Character (NCOER/OER)

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Character encompasses elements internal and central to the leader’s core consisting of Army Values, empathy, Warrior Ethos, Service Ethos, and discipline. Character is comprised of a person’s moral and ethical qualities, helps determine what is right, and gives a leader motivation to do what is appropriate, regardless of the circumstances or consequences. It determines who people are, how they act, helps determine right from wrong, and choose what is right.

Action required: Rating officials will comment on how well the rated officer promoted a climate of dignity and respect and adhered to the requirements of the SHARP program. This assessment should identify, as appropriate, any significant actions or contributions the rated officer made toward promoting the personal and professional development of subordinates; ensuring the fair, respectful treatment of unit personnel; and establishing a workplace and overall command climate that fosters dignity and respect for all members of the unit. This assessment should also identify any failures by the rated officer to foster a climate of dignity and respect and adhere to the SHARP program.

Raters will comment on any substantiated finding in an Army or DOD investigation or inquiry that the rated officer—

a. Committed an act of sexual harassment or sexual assault;

b. Failed to report a sexual harassment or sexual assault;

c. Failed to respond to a complaint or report of sexual harassment or sexual assault; or

d. Retaliated against a person making a complaint or report of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

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Army Value: The Army Values are the beliefs, norms, and traits that are seen to be necessary for effective Army leaders. These are essential for assisting Military and DA Civilians in making the best choice in every circumstance. An key leader role and anticipated standard are the Army Values. When offered, comments will make reference to a particular value and be incorporated into the story. The Army Values and their definitions are listed below:

a. Loyalty: bears true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, the unit, and other Soldiers.

b. Duty: fulfills obligations (professional, legal, and moral).

c. Respect: treats people as they should be treated.

d. Selfless Service: puts the welfare of the Nation, the Army, and subordinates’ priorities before self.

e. Honor: adheres to the Army’s publicly declared code of values.

f. Integrity: does what is right, legally and morally.

g. Personal Courage: faces fear, danger, or adversity (physical and moral).

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Empathy: the ability to see something from another person’s point of view, to identify with, and enter into another person’s feelings and emotions. Empathy allows the leader to anticipate what others are experiencing and to try to envision how decisions or actions affect them. Army leaders display empathy when they genuinely relate to another person’s situation, motives, and feelings. Empathy does not necessarily mean sympathy for another, but identification that leads to a deeper understanding.

Warrior Ethos and Service Ethos: the professional attitudes and beliefs that characterize the American Soldier. They reflect a Soldier’s selfless commitment to the Nation, mission, unit, and fellow Soldiers. These ethos are developed and sustained through discipline, commitment to the Army Values, and pride in the Army’s heritage. The key to the Warrior Ethos and Service Ethos are not only physical, tactical, and technical training, but also a mindset developed through purposeful mental preparation.

Discipline: at the individual level, this is primarily self-discipline, the ability to control one’s own behavior. Discipline expresses what the Army Values require willingly doing what is right. Discipline involves attending to the details of organization and administration, which are less urgent than an organization’s key tasks, but necessary for efficiency and long-term effectiveness. Examples include an effective Command Supply Discipline Program, Organizational Inspection Programs, and training management.

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Reference: ADP 6–22 and ADRP 6–22

Source: (DA PAM 623-3 NCOER, page 23)