FITREP Sections and Marking
Plain-language walkthrough of the FITREP form sections from a Marine's perspective. The MCO 1610.7B FITREP captures Sections A through K. Section A administrative data, Section B billet description, Section C billet accomplishments, Section D and E performance attributes (Mission Accomplishment, Individual Character, Leadership, Intellect and Wisdom, Fulfillment of Evaluation Responsibilities, Effectiveness Under Stress), Section F Reporting Senior justification, Section G comparative assessment, Section H additional comments, Section I directed comments, Section J RO concurrence, Section K MRO acknowledgment. Body composition entries per MARADMIN 066/26.
Start Here If You Are New to FITREP Sections
The FITREP form per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B has 11 sections labeled A through K. Section A captures administrative data including the new MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition entries. Section B is the billet description. Section C is the accomplishments narrative. Sections D and E hold the six performance attributes (Mission Accomplishment, Individual Character, Leadership, Intellect and Wisdom, Fulfillment of Evaluation Responsibilities, Effectiveness Under Stress) marked from A (lowest) to G (highest). Section F is the Reporting Senior's justification narrative. Section G is the comparative assessment placing the MRO against MROs of the same grade. Section H is additional comments. Section I is directed comments (including the new MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition directed comments). Section J is the Reviewing Officer concurrence statement. Section K is the MRO acknowledgment. Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26.
This page walks you through FITREP sections from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.
- Section A administrative data and the new MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition entries
- Section B billet description framework
- Section C billet accomplishments narrative
- Sections D and E performance attributes (six attributes, A-G marking)
- Section F Reporting Senior justification narrative
- Section G comparative assessment
- Section H additional comments
- Section I directed comments and the MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 framework
- Section J Reviewing Officer concurrence
- Section K MRO acknowledgment
- Common marking errors and return-for-correction triggers
Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26, and the HQMC PES guidance.
Senior Enlisted FITREP Format Update (MARADMIN 595/24)
Per MARADMIN 595/24MARADMIN 595/24 effective 1 January 2025, Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant FITREPs no longer consist of only pages one, five, and appropriate addendum pages. These reports now use the standard 5-page format currently in use for Sergeant through Lieutenant Colonel.
The change ensures senior enlisted high visibility and general officer slates have the most relevant performance information available. Omission and extension criteria per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MARADMIN 634/23MARADMIN 634/23 remain in effect.
Section A. Administrative Data
Section A captures identifying and administrative information about the MRO and the report.
Item 1-7. MRO Identification
- Name (last, first, middle initial).
- Grade.
- Date of Rank (DOR).
- DoD ID.
- MOS.
- Date Reported (current PDS).
- Last reported date (prior FITREP).
Item 8. Body Composition (MARADMIN 066/26)
Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g effective 1 January 2026.
- Item 8.d. Height. Enter "000."
- Item 8.e. Weight. Enter "000."
- Item 8.f. Body Fat. Leave BLANK for all Marines.
The actual body composition status is captured through the directed comment in Section I. The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers the five MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 directed comments in detail.
Why "000" and Blank
The MARADMIN replaces the height/weight reporting with the WHtR framework. The legacy fields are retained in the FITREP form but neutralized. The directed comments carry the actual status.
Other Section A Items
- Type of report (e.g., Annual, Change of RS, Change of RO, etc. Covered in the FITREP Reporting Cycle leaf).
- Reporting period start and end dates.
- Days observed by the RS and RO.
- Special qualifications.
- Service Component.
Section B. Billet Description
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section B describes the billet the MRO held during the reporting period. The RS writes a concise billet description capturing.
- Title of billet.
- Number of personnel supervised (direct and indirect reports).
- Operational scope (geographic area, units, programs).
- Authority and responsibility level.
- Notable subordinate or peer relationships.
Why Section B Matters
Selection boards and monitors use Section B to understand the operational context. A Battalion S-3 in a deployed unit has a different scope than a Battalion S-3 in a garrison unit. Section B sets the stage for the rest of the FITREP.
Common Section B Errors
- Vague descriptions that do not differentiate the billet.
- Outdated boilerplate from prior FITREPs.
- Missing personnel counts.
- No operational context.
Section C. Billet Accomplishments
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section C is the narrative of what the MRO accomplished in the billet. Bullet format with quantifiable achievements.
Format
Each accomplishment.
- States the achievement specifically.
- Quantifies impact (numbers, percentages, dollar values).
- Links to mission accomplishment.
Example
"Led 24 Marines through a 90-day deployment supporting Operation X. Coordinated 156 maintenance actions resulting in 99% equipment readiness rate. Mentored 6 NCOs through promotion."
