Basic Officer Course
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
THE BASIC SCHOOL
MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019
FITNESS REPORTS
B3K3738
STUDENT HANDOUT
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Fitness Report I, II, III & DG
Introduction
The Fitness Report (Fitrep) is the tool by which the Marine Corps
evaluates a Marine’s performance for purposes of competitive
selection (promotion, enlisted to officer programs, command
assignment, retention, etc.). Sergeants through major generals
receive fitness reports. As an officer, you will write fitness
reports on your Marines, review the fitness reports of your peers
or subordinate officers, and receive fitness reports from the
officers appointed over you.
Importance
Performance evaluation is continuous, powerful, and one of the
most critical responsibilities of an officer. No other product more
directly determines the outcome of a Marine’s career than the
Fitness Report. It remains the primary tool we use to determine
promotion and retention. Few things can harm your professional
reputation as a Marine officer faster than a demonstrated lack of
concern or proficiency with the Fitrep process. Getting it wrong
destroys faith in the process and the officer corps.
The Classes
Platform class focuses on introducing basic fitness report
concepts: what is a fitness report, who views them, who are the
main players, how we grade Marines on Performance Anchored
Rating Scales (PARS), how to compute a fitness report score,
and understanding the Reporting Senior Profile. Upon
establishing a baseline of understanding, students will be walked
through an entire fitness report line by line. Next, students will
combine what they have learned from how to grade Marines to
establishing and molding a Reporting Senior Profile, at which
point they will be introduced to Relative Value. Lastly, students
will learn what a Master Brief Sheet is and how to read one.
This lesson covers the following topics:
Topic
Page
The Fitness Report
4
Key Players
4
The Audience
4
Fitness Report Score and Reporting Senior Profile
Performance Anchored Rating Scales
The Competition
Example Profile
Example Profile List
5
Relative Value
6
Reviewing Officer Comparative Assessment
7
Report Comments
Promotion Endorsement Continuum
Example Section I Comments: Top Performer
Example Section I Comments: Middle of the Pack
7
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Example Section I Comments: Weak Performer
Additional Resources
Check Fitness Report Status
Request OMPF with Reporting Profiles
9
Example Fitness Report
10
Discussion Group Case Study / Assignment
15-18
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
19
Notes
19
Learning
Objectives
Terminal Learning Objectives
1. Given Marines while serving as a supervisor, review
performance evaluation on completed fitness reports (FITREPs)
IAW the PES manual.
Enabling Learning Objectives
1. With the aid of reference, describe reporting senior (RS)
responsibilities without omission. (MCCS-LDR-2103a)
2. With the aid of reference, describe reviewing officer (RO)
responsibilities without omission. (MCCS-LDR-2103b)
3. With the aid of reference, identify fitness report (FITREP)
reporting occasions without omission. (MCCS-LDR-2103c)
4. Given the PES manual, identify elements of the fitness report,
without error.
5. Given the PES manual, write a fitness report, without error.
6. Given the PES manual, describe follow on actions upon
submission, without error.
7. While in a leadership billet, counsel subordinates regarding
their performance to record performance evaluation.
Testing: You will be tested on this material via an open book test that will
concentrate on your ability to navigate through the PES Manual,
MCO 1610.7F. The focus will be on Chapters 1-5, however may
contain information outside of those chapters.
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The Fitness Report
The Fitness Report is one person’s evaluation of one Marine at one rank in one billet.
The design of the report is such that it facilitates the documentation of essential and
critical information in a simple and direct manner. It is a simple communication between
reporting officials and selection boards, essentially a “Letter of Recommendation.” A
Fitrep is NOT a disciplinary tool, a lever to exert influence or a counseling tool. Rather,
it is the culmination of the counseling process.
Fitness Report writing requires a blend of science and art. The science of a Fitness
Report is largely dictated by Marine Corps Order (MCO) P1610.7f –the Performance
Evaluation System (PES). The art begins with the Fitrep classes and discussions here
at TBS. A sharp focus in these classes will provide a solid foundation that will be
continuously honed in the Fleet through instruction, mentorship, and practice.
