Blank Da 2166 8 1 PDF Template

1. What is the DA Form 2166-8-1 used for?

   The DA Form 2166-8-1, also known as the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, is primarily utilized for evaluating non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the U.S. Army. It serves as a documentation tool for counseling sessions that occur throughout the evaluation period, setting performance and professional growth objectives, and provides a structure for feedback between the NCO and their rating officials.

2. Who needs to fill out the DA Form 2166-8-1?

   NCOs undergoing evaluation and their raters are required to engage with the DA Form 2166-8-1. Specifically, the rater, who is the immediate supervisor of the NCO being evaluated, initiates the form. Throughout the evaluation process, both the NCO and the rater contribute to the form's completion.

3. When should the DA Form 2166-8-1 be completed?

   The form should be initiated at the start of the evaluation period. Regular updates are recommended during counseling sessions throughout the evaluation cycle to accurately capture the NCO's performance and progress towards previously set objectives. Finally, a completion of the form coincides with the end of the evaluation period, summarizing the NCO's overall performance.

4. What information is included in Part I - Administrative Data of the DA Form 2166-8-1?

   Part I - Administrative Data entails the basic information about the NCO being evaluated. This includes their name, Social Security Number (SSN), rank, date of rank, Primary Military Occupational Specialty Code (PMOSC), unit or organization, station, ZIP code or APO, major command, and the rated NCO's email address.

5. How is the "Duty Description" section of the DA Form 2166-8-1 filled out?

   In the "Duty Description" section, located within Part III, the rater outlines the principal duty title, duty MOSC, daily duties and scope, areas of special emphasis, and any appointed duties of the NCO. These details provide a clear picture of the NCO's responsibilities during the evaluation period, setting the stage for assessing performance against these duties.

6. What kind of performance is evaluated in Part IV of the DA Form 2166-8-1?

   Part IV of the form evaluates the NCO's performance across several key areas, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, competence, physical fitness and military bearing, leadership, training, and responsibility and accountability. Each segment requires the rater to assess and summarize the NCO's performance and contributions.

7. How is the DA Form 2166-8-1 used in the evaluation process?

   The DA Form 2166-8-1 is instrumental in providing structured, ongoing feedback to NCOs about their performance. It facilitates the identification of strengths and areas needing improvement, thereby guiding professional development. The form also aids in the decision-making process for promotions, assignments, and other personnel management actions within the Army.

8. Where can I find instructions for completing the DA Form 2166-8-1?

   Instructions for the completion of the DA Form 2166-8-1 are detailed in Army Regulation (AR) 623-3. This document outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and guidelines for conducting evaluations within the U.S. Army, providing a comprehensive framework for the appropriate use of the DA Form 2166-8-1.

Filling out the DA Form 2166-8-1, also known as the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, is a critical process that demands attention to detail and an understanding of its importance in an individual's career progression. The form helps in evaluating the performance of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and is essential for their assessment, development, and future planning. However, individuals often make several mistakes when completing this form, which can have significant implications. Here are six common errors to avoid:

1. Incorrect Administrative Data: One of the most frequent errors is filling in incorrect information in the Administrative Data section. This includes errors in personal details such as name, SSN, rank, and unit information. Accuracy in this section is crucial since it identifies the individual being evaluated.

2. Overlooking the Privacy Act Statement: Individuals often miss reading the Privacy Act Statement, which outlines the handling of personal information. Understanding these guidelines is essential to comply with privacy regulations.

3. Misunderstanding the Rating Scales: The form includes various sections that require evaluators to rate the NCO's performance. A common mistake is not fully understanding the criteria for each rating or providing ratings that do not accurately reflect the NCO's performance or potential.

4. Omitting Essential Information: Failing to complete every required part of the form, especially in Part III - Duty Description, and Part IV - Army Values/Attributes/Skills/Actions, can lead to an incomplete assessment. This oversight undermines the evaluation's effectiveness in identifying areas of strength and those needing improvement.

5. Not Utilizing Specific Examples: Providing generic comments without specific examples fails to give a clear picture of the NCO's performance. Detailed instances and achievements support a thorough and justified evaluation.

6. Lack of Objectivity: Allowing personal biases to influence the rating process leads to an inaccurate portrayal of an NCO's capabilities and achievements. It is vital to remain objective and fair throughout the evaluation.

To ensure a comprehensive and fair assessment, it is imperative to approach the DA Form 2166-8-1 with diligence and a clear understanding of its components and requirements. By avoiding these common mistakes, the evaluation process becomes a powerful tool in guiding the development and recognition of NCOs.

