Academic FITREPs (PME and GEP)

Start Here If You Are New to Academic FITREPs

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 effective Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021, officers attending resident Professional Military Education (PME) courses and Graduate Education Programs (GEPs) receive observed academic fitness reports. The framework supports the Commandant's intent to differentiate academic performance to better inform selection, retention, and promotion boards. Section A captures type "A" for academic duty. Section B reflects the academic program nature and desired outcomes. Section C documents GPA, class standing, and academic achievements. Sections D through H are marked Not Observed because the academic environment does not support evaluation against standard performance attributes. Section I provides a full word picture of academic performance. Section K provides the Reviewing Officer's career potential assessment. Critical distinction. Academic FITREPs do NOT impact the RS or RO profile. Sixteen specific PME programs and ten GEP programs are covered. Congressional fellowship and Olmsted scholar programs are excluded. Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20.

This page walks you through Academic FITREPs from your seat as a Marine officer attending PME or GEP. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 framework and AY 2020-2021 effective date
• Section A through K rules specific to academic reports
• Sixteen covered PME programs across Career, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, and Top Level
• Ten covered GEP programs (NPS, AFIT, NDU, Law, Education, Historian, FAO, RAO, PhD, Strategist)
• Excluded programs (Congressional fellowships, Olmsted scholars)
• Why academic FITREPs do NOT impact RS or RO profile
• The role of GPA, class standing, and distinguished graduate designation
• The Section K comparative assessment for RO Section K.1 sufficient marks

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20, MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26, MARADMIN 634/23MARADMIN 634/23, the Commandant's Planning Guidance, the SECNAV Education for Seapower Strategy, and Joint Chiefs of Staff PME guidance.

Why Academic FITREPs Exist

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 2.

"The commandant's goal is to ensure that these fitness reports accurately differentiate academic performance in an effort to better inform selection, retention, and promotion boards."

The framework implements the Commandant's Planning Guidance Implementation Plan and the SECNAV Education for Seapower Strategy. Marine Corps University coordinated with Manpower and Reserve Affairs to develop the framework using the existing FITREP form rather than creating a parallel academic evaluation document.

Why the Existing FITREP Form

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 2.a, the CMC chose to use the current fitness report to submit academic evaluations. This.

• Maintains consistency with the broader PES framework.
• Captures academic performance in the official OMPF.
• Allows boards to see academic performance alongside operational FITREPs.
• Avoids creating a separate parallel evaluation system.

Effective Date

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 3.a, effective immediately upon release (17 July 2020) for AY 2020-2021. Resident officer students in covered programs receive academic FITREPs upon completion of their academic program.

Covered PME Programs

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 3.a, sixteen PME programs are covered.

Career Level

• Expeditionary Warfare School.
• Captains Career Courses.

Intermediate Level

• Air Command and Staff College.
• Army Command and General Staff College.
• College of Naval Command and Staff.
• Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
• Foreign PME (Majors).

Advanced Intermediate Level

• Maritime Advanced Warfighting School.
• School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.
• School of Advanced Military Studies.
• School of Advanced Warfighting.

Top Level

• Air War College.
• Army War College.
• College of Naval Warfare.
• Marine Corps War College.
• Joint Advanced Warfighting School.
• Foreign PME (Lieutenant Colonels only).
• National Defense University.
• CMC Fellowships (Lieutenant Colonels only).

Covered Graduate Education Programs (GEPs)

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 3.b, GEP students receive academic fitness reports ANNUALLY and upon completion.

Special Education Program

• Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).
• Air Force Institute of Technology.
• Public Affairs Graduate Program.
• Law Program.

Advanced Degree Program

• Law Program.
• Education Officer.
• Historian.
• Leader, Education, and Development.

International Affairs Programs

• Foreign Area Officer Program at NPS.
• Regional Affairs Officer Program at NPS.

Doctor of Philosophy Programs

• CMC Strategist Program.
• PhD Technical program.

Excluded Programs

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 3.c, Marines assigned to the following programs do NOT receive observed academic fitness reports.

• Congressional Fellowship Programs.
• Olmsted Scholar Programs.

These programs follow different evaluation pathways outside the academic FITREP framework.

Section-by-Section Rules

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 4.

Section A. Item 3.c. (Type)

Reflects an "A" for academic duty. This type code distinguishes academic FITREPs from standard observed reports.

Section A. Item 6.a. (Commendatory Material)

Checked WITH an explanatory comment in Section I if.

• The Marine is designated as a distinguished graduate of the academic program (generally defined as finishing in the top 10 percent of the class).
• The student receives an academic or writing award.

This is in addition to other commendatory material as defined in MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

Section B. Billet Description

Must reflect the nature and desired outcomes of the academic program. The RO describes the academic program scope, duration, and learning objectives.

