How to Create an NCOER in the Evaluation Entry System

The Evaluation Entry System (EES) is used to prepare and manage Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports, commonly called NCOERs. Creating a report involves more than entering performance information: the rating chain, evaluation period, counseling records, duty description, and submission route must all align.

EES supports the electronic preparation and routing of the applicable DA Form 2166-9 series. Soldiers and leaders should use current Army policies, local procedures, and published system instructions because access roles and workflow requirements can change.

A careful process reduces rejected evaluations, missing signatures, inaccurate dates, and delays in the Army’s personnel records. Preparing the supporting information before opening the report usually makes the online entry faster and more accurate.

Confirm Eligibility And Evaluation Details

Before creating a report, verify that the rated NCO requires an evaluation for the applicable period. Check the evaluation type, beginning and ending dates, rank, duty position, organization, and reason for submission. An annual evaluation, change-of-rater report, relief-for-cause evaluation, and other report types may have different requirements.

The rating chain should also be confirmed before any data is entered. Identify the rater, senior rater, and supplementary reviewer when required. Each person must have the correct role and relationship to the rated NCO. If the chain is incorrect in the unit’s personnel system, the report may route to the wrong official or stop during approval.

Gather the NCO’s duty description, major responsibilities, goals, counseling notes, accomplishments, and supporting documents. Performance observations should cover the full rating period and reflect Army leadership attributes, competencies, and applicable evaluation guidance.

Sign In And Start The Record

Access EES through an approved Army network and sign in with the required credentials, commonly a Common Access Card. Use a supported browser and make sure the card reader, certificates, and network connection are working. Avoid starting a report during a brief session if you cannot save the record securely.

After signing in, select the option for creating or initiating an NCOER. The exact menu names may vary as the system is updated. Enter the rated Soldier’s identifying information carefully, then verify the displayed rank, unit, and organizational details against official records.

If EES will not load or the connection fails, review the EES connection troubleshooting guidance before repeatedly attempting to submit the same record. Local network restrictions, browser settings, expired certificates, and account permissions can all affect access.

Complete The Administrative Sections

The administrative portion establishes the report’s identity. Enter the evaluation period, reason for submission, rated NCO information, unit information, and rating officials exactly as authorized. Small errors in dates or identifying data can create problems when the report is signed or filed.

Review the duty title and duty description for accuracy and clarity. The description should explain the NCO’s actual responsibilities during the rating period, including leadership, technical duties, personnel accountability, readiness, training, and other significant functions. It should be specific enough to provide context for the performance narrative.

The system may require fields to be completed before allowing the form to advance. Do not use filler text simply to pass validation. If a required value appears incorrect or unavailable, stop and coordinate with the servicing S-1, administrative office, or appropriate rating official.

Enter Performance-Based Comments

NCOER comments should describe observable performance, results, and the effect of the NCO’s actions. Strong entries connect what the Soldier did with measurable outcomes, such as improved readiness, successful training completion, reduced errors, increased retention, or mission accomplishment.

Use concise language supported by counseling records and verified facts. Avoid unsupported superlatives, vague praise, personal criticism, or statements that describe protected characteristics. Comments should be consistent with the selected performance ratings and with the NCO’s responsibilities during the period.

Evaluation area	Information to prepare	Quality check
Duty description	Primary duties, scope, and leadership responsibilities	Matches the actual position
Performance comments	Actions, results, and mission impact	Specific and supportable
Character and presence	Conduct, accountability, and professional example	Consistent with documented observations
Intellect and leads	Judgment, communication, initiative, and influence	Reflects the rating period
Develops and achieves	Training, team growth, and mission results	Includes measurable outcomes where possible
Senior rater assessment	Potential and future assignments	Follows current rating guidance

Review Roles And Routing

Once the draft is complete, review every section for spelling, dates, names, duty information, and performance consistency. The rater should confirm that the comments accurately reflect observed performance. The senior rater should independently review the report and provide the required assessment of potential.

The rated NCO normally has an opportunity to review the report and provide an acknowledgment or signature according to the applicable process. A signature generally confirms receipt or review; it does not necessarily indicate agreement with every statement. If the Soldier disagrees with the content, follow the appropriate counseling, appeal, or rebuttal procedures.

EES routes the evaluation according to the established rating chain. Monitor the workflow rather than assuming that a saved draft has been forwarded. A report can remain pending because an official has not signed, a required field is incomplete, or the record has been returned for correction.

Resolve Errors Before Submission

Before final submission, compare the electronic report with the source documents and local suspense requirements. Check that all required signatures are complete and that the report is routed to the correct officials. Keep a copy of relevant counseling and performance documentation in accordance with unit records procedures.

Common problems include an incorrect rating chain, missing supplementary reviewer, mismatched evaluation dates, incomplete comments, and a report assigned to the wrong unit. Correct these issues through the authorized workflow rather than creating duplicate evaluations, which can complicate tracking and filing.

A system status page can show whether the report is drafted, awaiting signature, returned, or completed. Soldiers and leaders who need to verify progress can review this guide on checking NCOER status, while also confirming local procedures with the S-1 or administrative support team.

Keep A Reliable Record

After the evaluation is completed, retain confirmation of submission and any authorized copy of the signed report. The final record may later be needed for promotion, assignment, counseling, appeals, or personnel file verification. Do not rely solely on an unfinished draft remaining in EES.

If the report does not appear in the expected personnel record after processing, allow for administrative timelines and then contact the appropriate records office. iPERMS visibility, unit workflow completion, and EES status may not update at exactly the same time.

Use the report as part of the NCO’s professional development process. Future counseling should connect to the documented duties, strengths, improvement areas, and potential identified during the evaluation period. Begin the next cycle with clear expectations and regular performance documentation so the next NCOER is based on a complete record.