Bullet Statements OVERVIEW 1 Importance of Effective Bullets

Bullet Statements

OVERVIEW 1. Importance of Effective Bullets 2. What is a Bullet Statement? 3. Writing Effective Bullets 4. Examples

Importance of Effective Bullets Ø Impact on Careers Ø Primary Use

Impact on Careers Ø Quarterly/Annual Awards Ø Performance Reports Ø EPRs, OPRs, Civilian Appraisals (CAs) Ø Regular Promotions Ø Early Promotions--STEP/BTZ Ø Meaningful Decorations

Primary Use Ø You…during training Ø You…for your OPR Ø You…as a supervisor Ø Others in the EPR/OPR/CA writing process

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

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

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

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

Ex: Complete A-I Bullet - 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 Ø Ø Ø What did the person do? Each bullet must How well did the person do it? answer these What was the result? questions! What level was impacted? Why was accomplishment important? So What?

Ex: Complete Bullet “Short Version” - Successfully restored 40 damaged elements on 6 antennas in three days -- Sharply improved voice clarity of 30 system operators and saved $3479 Ø using decommissioned parts Ø Atlantic Gateway Antenna Ø covering US and Europe Minimum requirements for a short version bullet statement: Ø Accomplishment Ø Impact

Ex: Complete Bullet “Shorter Version” - Restored 6 antennas in three days, improved voice clarity; saved $3, 479 Ø using decommissioned parts Ø Atlantic Gateway Antenna Ø covering US and Europe Ø Successfully Ø 40 damaged elements Ø Sharply Ø 30 operators Minimum requirements for a short version bullet statement: Ø Accomplishment Ø Impact

Writing Effective Bullets 1. 2. 3. 4. Documentation Format Writing Tips Special Bullets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Tips Verbs with Use active voice – 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”

Writing Tips Adverbs with - 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

Writing Tips Adjectives with - 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

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

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

4 a. 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?

4 b. 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?

4 c. 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.

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

SUMMARY 1. Importance of Effective Bullets 2. What is a Bullet Statement? 3. Writing Effective Bullets 4. Exercises

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