OER (Officer Effectiveness Report) Perceptions of Field and Company Grade Line Officers.

Fewer issues in the Air Force will get more emotional response from the officer corps than the officer effectiveness report OER system. The reason for this is obvious. The OER is an officers report card. It will, for the most part, determine the level of success he or she attains. It strikes at the very heart and soul of every officer whether his goal is to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force or to retire after twenty years of service. Because the Air Force has an up or out career progression philosophy, and this up or out decision is based upon performance and potential documented in each officers OER, any discussion of this subject will get the very careful attention of the corps. Having the acceptance of both the raters and the ratees is a critical factor in the utility and ultimate success of any performance rating system. This paper seeks to provide answers to fundamental questions about the OER system from the perspective of the officer corps. 1 Does the OER achieve its stated purpose 2 What is the level of knowledge or compliance with the OER regulation 3 Is there a need for change, and if so, where 4 Is there a difference between field and company grade officers perceptions the insights provided will help the Air Force determine the direction it needs to take in the area of OER managements.