Please select one of the categories below:

Common FAQ's

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

• What do I do if I lost my password?

  Click the "Lost Password?" link at the top of any page and enter your Username and E-mail Address. Your password will be sent to the e-mail address we have on file.

• I just registered but I can't log in to the site. How do I log in?

  An email was sent to your us.army.mil account that contains a link you must click to activate your account before you can log in. This is to verify that you are the owner of that email account. You may also want to check in your spam or junk mail folder to see if it was inadvertently moved.

  If you did not get that email let us know by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it from your us.army.mil email account. We will then send you another email to that account with a question that only you would know. Answer the question by replying with your us.army.mill email account and we will activate your account manually.

• What do I do if I forgot my Username?

  Send us an email that includes your email address and name. We have to verify the information manually and will send your username via email once the information has been verified. Usually within 24 hours but no longer than 48.

• Can I run these programs on my Apple computer with the Mac Operating System?

  Possibly. We build our products in a PC based (Windows) environment because that is the same platform the US Army uses as well as an overwhelmingly large majority of personal computer users.

  We have been told by several customers the programs will work on recent editions of the Mac OS if it is configured for use with Windows programs but we have not been able to verify this as of yet.

  We currently do not provide support for the Mac OS so if you do decide to purchase any programs for use on a Mac OS you will have to do so at your own risk.

• I paid with an e-check through PayPal but I didn't get a download link. When will I be able to download the software I purrchased?

  It usually takes PayPal 3-4 business days to clear the funds from and e-check or bank withdrawal. Once the funds have cleared, our system will automatically send an email with the download link.

  If you need to download the software right away we recommend using a credit card.

ACO Products FAQ's

Army Counseling Online's Frequently Asked Questions about our products.

• How do I download after making a purchase?

  Once you have completed processing your payment via PayPal or Google checkout you should be directed immediately to a download page where you can download your software. An email containing a download link will also be sent to the address you supplied during the payment process.

  Click the link (or copy and paste it into your browser) to go to the download page where you can then download your product. You have 120 hours (5 days) to download your product(s). If you attempt to download your product more than 5 times the download link will be disabled so please ensure you have a reliable internet connection before attempting to download.

  If you are unsuccessful after the second attempt it would be advisable to try again at a later time or you may try using a different internet connection. The reason for this is that some network administrators have put limits on download sizes and bandwidth usage (particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan) which interrupts the download and causes it to fail.

  Please ensure that the email you use is capable of receiving mail and does not contain any typographical errors. Typos will result in any emails sent to you being bounced back or not received. We will not attempt to guess at what your actual email address is and don't expect us to jump through hoops to correct your mistake.

• What are the operating system requirements?

  All Programs:

  • Supported Operating Systems: Windows® 2000/ XP or Vista (only) (Mac OS not supported).
  • RAM: 256 MB
  • Processor: Pentium III 800Mhz or higher processor
  • Hard Drive Space: 10 MB or greater
  • Additional Software Required:
    • Microsoft® Word (1997 version or later) and/or *PureEdge™ Viewer (version 6.5 or later)

  Counsel Quick Volume 2:

  • Recommended Additional Software: (Not Required)
    • Microsoft® Publisher

  Rater Quick (NCOER Ed.):

  • Additional Software Required:
    • Browser such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or later) or Mozilla Firefox (version 2.0 or later)

  Rater Quick (OER Ed.):

  • Additional Software Required:
    • Adobe™ Reader for the NGB Form 25 and 26

  Award Quick 1.0:

  • Screen Resolution Requirement : To adjust your screen resolution right click on your desktop and select Properties - then the Settings tab - drag the slider to the right to adjust your screen resolution to the matrix below then click OK. The settings below are only a guideline; actual settings may vary. (*Note: The higher the resolution the smaller things will appear on your screen)
    • 20" Monitor = 1024x768 Minimum Screen Resolution or better
    • 17" Monitor = 1152x864 Minimum Screen Resolution or better
    • 15" Monitor = 1280x1024 Minimum Screen Resolution or better

  *Note: The PureEdge™ Viewer software can be downloaded for free if you have an AKO account and administrator rights on your computer. To download the software for PureEdge™ Viewer Click Here.

• Is Counsel Quick/Rater Quick a stand alone program?

  Yes! All of our products are stand alone programs although you will need to ensure you have the software to open the documents such as Microsoft® Word and/or PureEdge™ Viewer. Please see the operating system requirements FAQ above for more information.

• I dowloaded the program but I can't get the documents to open. What do I do?

  Make sure you have Microsoft® Word (Not Works) and/or PureEdge Viewer version 6.5 or later installed on your computer. You can check the forum under Technical Support for more support information on this and other issues you may encounter.