Section C. Billet Accomplishments

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 4.d, must include comments related to academic standing.

Required Content

• Graduating GPA.
• Class standing, particularly identifying students who finish in the top 30 percent of the class.
• A comment indicating whether the program does not recognize academic standing or calculate GPA, or other comments to put the GPA in context.

Additional Content

The RS uses Section C to list other significant student activities or achievements, including but not limited to.

• Type of degree conferred upon graduation.
• Key billets held during the academic period.
• Papers written.
• Participation in activities beyond the core curriculum.
• Contributions to the institution or academia at large.

Sections D Through H. Marked Not Observed (NO)

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 4.e, Sections D through H are marked Not Observed ("h").

Why Not Observed

The academic environment does not support evaluation against the standard six performance attributes (Mission Accomplishment, Individual Character, Leadership, Intellect and Wisdom, Fulfillment of Evaluation Responsibilities, Effectiveness Under Stress). The classroom and academic context differs fundamentally from operational duty.

Section I. Word Picture of Academic Performance

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 4.f, Section I includes a complete word picture of the student's academic performance. ROs, instructors, directors, and faculty advisors are invited and encouraged to use the existing fitness report attributes and any additional topics to highlight activities and skills students may demonstrate in an academic environment.

What to Include

• Specific academic achievements.
• Demonstrated intellectual capabilities.
• Research and writing quality.
• Leadership in academic settings (group projects, seminars).
• Contributions to peer learning.
• Foreign language or cultural skill development (where applicable).
• Distinguished graduate or award context.

Section K. RO Career Potential Assessment

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 4.g, Section K includes the RO's assessment addressing career potential. The RO is expected to.

• Address the Marine's potential for service in the next rank.
• Identify potential for service in critical billets.
• Speak to specific skills to consider in the assignments process.

Section K.1 Sufficient Marks

Per the SECNAV Memo (reference (c) in MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20), ROs that select "Sufficient" in Section K.1 will be required to provide a mark for comparative assessment.

Comparative Assessment Profile Impact

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B (reference (f) in MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20), this comparative assessment mark will NOT go on the RO's profile but will provide a selection board with a sense of the student's relative standing within the particular academic program.

Why Academic FITREPs Do NOT Impact RS or RO Profile

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 2.b.

"Academic fitness reports are centered on a narrative assessment of the Marine's academic standing, performance, and future potential, while leaving in place the existing stipulation that these reports will not impact the Reporting Senior (RS) or RO profile."

Why This Matters

Standard FITREP marks contribute to the RS and RO profile. Heavy academic marking would distort the RS or RO's broader profile because.

• The academic context is fundamentally different from operational duty.
• Academic peer comparisons differ from operational peer comparisons.
• A standard 5-page FITREP profile reflects operational performance, not classroom performance.

By excluding academic FITREPs from the profile, the Marine Corps preserves the integrity of the operational profile while still capturing academic performance in the OMPF.

What This Means for Boards

Selection boards see the academic FITREP alongside operational FITREPs. The academic report informs the board about the Marine's academic capability without distorting the assessment of operational performance.

How Academic FITREPs Differ from Standard FITREPs

Type Code

• Standard. Various codes (AN, CR, CO, CD, CS, SP) per the FITREP Reporting Cycle leaf.
• Academic. "A" for academic duty.

Sections D Through H

• Standard. Marked A through G with substantive narrative.
• Academic. Marked Not Observed.

Comparative Assessment

• Standard. Section G comparative assessment from MUE to MFE counts on the RS profile.
• Academic. Section K.1 comparative assessment when "Sufficient" is selected does NOT count on the RS or RO profile.

Profile Impact

• Standard. Counts on the RS and RO profile.
• Academic. Does NOT count on the RS or RO profile.

Reporting Frequency

• Standard. Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B reporting cycle (Annual, Change of RS, etc.).
• Academic PME. Upon completion of the academic program.
• Academic GEP. Annually and upon completion of the academic program.

Annual Report Omission for Short-Duration Academic Training (MARADMIN 209/26)

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c (5 May 2026), the omission of the AN or AR report IS authorized regardless of board eligibility for any MRO assigned to academic training of LESS THAN 12 MONTHS duration who will receive an academic fitness report.

This is a specific exception to the MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.a board eligibility prohibition. Board-eligible Marines in academic training under 12 months who will receive an academic FITREP are excused from the AN or AR submission requirement.

How the Information Is Captured

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c, all information will be captured properly in the applicable report. Common applicable report types include.

• Grade Change.
• Transfer.
• From TAD.

The academic FITREP captures the academic period. The applicable report (Grade Change, Transfer, From TAD) captures the operational period before or after academic training.

Programs Affected

The exception applies to academic training under 12 months. Common short-duration training includes.

