Who should ideally be the rater on a Petty Officer's (E-5-E-6) evaluation?

The ideal rater on a Petty Officer's (E-5-E-6) evaluation is typically the immediate supervisor. This is because the immediate supervisor is the person who observes the Petty Officer's performance on a daily basis and can provide the most accurate and relevant feedback regarding their duties and responsibilities. The immediate supervisor has firsthand knowledge of the Petty Officer's work habits, strengths, areas for improvement, and contributions to the team.

In contrast, while a Division Chief may have a broader understanding of departmental goals and performance, they may not be as familiar with the specific day-to-day performance of individual Petty Officers. Peer evaluators generally provide valuable insights but lack the authority and comprehensive understanding of performance expectations to serve as the primary rater. The Commanding Officer’s role is more aligned with oversight and final assessments rather than the detailed evaluation that the immediate supervisor can provide. Thus, the immediate supervisor is best positioned to conduct an evaluation that accurately reflects the Petty Officer's performance.