How to Submit a Memorandum for an NCOER Appeal

An NCO Evaluation Report can affect promotions, assignments, schools, retention, and a Soldier’s professional record. When an NCOER contains inaccurate facts, procedural errors, or unsupported assessments, the rated NCO may be able to challenge it through the Army evaluation appeal process.

A memorandum for an NCOER appeal should be organized, evidence-based, and directed through the correct administrative channel. A strong submission explains exactly what is wrong, identifies supporting documents, and connects each disputed entry to a specific error rather than relying on broad disagreement with the rating.

The process can vary based on the report’s status, the type of alleged error, and current Army policy. Use the applicable version of AR 623-3, local S1 guidance, and official personnel instructions when preparing the packet.

Determine Whether An Appeal Is Appropriate

An appeal generally requires more than dissatisfaction with a lower rating or disagreement with a rater’s professional judgment. The strongest cases involve material errors, inaccurate statements, violations of evaluation procedures, prohibited actions, or information that was unavailable when the report was prepared.

Administrative errors may include incorrect dates, duty positions, counseling information, rating officials, signatures, or demographic details. Substantive appeals usually challenge the accuracy or fairness of performance and potential assessments. These cases require persuasive evidence showing that the report is incorrect or unjust.

Before writing, review the complete NCOER and determine which portions can be supported with objective proof. A disagreement with a senior rater’s judgment is difficult to establish unless the appeal demonstrates bias, an improper rating relationship, inconsistent treatment, or a factual foundation that cannot be supported.

Gather The Required Records

Begin by collecting the NCOER, counseling statements, duty descriptions, award recommendations, training records, emails, sworn statements, and other documents relevant to the disputed content. Organize the evidence in the same order as the memorandum so the reviewing authority can verify each claim quickly.

The appeal should also identify the report’s status in the Soldier’s official record. Check whether the NCOER has been filed in iPERMS, whether a correction has already been requested, and whether the report is being used for a current promotion or personnel action. Keep copies of the complete submission and proof of delivery.

Administrative readiness matters as well. For example, Soldiers managing several personnel records may need separate guidance for identification documents, such as this retiree military ID guide. Keeping identity and personnel documentation current can make it easier to resolve related records issues.

Draft The Memorandum Clearly

Address the memorandum through the appropriate chain of command or personnel office, following the format required by the local command. Include the NCO’s full name, rank, organization, contact information, report period, and the specific NCOER being appealed. Use a clear subject line that identifies the action requested.

The body should state the requested remedy, such as correction of an administrative error, removal of an unsupported entry, or referral for review. Then list each disputed item separately. Quote or paraphrase the relevant NCOER language, explain why it is inaccurate or procedurally defective, and cite the attached evidence.

A useful format for each issue is:

• Issue: Identify the block, bullet, narrative, or assessment being challenged.
• Error: Explain the factual, procedural, or regulatory problem.
• Evidence: Name the attachment that supports the claim.
• Requested action: State the specific correction or review sought.

Avoid emotional language, personal attacks, and unsupported claims about a rater’s motives. The memorandum should focus on records, dates, duties, standards, and verifiable events.

Build A Persuasive Evidence Packet

Evidence should establish the facts at the time of the evaluation, not simply show that the NCO later disagreed with the report. A duty description may demonstrate assigned responsibilities, while counseling forms, award citations, inspection results, or official correspondence may confirm performance during the rating period.

Sworn statements can be useful when a witness has direct knowledge of an event. Each statement should identify the writer, explain how the writer knows the facts, and describe the relevant event specifically. General statements that the NCO was “excellent” are usually less persuasive than detailed accounts tied to dates and responsibilities.

Packet Element	Purpose
Appeal memorandum	Explains the error and requested remedy
Complete NCOER	Identifies the report under review
Counseling and duty records	Establishes expectations and performance context
Supporting statements	Provides firsthand accounts of disputed events
Regulatory references	Shows the applicable standard or procedure
Routing or delivery proof	Confirms that the appeal was submitted properly

Label attachments clearly and refer to them consistently in the memorandum. A short index can help the reviewing authority locate important evidence without searching through an unorganized collection of documents.

Route And Track The Submission

Submit the memorandum through the command or administrative office designated by current Army policy. The S1, servicing military personnel division, legal assistance office, or other authorized channel may review the packet for completeness before forwarding it. Ask for written confirmation that the packet was received.

The routing process may include review by commanders, human resources personnel, or the authority responsible for correcting the evaluation record. A local office may request additional documentation, a commander’s endorsement, or clarification of the requested remedy.

Keep a timeline showing when the memorandum was signed, submitted, returned for corrections, and forwarded. If the appeal concerns a promotion, selection board, or separation action, identify the relevant suspense date immediately. An appeal does not automatically remove an NCOER from consideration or guarantee that a board will delay its action.

Avoid Common Submission Problems

Many appeals lose effectiveness because the memorandum is too broad. Challenging every line without distinguishing factual errors from rating disagreements can make the packet difficult to evaluate. Focus on the few issues that can be proven and explain their material impact on the report.

Another frequent problem is relying on documents that do not address the disputed period. Evidence should relate to the NCOER’s rating dates and the responsibilities assigned during that time. Also verify that all pages are legible, attachments are named, and personal information is handled through approved Army systems.

Use these final checks before submission:

• Confirm the report period, thru date, rank, and organization.
• Match every factual claim to a labeled attachment.
• Separate administrative corrections from substantive allegations.
• Follow the current appeal deadline and routing instructions.
• Retain a complete copy and proof of receipt.

The EES Army resource center can provide general background on NCOERs, evaluation records, and related administrative subjects, but it is not a substitute for current Army regulations or command guidance.

Move The Appeal Forward

After submitting the memorandum, monitor the packet through the designated office and respond promptly to requests for clarification. If the matter involves potential misconduct, retaliation, discrimination, or a serious legal issue, seek advice from the appropriate legal assistance or inspector general channel before making additional allegations.

A well-prepared memorandum gives the reviewing authority a clear basis for action. Assemble the records, identify each verifiable error, route the packet correctly, and retain evidence of every administrative step.