps prevent vague claims and makes it easier for the reviewing authority to compare your explanation with the NCOER and supporting documents.

Use A Clear Memorandum Format

Use the Army memorandum format required by your organization. The exact format may vary by command, but a professional memorandum commonly includes the office symbol, date, memorandum title or subject, authority or purpose statement, body paragraphs, closing, signature block, and enclosures.

The subject line should identify the purpose without being overly long. For example, a subject such as “Memorandum in Support of NCOER Rebuttal” immediately tells the reader how the document relates to the packet. If your command requires a specific routing format, follow that instruction rather than using a personal variation.

Memorandum Element	What To Include	Practical Check
Office symbol and date	Your organization and the date signed	Confirm the office symbol is current
Subject	The memorandum’s purpose	Keep it specific and professional
Purpose paragraph	The NCOER period and reason for submission	Identify the report clearly
Discussion	Facts, timeline, and disputed content	Address one issue at a time
Request	The administrative action or review sought	State the request respectfully
Signature block	Name, rank, duty position, and contact details if required	Use the approved format
Enclosures	Numbered supporting documents	Match every enclosure to the text

Use short paragraphs with descriptive topic sentences. If the packet contains several issues, separate them with headings or numbered paragraphs. Avoid excessive formatting, colored text, emotional language, or unsupported conclusions that could distract from the evidence.

Explain Each Disputed Evaluation Entry

The body of the memorandum should connect each concern to a particular part of the NCOER. Identify the block, bullet, narrative statement, duty description, rating, or senior rater comment involved. Quote only the relevant language when necessary, then explain why you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

A useful structure is: what the NCOER says, why the statement is disputed, what facts support your position, and which enclosure confirms those facts. This approach keeps the rebuttal focused and allows the reviewing authority to verify the claim efficiently.

When addressing performance ratings, distinguish between an opinion you dislike and an error that can be supported with evidence. A disagreement with a rater’s judgment may require a different explanation than a factual mistake, missing counseling, incorrect date, or failure to follow an administrative requirement.

Organize Enclosures And Routing

Label each supporting document in the order it appears in the memorandum. For example, “Enclosure 1” might be the contested NCOER, while later enclosures could contain counseling records, correspondence, or statements. Refer to each enclosure directly in the body so the reader knows why it matters.

Keep the packet readable and avoid adding documents that do not support a specific point. Sensitive information should be handled according to Army privacy, records-management, and command guidance. If a document contains unnecessary personal information about another person, ask the appropriate administrative office how it should be protected or redacted.

Routing is equally important. Submit the memorandum through the channel required by your command, S1, servicing administrative office, or applicable evaluation review authority. Do not assume that sending the packet to a supervisor alone completes the formal rebuttal process. Keep a dated copy of everything submitted and document the method of delivery.

Final Review Before Submission

A careful final review can prevent avoidable delays. Confirm that the packet is complete, the dates are consistent, the memorandum identifies the correct evaluation, and every factual statement can be supported by an enclosure or reliable record.

Before signing and routing the document, check these items:

• Use the required Army memorandum format and current organization information.
• Identify the NCOER period, rated Soldier, and disputed content accurately.
• Match enclosure numbers to every reference in the memorandum.
• Remove speculation, insults, repetitive arguments, and irrelevant material.
• Retain a complete copy with the submission date and routing evidence.

Review the packet with a trusted leader, S1 representative, legal assistance office, or other authorized resource when appropriate. A reviewer can often find unclear wording or missing documentation without changing the substance of your rebuttal. Additional Army personnel resources may also help you locate related guidance on evaluations and military administrative records.

Use the memorandum to make your rebuttal easier to understand, verify, and process. Assemble the evidence carefully, follow the required routing instructions, and submit the completed packet within the applicable review period so your concerns receive proper consideration.