Bullet Statement Format

Just the Facts, ma'am.

The entries in the AF Form 910 must be in “bullet statement” format.

Bullet statement format is a term for describing something with as few words as possible.

For example, instead of writing, “SSgt Smith repaired a critical equipment item which, once back on-line, restored power and radar support to the base”.

In bullet statement format, the same sentence would be written as:

- Repaired critical equipment, restored base radar support

Articles of speech, such as “a”, “an”, and “the” which are normally required for complete, proper sentences aren't required for bullet statement format. The important thing is the accurate description of the facts.

There are two different styles of bullet statement formats used in an EPR. One style is used for the Job Description section and the other is used for the Performance Assessment blocks.

When completing the Job Description section of the EPR, use bullet statements that fully describe the ratee's duties:

Examples:

- Manages 15 personnel in 3 sections in the processing of base personnel requirements

- Facilitates the resolution of base assignment and base of preference conflicts

- Controls, distributes, and schedules promotion testing material and testing events

- Assists the Commander with the efficient prosecution of critical personnel programs

The job description bullet statements should begin with a present-tense verb (Manages, Facilitates, Controls, Assists, etc.).

The bullet statement format in the Performance Assessment blocks and the Additional Rater's Comments block is different from the format used in the Job Description block. In these blocks, the bullet statements should have two parts:

Example: Washed over 1,000 bottles in half normal time–next in line for Chief Bottle Washer!

The Air Force limits bullet statements to two lines. No more than two lines can be used to describe a single achievement. But, even though two lines are allowed for each accomplishment, if possible, only one should be used. This allows the documenting of more achievements.

But, if the achievement is substantial and you need to use two lines to describe it, the format normally used is to use the first line for the achievement and the second line for the positive result or impact. The first line is prefixed with a single dash and the second line has a double dash indicating that it supports the line above it.

- Shot over 9 holes of golf despite severe conditions and weather
– Won best ball on four holes, recognized by Commander for efforts

Bullet statements in the Performance Assessment Section should begin with the action being described. Start the bullet statement with a past-tense verb (Developed, Registered, Repaired, Authored, etc.)

- Developed new process for…

- Registered more than 2K base customers…

- Repaired critical component to…

Every bullet statement should be written in plain language so that anyone can understand it. The EPR will be reviewed at boards by NCOs from a variety of career fields so it must be understandable to a broad audience.

Format

Different organizations have different requirements as to format. Most require the bullet statements to start with a single dash (-) and supporting bullet statements (sub-bullets) start with a double-dash (–). The device used to separate the accomplishment and its result is either a semi-colon or a double-dash.