The DA Form 2166-8-1, known as the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, serves as a foundational document in evaluating non-commissioned officers (NCOs) within the United States Army. It's part of a broader evaluation and documentation process that includes various other forms and documents. These additional documents are often used concurrently with the DA 2166-8-1 to ensure a comprehensive assessment of an NCO's performance, potential, and professional development needs.

• DA Form 2166-9 Series - This series of forms is used for the Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). This series expands on the initial counseling provided in DA Form 2166-8-1, offering detailed evaluations of NCOs' performances.
• DA Form 4856 - The Developmental Counseling Form is utilized for documenting counseling sessions between leaders and their subordinates, supporting the initial counseling recorded on DA Form 2166-8-1.
• DA Form 638 - Recommendation for Award, used to recommend NCOs for awards based on their conduct, achievements, and performance noted during the evaluation period.
• DA Form 705 - Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard, records an NCO's physical fitness test results, complementing the physical fitness and military bearing section of DA Form 2166-8-1.
• DA Form 5500/5501 - Body Fat Content Worksheets for male and female soldiers, respectively, used alongside the DA Form 705 to ensure compliance with the Army's physical fitness standards.
• DA Form 3349 - Physical Profile, documents any physical limitations an NCO might have, which could impact their performance or duty assignments.
• DA Form 4187 - Personnel Action, used for requests related to personnel actions that might affect an NCO's career, such as reassignments, which could stem from recommendations in their evaluation process.
• DA Form 31 - Request and Authority for Leave, documents leave periods which might need consideration when evaluating an NCO's performance over the evaluation period.
• ERB/ORB - Enlisted Record Brief or Officer Record Brief provides a concise summary of an NCO's military career, including assignments, education, and qualifications, helping raters to provide a context for their evaluations in DA Form 2166-8-1.
• Supporting Memorandums/Letters - These documents can provide contextual information or detail specific incidents or accomplishments relevant to the NCO's performance and potential.

Jointly, these forms and documents contribute to a thorough and equitable evaluation process, guiding the professional development of non-commissioned officers. They ensure that assessments are based on comprehensive data, reflecting both the accomplishments and areas for improvement, aligning with the Army's commitment to developing its leadership based on integrity and performance.

The DA Form 2166-8-1, known as the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, facilitates the evaluation of non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Army. It meticulously documents their performance, duties, attributes, and professional development. Several other documents share similar purposes, structures or are used in comparable contexts within various professional and organizational frameworks. These documents, while differing in specifics, essentially aim to assess, support, and improve the professional journey of individuals.

• Officer Evaluation Report (OER) - Form DA 67-9: Similar to the DA 2166-8-1, the OER is used within the Army to record the performance and potential of commissioned officers. Both serve as critical tools for career development and organizational decision-making, focusing on leadership qualities, professional abilities, and achievement of assigned duties.
• Employee Performance Review: Common in the civilian workforce, this document assesses an employee's job performance, aligning with the DA 2166-8-1's objective to evaluate military personnel systematically. Both aim to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and are used to guide future professional development.
• 360-Degree Feedback Form: This tool collects feedback on an individual from multiple sources, akin to the multi-rater feedback approach of the DA 2166-8-1 where input is gathered from the rated NCO, the rater, the senior rater, and the reviewer. It’s designed to offer a holistic view of performance and competencies.
• Individual Development Plan (IDP): Both the IDP and the DA 2166-8-1 focus on professional growth and development. While the DA form documents past performance and future potential, the IDP is a planning tool that sets specific career goals and outlines steps to achieve them.
• Annual Confidential Report (ACR): Used by various government agencies, the ACR evaluates an employee's performance over a year. Similar to the DA 2166-8-1, it influences promotions and career advancements by providing a documented performance history.
• Professional Licensing Assessments: These evaluations certify competency in a profession. Similar to components of the DA 2166-8-1 that assess MOS competency, licensing assessments ensure individuals meet established standards needed to perform specific roles effectively.
• Job Competency Assessment: Focused on evaluating an employee's skills and abilities to perform job-specific tasks, this assessment parallels the DA 2166-8-1’s evaluation of duty performance, including MOS competency and technical and tactical knowledge.
• Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Encouraging individuals to reflect on their own performance and goals, self-assessments share objectives with the self-improvement aspect of the DA 2166-8-1, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
• Academic Performance Evaluations: Similar to evaluating an officer's training and knowledge-sharing efforts in the DA 2166-8-1, academic evaluations assess students' comprehension, learning, and application of course material, aiming to foster improvement.
• Project Evaluation Reports: These documents assess the outcomes of specific projects against set objectives, similar to how the DA 2166-8-1 evaluates the accomplishment of assigned tasks and military missions, focusing on effectiveness and leadership during execution.

