What is the stated exception to the rater's rank requirement?

• A. Raters must always be same rank
• B. Commanders can rate someone senior based on DOR rather than Rank
• C. Raters can rate someone senior based on time in service
• D. There are no exceptions

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that the usual rule requires the rater to be at least the same rank as the person being rated, ensuring appropriate authority and perspective. The stated exception is that a commander can rate someone who is technically senior in rank by using Date of Rank to determine seniority rather than the current rank. In other words, even if the rater is of a lower or different rank, the commander’s authority can be exercised if the Date of Rank shows the ratee has greater seniority in the required grade, allowing the rating to proceed based on that DOR-based seniority assessment.