• Can I copy Counsel Quick (or any other ACO product) and give it to my friends?

  No. Most of the content in all of ACO's products are protected by copyright. By purchasing the product(s) though this website you are granted a non-exclusive license to use the product(s) for your individual use only. For more information see the terms and disclaimer pages.

• I would like to change some of the wording in the counseling templates that is not highlighted. How do I do that?

  To change the default text you must first un-protect the document. There are detailed instructions on how to do this in the README file that came with your product. To see a tutorial on editing the default text go to the Flash Demos section of the ACO Learning Center.

• How long before I can download after I purchase software?

  You can download and use the software immediately after purchasing.

  If the payment was an eCheck it may take 2-5 business days for the eCheck to clear. Once it is cleared you will receive an email the payment has cleared along with another email with a link to the download page.

• When will I receive the license key to install the program?

  The license key is located in the 'Download Info' email that was automatically sent after purchasing the software. If you do not see an email from Army Counseling Online in your inbox, be sure to check your junk mail or bulk mail folders.

  95% of the time this question is asked the email was found in the junk mail or bulk mail folder. The other 5% had typos in their email address so we have had to re-send a few.

  If you still can't find it and it has been several hours after downloading the software and you are just waiting on a license key by all means contact us and we will look into it.

Counseling FAQ's

Counseling FAQs.

• If a Solider is getting recommended for UCMJ action, does the solider need a counseling statement?

  "If the solider is getting recommended for UCMJ action does the solider need a counseling statement..."

  Absolutely!

• If a Solider doesn't recieve a counseling prior to his first article 15 reading what happens?

  "...if the solider doesn't recieve one prior to his first article 15 reading what happens?"

  Check out the guidance we posted in the ACO Learning Center. We can't tell you what your command will do if there is no 4856, that's entirely up to them; however, I've personally never seen anyone get an article 15 without a DA Form 4856.
  

• What do I do when I assume a squad, section, or platoon that has missing or no counselings to cover you for the previous ones?

  Simply type up an MFR (memorandum for Record) stating that you assumed duties and responsibilities on this date. That you made a review of counseling files and found theme....incomplete, non-existent, substandard...whatever the case is. In the next paragraph put in what steps you have implemented to correct the problem. Place a copy in each soldiers counseling packet.....also be aware that if quarterly counseling is not conducted counseling dates should be left blank for counseling not conducted and a bullet should be entered in the senior rater section explaining why counseling was not conducted.

• About how long do you have to counsel a soldier after a incident, before it becomes invalid?

  There is no "Statute of Limitations" on counseling. Remember, a DA Form 4856 is merely the record of the counseling that took place. It doesn't matter if it took place an hour ago, yesterday, last month, or even last year.

  Sometimes we do not always get the chance to type up a 4856 right away and a verbal counseling is all we have time for. However, you should fill the form out as soon as possible because your memory of the counseling fades over time and important information may inadvertently be omitted or incorrect.

• It's my understanding that when counseling, there only should be two individuals, the counselor, and the individual being counseled; no need for any witnesses....Could this be found in any reg or FM?

  The FM that governs counseling is FM 6-22 (formerly FM 22-100 appendix C). There is a lot of "grey area" in the FM which allows for flexibility so it may not be written in stone so to speak. Also, the FM was not designed to be a regulation...that's what regulations are for. Currently there is no Army Regulation specifically designed for counseling.
  
  
  The only time you would really need a witness would be if the soldier refused to sign the DA Form 4856 (to verify/justify the counseling) or if it was of a very serious or potentially harmful matter that required a witness to be present.

NCOER FAQ's

Courtesy of US Army Human Resources Command

• How should I send the NCO-ER once completed?

  Until otherwise stated in the upcoming MILPER message concerning FCMP submittal to HQDA, authorized senders should send evaluations via NCO-ER Upload, US Mail (no receipt will be provided), or method approved for those in special areas.

• When will I be able to submit NCO-ERs directly to HRC through the FCMP “Send to HQDA” button?

  HRC is currently testing this function and should be available soon. FCMP Training is available at the following link: https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/TAGD/MSD/msdweb.htm

• I have heard of Web Upload. Who is authorized to use Web Upload, and how do I get permission to use this function to send in NCO-ERs?

  Until the HQDA button is operating and functional, NCO-ERs can be uploaded to HQDA using the NCOER Upload. Information on accessing the upload and Online Reports can be obtained from the HRC Alexandria Website. Approval is granted only to PSBs, S1s, Evaluation Sections, and those designated by the Senior Rater. Request for access and pertinent information can be obtained at: https://www.erec.army.mil/nco-er_statistical_reports/ako_login.htm. Once NCO-ERs are submitted the sender will receive a receipt showing that the upload was successful or failed.

