When is a reviewer required for an NCOer?

• A. Annual evaluation
• B. End-of-tour evaluation
• C. Routine quarterly review
• D. Relief for Cause evaluation

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that an independent check is required when there’s a punitive or corrective action involved. In a relief for cause evaluation, there’s potential for significant consequences for the NCO, so a reviewer is mandated to provide an objective, third-eye review of the rater’s performance assessment and comments. This helps ensure the report is fair, accurate, and compliant with policy, reducing the risk of bias or error in a high-stakes situation.

In contrast, routine evaluations such as annual, end-of-tour, or routine quarterly reviews follow the normal rating chain, and a separate reviewer isn’t automatically required unless a specific circumstance calls for extra oversight.