Whenever possible, who should be the rater on a Petty Officer's (E-5-E-6) evaluation?

The most appropriate rater for a Petty Officer's (E-5-E-6) evaluation is typically the Division Chief. This is due to the Division Chief’s direct oversight of the division's operations and their closer working relationship with the Petty Officers in that division. They are in a prime position to assess performance since they interact frequently with these personnel and observe their work, conduct, and professional development on a day-to-day basis.

The Division Chief's role includes mentoring, guiding, and evaluating personnel, making them well-equipped to provide the necessary feedback that reflects not only the individual’s capabilities but also their alignment with the division's goals and values. By having the Division Chief as the rater, the evaluation is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s contributions to the team, leading to a clearer picture of performance outcomes.

In contrast, while the Division Officer, Department Head, and Squad Leader may also interact with the Petty Officers and contribute to performance assessments, their roles may not allow for the same level of direct observation and interaction in everyday tasks as the Division Chief. This can impact the fairness and accuracy of the evaluation if they are selected as raters instead.