• When Uploading NCOERs, do I use the three browse buttons to upload the same file?

  No. Each browse is for different files. You can elect to send different ranks in each different file. HRC is receiving duplicate files due to units uploading the same file in different browse blocks. When this occurs, it slows down the processing of NCO-ERs.

• I uploaded NCOERs, why don’t the Online Reports show they processed?

  Listed below are a few reasons:

  1. Sent in wrong resolution or color
  2. No cover letter with email address to notify sender the batch is not accepted
  3. Not sent in MTIF or TIF image
  4. Image cannot be opened – sent incorrectly
  5. Back page of new form is not Head to Head
  6. All front pages received, back pages in different batch

• When will all NCOERs be routed through the S1's instead of at PSB level?

  IAW AR 623-3, dated 15 May 06, PARA 1-5, the evaluation function is the responsibility of the BDE S-1, BN S-1, or unit personnel administration office, as well as the rating officials, rated Soldiers and Headquarters, Department of the Army. The senior rater or designated representative will forward the NCO-ER to HQDA.

• If there is no longer a Personnel Service Battalion (PSB) does the NCOER still require a PSB Code?

  Yes, all NCOERs must have a PSB Code. If there is not a PSB code, use the appropriate PSDR code.

• Why does it take so long to process NCO-ERs?

  The processing time is determined by how many errors are received from the field and the many duplicate reports received. Initiatives must be taken to ensure reports are only sent once, legible, accurate, and are in accordance with the specified regulation.

• Should NCOERs be printed Head-to-Head or Head-to-Foot?

  NCOERs should be printed Head-to-Head. The reference for this is AR 623-3, PARA 3-37d. However, you should note that there is a discrepancy between AR 623-3 and DA Pam 623-3. In PARA 5-1a of the DA Pam, it states to print reports Head to Foot. This discrepancy has been noted and the DA Pam will be revised to correct this error.

• How can I verify what date to use as the “From Date” when beginning the NCOER?

  The “From Date” is the date the individual was first eligible to receive an NCOER (such as promotion to SGT), or the date following the ending date of the last NCOER. Check the NCOER Online Reports or Personnel Data Snapshot located on the US Army Human Resource Command, Management Support Division Website.
  https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/Active/TAGD/MSD/msdweb.htm.

• What are the 5 most common errors on NCO-ERs?

  - Inconsistent ratings between rater and senior rater and the reviewer does not mark the non-concur with rater and /or senior rater eval box in Part IId
  - Concur or Non-concur box not marked (Part IId)
  - Signatures and signature dates missing
  - Incorrect Begin and End dates
  - Report not sent “Head to Head”

• If the rater and senior rater’s ratings are independent of one another, how can a report be considered an error if their ratings don’t agree?

  If the NCO-ER shows discrepancies between the rater and senior rater (ratings don’t agree), this sends mixed signals to the selection board. The reviewer’s responsibility is to non-concur with one or the other to balance the NCO-ER and issue a non-concurrence statement.  If the reviewer fails to non-concur, the NCO-ER is in error and cannot be processed.

• When should the rater conduct a Soldier’s 1st counseling?

  Within first 30 days of the rating period and later counseling should be done quarterly.

• If you receive an NCO-ER before the Board document cut-off date, will it be seen by the Board?

  Yes, any report received and accepted before document cut-off date will be seen by the board.

• Once the counseling is done, should the DA Form 2166-8-1 be tossed?

  No. The rater will maintain the DA Form 2166-8-1 for each rated NCO until after the NCOER for that period is complete.

• When is the first NCOER Due?

  An NCO’s first report period begins on the effective date of promotion to sergeant, reversion to NCO status after serving as a commissioned or warrant officer for 12 months or more, reentry on active duty after a break in service of 12 months or more, or the date of the ABCMR memorandum that approves reinstatement of a promotion.

• Does a DA Form 1059 (Service School Academic Evaluation Report) that is 20 weeks or longer, still takes the place of a NCOER?

  No, any DA Form 1059 ending after 14 Jun 06 does not take the place of an NCOER. The 1059 is placed in the NCOs OMPF and annotated as non-rated time on the next NCOER.

• Are bullet comments mandatory in the Army Values section?

  Yes. All boxes must be checked with either “YES” or “NO” and bullet comments provided.

• If a Soldier receives one needs improvement, can the overall rating reflect Among the Best?

  No. NCOs receiving one or more “needs improvement” cannot receive an overall rating of “Among the Best”.