The Key Players
**All cooperate to ensure timely and accurate reporting**
Chapter 2 of the PES delineates the specific responsibilities of the reporting chain.
The Audience
The audience for a Fitness Report is NOT the MRO; it is the selection board.
Officers and senior enlisted members across the Marine Corps are regularly detailed to
sit on various selection boards convened in and around Quantico. The primary
information they rely upon to select Marines for promotion, command, and special
programs comes from Fitrep scores, relative value, and comments that you generate.
In essence, Fitness Reports are letters of recommendation.
Marine Reported On
(MRO)
Reporting Senior
(RS)
Reviewing Officer
(RO)
Third Officer Sighter
Any officer or enlisted member sergeant through major general
who is the subject of the performance evaluation.
Generally the first officer (commissioned or warrant) or civilian
GS-9 or above in the MRO’s chain of command. In rare cases,
the RS can be an equal ranking officer.
Generally the first (commissioned) officer or GS-10 in the RS’s
chain of command
Required for all adverse reports. Normally the RS of the RO,
although certain exceptions may apply. (see par 5005 of the
PES)
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Fitness Report Score and Reporting Senior Profile
Example Profile:
Example Profile List:
Performance
Anchored Rating
Scales (PARS)
PARS are 14 professional attributes located on Pages 2-4 of
the report which can be evaluated on a range from A to G.
These scales correspond to number values 1 to 7 which are
averaged to produce a numerical score for the report.
___________________________________________________
Reporting Senior
Profile & List
The reporting profile is a list of all Fitness Report scores an RS
has recorded for a particular rank. Profiles are constantly
updated and maintained by HQMC as part of a RS’s Official
Military Personnel File (OMPF). Referencing this updated list
allows an RS to ensure current reports are accurately ranked
against historical reports of the same grade. For this reason,
profiles are similar in nature to your squad rankings. You don’t
just recreate the rankings each time; you evaluate the recent
performance of your peers and use the previous list to update
those rankings. (See Appendix G of the PES)
___________________________________________________
The Competition
When you write a report, you are not simply comparing the
MRO to recent reports; you are comparing the MRO to every
report you have submitted for Marines of the same rank. That
means you are comparing them to Marines who have long since
moved past that rank or even active duty. Fitreps are a
comparison of past and present performances, not people.
___________________________________________________
4.35
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Relative Value (RV)
“Grading the Grader” RV is the Fitrep system’s way of compensating for grading
differences between Reporting Seniors. Like weighted points in a GPA, RV ensures
that all Fitreps are fair and consistent no matter how “tough” or “easy” the individual
grader is.
Example Relative Value Chart:
4 4.07 4.13 4.14 4.21 4.35
High, Low, &
Avg scores are
reflected in
the 1stLt
profile above
80
100
90
Scores from the profile are distributed
across a bell curve valued from 80 to 100
with the average report valued at a 90.
Every officer has a different scoring profile
for each rank, so conversion to RV
guarantees consistent evaluation. When
reports are being reviewed by selection
boards, RV is the only number used.
Note that MROs often receive
multiple reports from the same
RS. That means they compete
with themselves…
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Reviewing Officer Comparative Assessment
Item 3 of Section K of the Fitrep on Page 5 where the RO ranks the MRO on an 8-block
vertical scale commonly referred to as the “Christmas Tree.” The RO compares the
MRO to all Marines (past and present) of the grade whose professional abilities are
known to the RO. (See par 4014 and Appendix G of the PES)
Report Comments
Complimenting the score and ranking of the report, the comments provided on Page 5
by the RS and RO serve to summarize the MRO’s performance during the reporting
period. Among other relevant information, comments should reflect:
a) Demonstrated proficiency in execution of assigned duties
b) Demonstrated leadership ability
c) Endorsement for promotion and increased responsibility
Comments are designed to clarify the score or rank of the report. For that matter, the
flavor of the comments should match the score.
*Note* Any adverse comment renders the entire report adverse. Forgettable
performance must be matched by forgettable comments…not negative comments. This
is part of the “art” of Fitrep writing that you will learn with time and experience.
