19: Writing Better Bullet Statements

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US Air Force
US Department of Defense

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This chapter covers:

Getting started
Drafting Accomplishment-Impact Bullet Statements
Polishing Accomplishment-Impact Bullet Statements
Bullet Statement Mechanics

Bullet statements are used in many Air Force documents, from the Air Force papers discussed in chapter 16 to the official personnel records of Airmen. While this chapter focuses on writing better bullet statements for use in personnel records, the principles here can be used to improve any written product wherever bullet statements are used.

Performance reports/appraisals (officer, enlisted and civilian), awards and decorations are part of everyone’s permanent personnel records. These records are used by commanders, managers and supervisors to document an individual’s performance over a specific period of time. If you supervise just one person, you play a vital role in his/her career. You provide the opportunities for success and you have the obligation to document employee performance.

Through leadership, mentoring and effective writing, you can ensure the employees you supervise are afforded opportunities for success and increased responsibilities by documenting their success on performance reports/appraisals, awards and decorations. The guidance here is general in nature; you must ensure all performance reports/appraisals, awards and decorations you prepare follow appropriate instructions/regulations and applicable command guidance. Of course, the most important part of documenting performance is getting started.