DA Form 2166-9-1A: NCOER Support Form Guide (2026)

DA Form 2166-9-1A: NCOER Support Form Guide (2026) – The DA Form 2166-9-1A, known as the NCO Evaluation Report (NCOER) Support Form, is a critical tool in the U.S. Army’s Evaluation Reporting System (ERS). It supports the development, counseling, and formal evaluation of Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) from Sergeant (SGT) through Command Sergeant Major (CSM/SGM). This form aligns performance and potential assessments with Army leadership doctrine in ADP 6-22.

Download the official form here: DA Form 2166-9-1A (PDF).

What Is DA Form 2166-9-1A?

The NCOER Support Form (DA 2166-9-1A) replaced the older DA Form 2166-8-1. It serves as a living document for ongoing counseling, goal-setting, and performance tracking throughout the rating period. It provides the foundation for the actual NCOERs (DA Forms 2166-9-1, 2166-9-2, and 2166-9-3).

Key purposes include:

  • Documenting duty descriptions, performance objectives, and accomplishments.
  • Aligning with Army Values, Attributes (Character, Presence, Intellect), and Competencies (Leads, Develops, Achieves) from ADP 6-22.
  • Facilitating regular counseling between the rated NCO, rater, and senior rater.
  • Tracking progress toward promotion eligibility, such as Structured Self-Development (SSD) and Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) requirements.

It is mandatory for all NCOs in the ranks of Corporal (CPL) through CSM/SGM.

Who Uses the NCOER Support Form?

  • Rated NCO: Actively participates by providing input on goals, expectations, and accomplishments.
  • Rater: Typically the direct supervisor; develops objectives and documents performance.
  • Senior Rater: Provides additional counseling and oversight.
  • Reviewers: As required by the rating chain.

The form promotes shared responsibility and ensures evaluations are fair, documented, and tied to leadership development.

Key Sections of DA Form 2166-9-1A

Administrative Data and Rating Chain

Part I covers basic information (name, rank, DOD ID, unit, etc.). Part II includes counseling dates annotated by the senior rater and any supplementary reviewer information.

Duty Description

The rater and rated NCO jointly develop a clear duty description. This section outlines responsibilities, scope of duties, and expectations for the position. Accuracy here is essential as it directly informs the final NCOER.

Performance Objectives and Significant Contributions

In Part V (Attributes and Competencies), the form breaks down:

  • Character (Army Values, Empathy, Warrior Ethos/Service Ethos, Discipline; support for SHARP, EO, EEO).
  • Presence (Military bearing, fitness, confidence, resilience).
  • Intellect (Mental agility, judgment, innovation, expertise).
  • Competencies: Leads, Develops, Achieves.

For each, the NCO and rater list major performance objectives on the left and significant contributions/accomplishments on the right. This creates a clear record for bullet comments on the NCOER.

Goals and Expectations (Rated NCO Input)

The rated NCO provides personal goals and expectations, giving them ownership of their development.

Senior Rater Comments

The senior rater documents counseling sessions and broader observations.

How to Fill Out and Use DA Form 2166-9-1A Effectively?

  1. Initial Counseling (within 30 days): Develop duty description and objectives together.
  2. Quarterly Follow-ups: Update accomplishments, revise objectives as needed, and document counseling.
  3. Use Specific, Quantifiable Examples: Focus on results and impact.
  4. Align with Doctrine: Reference ADP 6-22 Attributes and Competencies.
  5. Maintain the Form: The rater keeps it until the NCOER is submitted. It supports the Evaluation Entry System (EES).

Tips for Success:

  • Be honest and proactive as the rated NCO.
  • Use strong action verbs and measurable achievements.
  • Ensure objectives support unit mission and Army priorities (e.g., SHARP, fitness, readiness).
  • Prepare for promotion boards by demonstrating consistent growth.

Importance for NCO Career Progression

The support form directly influences NCOERs, which affect promotions, assignments, and retention. Strong documentation on the 2166-9-1A leads to better bullet comments, higher ratings, and clearer demonstration of potential. It emphasizes development over mere compliance.

Proper use helps identify high-potential leaders for key developmental assignments, schooling, and advanced responsibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Vague or missing objectives and accomplishments.
  • Infrequent counseling or undocumented sessions.
  • Failure to update the form as duties or missions change.
  • Not aligning entries with ADP 6-22 or unit goals.
  • Incomplete administrative data or missing signatures/initials.

Download and Resources

  • Official Form: DA Form 2166-9-1A.
  • Primary References: AR 623-3 (Evaluation Reporting System) and DA PAM 623-3.
  • Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for latest versions.
  • Evaluation Entry System (EES) for digital processing.

Mastering the DA Form 2166-9-1A demonstrates leadership and professionalism while building a strong performance record. Consistent use supports both individual development and Army readiness. For the most current guidance, consult your chain of command, unit S1, or the latest AR 623-3 and DA PAM 623-3.