Example Promotion Endorsement Continuum:
Best Performer
Ever:
(Accelerated
Promotion)
Recommended for promotion ahead of contemporaries/peers
**Note: Per para 4003.7d, pg 4-12 of the PES, Accelerated
Promotion recommendation requires justification using
Addendum page – do not mark any block in SECT A, Item 7.**
_____________________________________________________
Top Performer:
An absolute must for promotion
My Highest recommendation for promotion
_____________________________________________________
Middle of the Pack:
Highly recommended for promotion
Promote at first opportunity
Strongly recommended for promotion
___________________________________________________________
Weak Performer:
Recommended for promotion
Promote with peers
Promote
Nothing (saying nothing…says a lot)
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Example Section I Comments: Top Performer
1. Marine Reported On: 2. Occasion and Period Covered:
a. Last Name b. First Name c. MI d. SSN a. OCC b. From To
WILLIAMS
ROY
A
xxxxx6789
TR
20090105
20090704
I. DIRECTED AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
-Sergeant Williams is an immensely talented and effective NCO who operates at a
level beyond the grasp of his peers. Hand selected to assume a SNCO billet; he
completely outperformed two seasoned Staff Sergeants. An absolute technical
expert whose professional skill rivals that of an officer. He directs the various
administrative and training requirements of his unit without fault. Demonstrates
impeccable moral character and a matchless ability among his peers to lead and
inspire Marines and Sailors. The Corps could not find a finer ambassador for
recruiting duty. Highly recommended for any officer commissioning program. An
absolute must for promotion.
DIRECTED COMMENT: SECT. A, ITEM 6a: MRO was the subject of a Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal on 20090704.
Example Section I Comments: Middle of the Pack
1. Marine Reported On: 2. Occasion and Period Covered:
a. Last Name b. First Name c. MI d. SSN a. OCC b. From To
WILLIAMS
ROY
A
xxxxx6789
TR
20090105
20090704
I. DIRECTED AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
-Sergeant Williams is a talented NCO whose performance during the period was
outstanding. Filling a SNCO billet, he quickly mastered his responsibilities and
guided his section to superior results. A superb technician with impressive MOS
and professional skills, he directed the various administrative and training
requirements of his unit with impressive precision. A mature and dedicated leader
who provides a guiding a steadying influence on his Marines and Sailors. Sergeant
Williams is highly recommended for promotion and billets of increased
responsibility.
DIRECTED COMMENT: SECT. A, ITEM 6a: MRO was the subject of a Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal on 20090704
PROMOTION: How
strongly do you feel MRO
should be promoted
LEADERSHIP: How
well does MRO lead, mentor
Marines & Sailors
PROFICIENCY: MOS
skills and ability to execute
assigned duties
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Example Section I Comments: Weak Performer
1. Marine Reported On: 2. Occasion and Period Covered:
a. Last Name b. First Name c. MI d. SSN a. OCC b. From To
WILLIAMS
ROY
A
xxxxx6789
TR
20090105
20090704
I. DIRECTED AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
-Sergeant Williams is an effective NCO who operates at a level expected of a
Marine with his rank and experience. Demonstrates the leadership and technical
skills required to accomplish assigned billet responsibilities. Directs the
various administrative and training requirements of his unit with limited
guidance. Promote.
Additional Resources
Check Reporting History:
https://www.mmsb.usmc.mil/PESQuery/Date_Gap.aspx
- Click Check Fitness Report Status under “Online Applications”
View OMPF with Reporting Lists & Profile: log on to MOL and click OMPF tab,
RS/RO tabs as applicable.
Remember that any adverse comment renders the entire report adverse. Documenting
weak performance often takes more time and creative writing skill.
Note the unenthusiastic promotion endorsement for the weak performer. That’s a clear
signal to any selection board that this Marine is not competitive with his/her peer group.
_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
PROMOTION: How
strongly do you feel MRO
should be promoted
LEADERSHIP: How
well does MRO lead, mentor
Marines & Sailors
PROFICIENCY: MOS
skills and ability to execute
assigned duties
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Example Fitness Report:
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Timothy C. Neder
-Concur with RS assessment; MRO is one of the best Non-Commissioned
Officers I have observed in 10 years of combined service
–Surpasses his peers in every measurable category
–Excellent candidate for MECEP or other officer program
–Sergeant Williams has my highest recommendation for promotion and
billets of increased responsibility
Robert B. Rehder Jr.