When filling out the DA Form 2166-8-1, which is the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the form is completed properly and accurately reflects the rated NCO's performance and potential. Below are some crucial dos and don'ts:

• Do double-check that all administrative data is correct, including the name, SSN, rank, and unit information. Errors in this section can cause confusion and delays.
• Do provide specific examples of the rated NCO's performance to support each rating. General statements are less impactful and less informative.
• Do use clear, concise language that accurately describes the NCO's duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Avoid military jargon that might not be universally understood.
• Do ensure that the form is reviewed by the rater, senior rater, and the reviewer before it is submitted. This three-level review process is crucial for accuracy and fairness.
• Do focus on the rated NCO's most recent performance period; do not include achievements or issues from previous rating periods unless they are part of a continued pattern.
• Don't forget to discuss the form with the rated NCO. Offering them feedback directly is important for their development and understanding of their evaluation.
• Don't leave any sections incomplete. If a section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank to show that it was considered.
• Don't use the form to address personal grievances or to unfairly penalize the rated NCO. The evaluation should be an objective assessment of their performance and potential.
• Don't rush through the process. Take the time needed to accurately and thoroughly complete the form. This document plays a crucial role in the NCO's career development.

There are several common misconceptions about the DA Form 2166-8-1, also known as the NCOER (Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report) Counseling and Support Form. These misunderstandings can affect accurate completion and the form's intended use:

• Misconception 1: The form is only for negative feedback. In reality, the DA Form 2166-8-1 is designed to document both strengths and areas for improvement, providing a balanced view of an NCO's performance and potential.
• Misconception 2: It's confidential and not shared with the rated NCO. Contrary to this belief, the form is part of a counseling process that involves open communication between the rater and the rated NCO to discuss performance and set goals.
• Misconception 3: Only the rater's observations matter. The process is collaborative, and the form encourages input from the rated NCO, including self-assessment and reflection on performance and achievements.
• Misconception 4: The form is filled out once a year and forgotten. Actually, the DA Form 2166-8-1 is part of continuous performance management and development, meant to guide regular counseling sessions throughout the rating period.
• Misconception 5: It has no impact on career progression. This assumption is false. Performance evaluations documented on the form are crucial for promotion boards and career development decisions, reflecting an NCO's leadership abilities and overall performance.
• Misconception 6: The form is lengthy and complicated. While comprehensive, the form is structured to facilitate clear, concise documentation of performance against Army values and specific duties. With proper guidance, it can be completed effectively to accurately reflect an NCO's capabilities and potential.

Understanding these misconceptions is key to proper use of the DA Form 2166-8-1, ensuring it serves its purpose as a tool for feedback, development, and evaluation in the U.S. Army's NCO corps.

Understanding how to properly fill out and use the DA Form 2166-8-1, known as the NCOER Counseling and Support Form, is important for those in the military. Here are five key takeaways to ensure accuracy and compliance:

• Know the Purpose: The DA Form 2166-8-1 is designed for evaluating non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the U.S. Army. It is used to document counseling sessions and provide support throughout the evaluation period. Understanding its role helps in filling out the form accurately.
• Fill Out Administrative Data Correctly: Part I requires detailed administrative data, including the name, SSN, rank, and contact information of the rated NCO and the raters involved (rater, senior rater, and reviewer). Ensuring this information is correct is crucial for the form’s validity and the evaluation process.
• Duty Description Matters: In Part III, the rater outlines the principal duties, daily responsibilities, areas of special emphasis, and appointed duties of the NCO being rated. This section sets the foundation for the evaluation, making it essential to describe the NCO's roles accurately and comprehensively.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Part IV focuses on evaluating the NCO’s performance based on Army values, attributes, skills, and actions. Categories include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage (LDRSHIP), competence, physical fitness and military bearing, leadership, training, and responsibility and accountability. Raters must provide specific examples and summaries of performance in these areas.
• Privacy and Security: Since the DA Form 2166-8-1 contains personal and sensitive information, it is marked For Official Use Only (FOUO) and must be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act Statement. Protecting the privacy of the information contained within the form is a legal requirement.