• Career-level resident PME (Expeditionary Warfare School at the resident option).
• Selected short-duration GEP courses.
• Specific officer career-level functional training courses.

For programs over 12 months (Top Level School, multi-year GEP), the standard omission rules apply per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.a, including the board eligibility prohibition.

Correspondence to the President of the Board

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c.1, students are encouraged but NOT required to submit correspondence to the President of the Board for which they are being considered. Reference the board announcement MARADMIN for procedures.

The FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types leaf covers the broader omission framework. The Selection Board Preparation leaf covers board prep.

Common Questions Marines Ask

When did academic FITREPs start?

Effective AY 2020-2021 per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 (released 17 July 2020).

Which programs receive academic FITREPs?

Sixteen PME programs across Career, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, and Top Level. Ten GEP programs (NPS, AFIT, Law, Education, Historian, FAO, RAO, PhD, etc.). MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraphs 3.a and 3.b list each program.

Which programs are excluded?

Congressional Fellowship Programs and Olmsted Scholar Programs per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 3.c.

What goes in Section A?

Item 3.c (type) = "A" for academic duty. Item 6.a (commendatory) checked with Section I explanation if distinguished graduate (top 10 percent) or academic/writing award.

What goes in Section B?

The nature and desired outcomes of the academic program.

What goes in Section C?

GPA and class standing (especially identifying top 30 percent). Other academic activities and achievements (papers, key billets, contributions to academia).

What about Sections D through H?

Marked Not Observed ("h") because the academic environment does not support evaluation against the standard six performance attributes.

What goes in Section I?

A complete word picture of the student's academic performance. Use existing FITREP attributes and additional topics to highlight academic skills and activities.

What goes in Section K?

The RO's career potential assessment. Potential for next rank and critical billets. Specific skills for the assignments process. If "Sufficient" is selected in Section K.1, a comparative assessment mark is required (does NOT impact RO profile).

Does the academic FITREP affect my RS or RO's profile?

NO. Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 paragraph 2.b, academic FITREPs do NOT impact the RS or RO profile. This preserves the integrity of operational profiles.

How do boards see my academic FITREP?

Selection boards see the academic FITREP in your OMPF alongside your operational FITREPs. The academic report informs boards about your academic capability.

What if I am a distinguished graduate?

Section A Item 6.a is checked with an explanatory comment in Section I. Distinguished graduate is generally defined as finishing in the top 10 percent of the class.

How often do GEP students receive academic FITREPs?

Annually and upon completion. PME students receive academic FITREPs only upon completion.

I am board eligible and attending a six-month school. Does my AN report omit?

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c, yes. Omission of the AN or AR is authorized regardless of board eligibility for any MRO assigned to academic training of less than 12 months who will receive an academic FITREP. Information will be captured in the applicable report (Grade Change, Transfer, From TAD).

I am attending Top Level School and I am board eligible. Does the omission exception apply?

No. Top Level School is over 12 months. The MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c exception applies only to academic training under 12 months. Standard omission rules apply, including the board eligibility prohibition in 3.a. Your AN or AR report cannot be omitted.

Do I need to send correspondence to the board as a student?

Per MARADMIN 209/26MARADMIN 209/26 paragraph 3.c.1, you are encouraged but NOT required to submit correspondence to the President of the Board. Reference the board announcement MARADMIN for procedures.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Academic FITREP procedural questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• PME or GEP program questions. Marine Corps University and the specific academic institution.
• Profile impact questions. The HQMC PES section.
• HQMC PES escalation. smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil or (703) 432-0514.
• MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 implementation questions. POC LTCOL Daniel M. Dowd, MMRP, (703) 784-3993.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Performance Evaluation landing page lists all topics.
• Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• A-PES and FITREP Administration covers A-PES system access and MMPB-23 operations.
• FITREP Sections and Marking covers Sections A through K in the standard FITREP context.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers standard report types.
• Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles covers RS and RO profile mechanics.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers MBS visibility of academic FITREPs.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines preparing for PME or GEP attendance on the academic FITREP framework.
• Admin at S-1 supports academic FITREP submission and verification through A-PES.
• Commanders at academic institutions serve as RS and RO under the academic FITREP framework.

Per MARADMIN 412/20MARADMIN 412/20 effective AY 2020-2021, officers attending resident PME (sixteen programs across Career, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, Top Level) and GEP (ten programs including NPS, AFIT, NDU, Law, FAO, RAO, PhD) receive observed academic fitness reports. Section A type "A" for academic duty. Sections D-H marked Not Observed. Section C captures GPA and class standing. Section I provides full word picture. Section K provides RO career potential. Academic FITREPs do NOT impact RS or RO profile. Congressional and Olmsted programs excluded.