ALO evaluation
Hi all!
Okay, the ALO evaluation, aka: Form 4060. YES, it plays a rather large part in the process.
Moderatly so in the "total points position", but HUGE in the perception pool.
If I rate a candidate at the highest total points, then that gives them "X" points (I really do NOT know how many) but MORE importantly it tells the board a great deal about the candidate that they do NOT know.
Let's be honest here: the candidates’ package is going to be FILLED with VERY biased/partisan recommendations, glowing tributes, etc...etc.., and that's expected! If it's not, there's a HUGE problem. (Ask anyone in the service about OPR's and EPR's)
HOWEVER the ALO is that "non-biased" input that is simply based upon research and facts. We typically will meet with teachers, coaches, job supervisors, clergy members, etc., to learn about the candidate BEFORE we meet with them. Well, some of us do. This is to give us a clear picture of who we are going to interview. THEN we meet them, and usually more than once, to learn about them: who are they, what makes them tick, why the USAFA, etc…etc… And THEN we write our evaluation based upon all we’ve learned, with no emotion, as we don’t have any attachment to the candidate.
And to be honest, it doesn't matter to me whether or not a person gets into the academy.
Okay, do you believe that statement?
Seriously though, my MAIN task (aside from being the advocate for my candidates) is to determine whether or not the candidate I'm interviewing is the right person for the USAF and the USA.
Would I want to have them come to me and serving as one of my junior officers? Period.
Yes, I become VERY involved with my candidates; that's just who and what I am. I remember how hard I worked to get into USAFA (remember, took me two tries) and what it meant/means to me.
So when I meet a young man or woman with that same desire, I work my A** off to help them.
But at the same time...when I do my evaluation, I am totally honest. I call it like it IS: period. If the candidate is NOT the right fit, etc., then I will say so in my 4060. Will that have impact?
You bet.
However if they ARE the right fit, do you think my evaluation will have impact??
Truth time: I can end a candidates "career" with my evaluation. In my 15 years as a full-time ALO, I have NEVER done that. Why? Because I've never met that candidate.
I've been VERY blessed; the young men and women I've worked with have kept me young, excited about our future, and totally in love with my job!!! Why do you think I haven't retired after wearing a uniform since June 25, 1979? Okay, 4 years as a cadet, but 26 1/2 as an officer!
Okay, my long-winded answer can be summed up thusly: the ALO recommendation has a pretty significant value in the candidates’ total package. You want your ALO to have a very positive “feeling” for you but that will come from YOU, your achievements, etc. It will NOT come from just being a “nice guy/gal.”
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83