2009 07 04
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FITREP WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT: Sgt Bobby Rivera
After reviewing all information in the SHO, you will be prepared to practice what you have
learned. Read the case study, complete the assigned tasks, and BPT discuss your work
during the DG.
Introduction
It is 1 April 2011 and you have been the platoon commander of
2d Plt, Golf Co, 2d Bn, 8th Marines since 1 Feb 2010. During
that time you have conducted numerous field exercises,
including battalion training deployments to both 29 Palms for a
Mojave Viper and to Bridgeport, CA for cold weather training. As
your company starts a week long operational pause to verify
REDs and SGLI information and get caught up on medical and
dental readiness, you find out that one of your sergeants, Sgt
Bobby Rivera, has just received PCS orders to Quantico with a
report date NLT 7 May. He has decided to request 3 weeks of
leave in conjunction and will officially leave your plt in 2 weeks
on 15 April 2011.
Sgt Rivera’s
Performance
Sgt Rivera, an 0311, is one of your squad leaders. He was
promoted to Sgt on 1 Feb 2010, your first day in G/2/8. During
your turnover with the previous platoon commander, he
explained that Sgt Rivera was a great leader, but only average at
PT. Since you’ve been platoon commander, you’ve seen Sgt
Rivera consistently go out of his way to train his fire team leaders
in everything from OSMEAC, to land nav, to uniform regulations.
While he’s not the most technically or tactically proficient Sgt in
your platoon or in the company, he always works to better
himself and takes learning his profession very seriously. Last
fall, he volunteered to attend Sgts Course and graduated in the
top 20% of his class (received a Not Observed report dated 2
Sept 2010 – 15 Oct 2010). He also qualified expert with rifle and
pistol prior to going to Sergeant’s Course and received a Navy
and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on 1 March 2011.
Sgt Rivera’s PT performance leaves slightly more to be desired.
His last PFT score was a 227 (run Jan of 2011) and he typically
hovers around 12 pull ups and a 24 minute 3 mile run time. You
rarely see him in the gym or out running on his own. He is 68“
tall and weighs 186, but his body fat percentage is still within
regulations at 18%.
The last four of Sgt Rivera’s SSN are 4616.
Your company commander’s name is Capt Chris G. Carter and
his last four are 2895. Your unit MCC is V28 and your RUC is
28582.
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This is your RS profile list for Sergeants. The profiles are the same,
one is listed in order of date and one is listed in order of Fitrep score.
Fill in the 5 boxes below (only one for the below profiles) and then use
that information to fill out Sgt Rivera’s Sections A and I. Use the letter
boxes to assign him a numeric score for this Fitrep, depending on
where you want to place him.
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Be prepared to discuss the following questions:
1. How many days do you have to do Sgt Rivera’s Fitrep? By what
date should you have given it to him, if possible?
2. What was the occasion for his last Fitrep?
3. What is the occasion for this Fitrep and why?
4. Including the Fitrep you give him, how many will Sgt Rivera have
by the time he leaves Golf 2/8?
5. Why isn’t Sgt Rivera’s rifle or pistol score recorded on this Fitrep?
6. Why do you have 5 reports where the “from” time is 1 Feb 10?
7. Why did Sgt Johnson get a Fitrep from you?
8. Does it matter what letter grades you assigned Sgt Rivera? Why or
why not?
9. Who are some people you could send this report to for a Command
Review?
10. This Fitrep was filled out in pen. What would you use to fill out a
real Fitrep and where would you find it?
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Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Term or Acronym
Definition or Identification
PES
Performance Evaluation System
FITREP
Fitness Report
MMRP
MRO
Manpower Management Division, Records and
Performance Branch (Formerly MMSB)
Marine Reported On
RS
Reporting Senior
RO
Reviewing Officer
PARS
Performance Anchored Rating Scale (the 14
attributes)
RV
Relative Value
Notes