OVERVIEW

1. OVERVIEW • Importance of Effective Bullets • What is a Bullet Statement? • Writing Effective Bullets • Examples

2. Importance of Effective Bullets • Impact on Careers • Primary Use

3. Impact on Careers Quarterly/Annual Awards Performance Reports EPRs, OPRs, Civilian Rating of Records Regular Promotions Early Promotions--STEP/BTZ Meaningful Decorations

4. Primary Use • You…during training • You…for your OPR • You…as a supervisor • Others in the EPR/OPR/CRR writing process

5. What is a Bullet Statement? • Definition: “bullet” • Elements of an A-I Bullet • Example

6. Definition: “Bullet” • Brief “bottom line” of an idea • Talking papers • Accomplishment (action) + impact • EPRs, OPRs, CRRs • Award packages (Form 1206) Single idea bullet Accomplishment-impactbullet Note: Bullet statements are usually descriptive phrases

7. Elements of an A-I Bullet • Accomplishment: (1st element) • What did the person do? (performance, leadership, & mgmt) • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? (resources, effectiveness, efficiency) Ex: - Restored 40 damaged/missing elements on six antennas in three days using decommissioned parts; saved $3479

8. 2 Elements of an A-I Bullet • Impact: (2nd element) • What level was impacted? (unit, wing, base, AF) • Why was accomplishment important? Ex: -- Sharply improved voice clarity for 30 Atlantic Gateway Antenna System operators covering US and Europe

9. Ex: Complete A-I Bullet Ex: Takes 2 lines on an EPR/OPR form; minimal white space. - Restored 40 damaged/missing elements on 6 antennas in three days using decommissioned parts; saved $3479 -- Sharply improved voice clarity of 30 Atlantic Gateway Antenna System operators covering US and Europe • What did the person do? • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? • What level was impacted? • Why was accomplishment important? So What? Each bullet must answer these questions!

10. Writing Effective Bullets • Documentation • Format • Writing Tips • Special Bullets

11. Documentation • Keep a daily record of duties • Keep a daily record of additional duties • Keep letters, e-mails, or comments of recognition or appreciation • Keep record of completed training or education • Keep a record of any voluntary service to military or community • Crunch the numbers (# produced, #hrs saved, $ saved, # people involved)

12. Format Size/Length of Bullets • 1 – 3 lines Sub-bullets describe impact, result, or scope • Minimize “white space” (but don’t fill with fluff!) • Avoid carrying a few words to next line—Don’t waste space… - XXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXX -- XXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXX -- XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX - AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA -- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - YYY YYYYY YYY YYY - ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZ - VVVV VVV VVVV VVVVVV VVVV

13. Format • Bullets don’t have periods “.” • Use “!” sparingly • Avoid: articles--a, an, the conjunctions--and, but, or pronouns--he, she, him, her • Avoid: negative words--isn’t, can’t • To indicate a pause, use: double dash (--) ellipsis (…) semicolon (;)

14. Writing Tips • Start with a strong, fact-filled statement • Use “hard-hitting” facts, actions, & phrases • Be enthusiastic; make your writing come alive! • Look at other EPRs/OPRs/CRRs for same position

15. Writing Tips • Use common terms • Avoid job-specific jargon • Validate with comments from outside agencies (HQ USAF, MAJCOM, Wing, etc.)

16. Writing Tips Use verbs, adverbs & adjectives with... Punch

17. Writing Tips Verbs with Punch Instead of ...Say ... Revamped, rescued Pioneered, initiated Created, built, conceived Spearheaded, piloted Recaptured, recouped Captured, garnered Briefed, presented, delivered (a speech) Improved…………. Started…………… Made……………… Led……………….. Saved ($)………… Received (award).. Spoke ……………..

18. Writing Tips Verbs with Punch Useactivevoice -- not passive “smooth transition was achieved” • “achieved smooth transition” • “patient’s life was saved” • “saved patient’s life” • “10 students were taught” • “educated 10 students”

19. Writing Tips Adverbs with Punch - explain how a task was accomplished - use only if it truly adds value to the verb enthusiastically proactively expertly shrewdly independently single-handedly strategically flawlessly meticulously selflessly

20. Writing Tips Adjectives with Punch - use only if they add value - use to describe the worker dynamic talented visionary decisive motivated inspirational versatile proactive dynamic high-output expedient expert inexhaustible

21. Writing Tips Lead-ins with Punch - Use sparingly; takes up space - Followed with a fact or accomplishment Hard charger “Go to” person Leader of the pack Pacesetter Point-person Shining star Quality champion Community advocate Visionary Trailblazer

22. Special Bullets • Last bullet in rating section recommends: • Promotion (enlisted) • PME (officer) • Stratification: • Use to rank top personnel • Sets individual above his/her peers • Common phrases: top x%, my #1, my best, hard-hitting, enthusiastic, strong • Ex: - #2 of 312 CGOs in 90 SW • - Top 1% of captains in 20 AF

23. 4a. Example - Piloted annual Combined Federal Campaign -- Contacted 100% of personnel in 5 days and reached 14% of monetary goal • Good • What did the person do? • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? • What level was impacted? • Why was accomplishment important? So What?

24. 4b. Example - Created an ISD reference library -- provided a ready source of information for all element members Good and Poor What did the person do? Good How well did the person do it? So-so What was the result? So-so What level was impacted? Yes, not impressive Why was accomplishment important? So What?

25. 4c. Example Last Bullet from Senior Rater: - Extraordinary leader achieves unparalleled results; SOS in residence at first opportunity Great Stratification from commander for promotion and officer PME. Perfect for last bullet.

26. 4d. Example - Requires constant supervision; sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them Poor

27. SUMMARY • Importance of Effective Bullets • What is a Bullet Statement? • Writing Effective Bullets • Exercises

28. Remember, in the highly competitive promotion arena, written communication is the only tool we have. Gen Eugene Habiger (Ret) CINC, US Strategic Command