• If the Rater gives a Marginal, what must the Senior Rater address?

  The senior rater must address marginal ratings given by the rater (in Part Va). The senior rater must also address fair and poor ratings (part Vc and d) in part Ve.

• If the rater is relieved, can that rater still write the NCO-ER?

  No, the Senior Rater performs the functions of the rater and enter “rater relieved” in Part Ve.

• Can a Soldier request an NCOER to be removed from their OMPF?

  Yes, but only through the appeal’s redress system. If a Soldier feels the report is unfair, unjust, or does not accurately portray their performance and or potential, they have the right to appeal the evaluation IAW guidance outlined in AR 623-3, Chapter 6 and DA Pam 623-3, Chapter 6.

• What is the correct authentication signing order on the NCOER?

  a. The reviewer's signature and date cannot be before the rater's or senior rater's. 
  b. The senior rater's signature and date cannot be before the rater's. 
  c. The rated Soldier may not sign or date the report before the rater, senior rater, or reviewer.

• If the NCO-ER is signed after the NCO was promoted, which was after the THRU Date of the NCOER, what rank is used?

  Use the rank, date of rank, and PMOSC of the Soldier as of the THRU date of the NCO-ER.

• If the NCO refuses to sign the NCOER, does that mean no report is written?

  No, it is important that the rated NCO and rating officials clearly understand that the rated NCO's signature does not constitute agreement or dis-agreement with the evaluations of the rater and/or senior rater. If the rated Soldier is unavailable, unable, or fails to sign the DA Form 2166-8 for any reason, the senior rater will either resolve the problem or explain in Part Ve on the DA Form 2166-8 and the rated Soldier's signature is left blank. The report will not be delayed because it lacks the rated Soldier's signature.

• If a NCO is filling an officer position do we use the officer’s DMOS?

  No, in cases where the rated NCO is filling an officer position, enter the enlisted MOS that best matches the officer position.

• If the Rater gives a Marginal, can the Senior Rater give a superior rating?

  Yes. However, the reviewer has to non-concur with either the rater or senior rater and provides a non-concurrence statement.

• What should be done if the Senior Rater or Reviewer is relieved?

  Another Senior Rater and Reviewer are appointed. If the senior rater does not meet minimum qualifications, he/she cannot rate the NCO. Part Ve must be annotated with the bullet comment “Senior Rater does not meet minimum time requirements for evaluation of the rated NCO”.

• Is it mandatory to comment on a failed height/weight entry?

  Yes, a bullet comment must address the reason the NCO failed and must state if the NCO is/is not enrolled in the overweight program and is/is not making progress.

• Can a NCO who does not meet unit APFT Standards get a “needs improvement?”

  No. NCOs who meet Army minimum standards for APFT, but fail to meet unit standards, will not be given a rating of "needs improvement" for physical fitness and military bearing if such rating is based solely on the failure to meet unit standards.

• If a NCO is deployed and unable to take the APFT, can the information from the previous report be used?

  No, as directed by the HQDA proponent for Army Physical Fitness Program (APFT), Deputy Chief of Staff G-3, deployed units unable to administer the APFT due to mission or conditions will annotate NCOERs with the following statement: "Soldier unable to take the APFT during this period due to deployment for combat operations/contingency operations". NOTE: This does not exclude weight requirements (however, the APFT data will be blank).

• If a NCOER is completed in March but ends in April, can I send it in prior to the ending date of the report?

  No. The NCO-ER can be signed 14 days prior to the THRU date, but can not be submitted to HQDA before the THRU date.

• What is a good e-mail address to contact someone in Evaluations on NCO-ERs?

  The email address to contact someone on Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Are Soldier allowed to waive there final NCOER for their last rating period prior to retirement?

  Retirement reports of less than 1 year are optional and will be rendered at the option of the rater or senior rater or when requested by the rated NCO. This is for reports less than 1 year. Reports for 1 year or more must be submitted.

• One of our NCOs left the Battalion without signing his NCOER. Can we still forward the NCOER without the Soldier’s signature?

  You should try to obtain the rated NCOs signature if at all possible. According to AR 623-3, 3-37 (f), "In the event the rated Soldier is not available or refuses to sign, senior raters will provide an explanation in their narrative or bullet comments". The signature block is left blank. Keep in mind, a NCO-ER can be routed through AKO My Forms for signature.

• Are inaccurate counseling dates on an NCOER grounds for an appeal?

  The absence of counseling will not be used as the sole basis for an appeal. However, the lack of counseling may be used to help support other claims made in an appeal. (DA Pamphlet 623-3, Table 3-3).