Common Section C Errors
- Generic accomplishments not tied to the billet.
- Lack of quantification.
- Excess length (Section C should be focused).
- Personality traits instead of accomplishments.
Sections D and E. Performance Attributes
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, the FITREP rates the MRO on six performance attributes. Each attribute is marked from A (lowest) through G (highest). Marks of A through C are below standard. D is the standard. E is above. F is well above. G is exceptional.
The Six Attributes
1. Mission Accomplishment
How well the MRO achieved assigned tasks and contributed to mission success.
2. Individual Character
The MRO's integrity, personal courage, and adherence to Marine Corps values.
3. Leadership
The MRO's ability to lead, mentor, and develop subordinates.
4. Intellect and Wisdom
Critical thinking, judgment, professional knowledge, and decision-making.
5. Fulfillment of Evaluation Responsibilities
How well the MRO conducted evaluations of subordinates (when applicable).
6. Effectiveness Under Stress
Performance during high-tempo operations, combat, or other demanding situations.
Marking Philosophy
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, marks should reflect actual performance against the stated standard, not against the cohort. Inflation (marking everyone at G) defeats the purpose of the system. The PES tracks RS marking patterns through the Reporting Senior Profile.
Standard vs Aspirational
A "D" mark is "meets standard" and is positive. A "G" mark is reserved for truly exceptional performance. Marines and Reporting Seniors who treat anything below G as adverse are misreading the system.
The Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf covers marking philosophy in depth.
Section F. Reporting Senior Justification
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section F is the RS's narrative justification for the marks given in Sections D and E. The RS.
- Explains why each mark was assigned.
- Provides specific examples supporting elevated marks.
- Identifies areas for development supporting standard marks.
- Documents pattern observations across the reporting period.
Length
Section F should be substantive but focused. The RS makes a case for the marks without padding.
Common Section F Errors
- Generic statements that do not support the marks.
- Inflation language disconnected from the marks.
- Failure to address specific attributes.
- Negative content without procedural protections (see Adverse FITREPs leaf).
Section G. Comparative Assessment
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section G places the MRO in comparative position against other Marines of the same grade observed by the RS during the reporting period.
Comparative Mark Scale
- The RS compares the MRO against peers of the same grade observed during the reporting period.
- Scale ranges from MUE (Most Undesirable Marine Evaluated) to MFE (Most Favored Marine Evaluated) plus an Eminently Qualified mark.
Why Comparative Matters
Selection boards weigh the comparative assessment heavily. An MFE mark from a senior RS who has observed many Marines carries significant weight. The Reporting Senior Profile helps boards calibrate.
Common Section G Errors
- Marking everyone at MFE (defeats the purpose).
- Comparing against the wrong cohort.
- Ignoring the comparative assessment requirement entirely.
Section H. Additional Comments
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section H allows the RS to add narrative not captured in Sections F and G. Common uses.
- Specific accomplishments not covered in Section C.
- Awards earned during the reporting period.
- Special qualifications attained.
- Notable peer or subordinate feedback.
Section I. Directed Comments
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section I captures specific directed comments required by policy. Common directed comments.
Body Composition (MARADMIN 066/26)
The five directed comments per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.
- Within WHtR standards. "Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e: The MRO's current body composition evaluation is within standards."
- Exceeded WHtR but within body fat (BIA or tape). "Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8f: The MRO's current body composition evaluation is within standards."
- Exceeded WHtR and maximum body fat (adverse). "Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e and 8f: The MRO completed a body composition evaluation with a height measurement of XX.X inches and waist measurement of XX.X inches. The MRO's body fat percentage was XX percent using the multi-site tape test and XX.X percent using BIA. MRO is not within body composition standards."
- Reevaluation waiver or exemption. "Directed Comment Sect A, Item 8d-f: The MRO has been granted a body composition evaluation exemption / waiver in accordance with [this MARADMIN] or [MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A]."
- BCP assignment waiver. "Directed Comment. Sect A, Item 8e and 8f: The MRO completed a body composition evaluation with a height measurement of XX.X inches and waist measurement of XX.X inches. The MRO's body fat percentage was XX percent using the multi-site tape test and XX.X percent using BIA. The MRO is outside of standards but has been granted a waiver."
The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers each scenario in detail.
Other Directed Comments
- PFT/CFT exemptions or class 5/8/9 waivers.
- Awards received.
- Special qualifications.
- Other policy-driven required statements.
Section J. Reviewing Officer Concurrence
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section J is the Reviewing Officer's signature and concurrence statement.
RO Options
- CONCUR. The RO agrees with the RS's marks and narrative. Standard outcome.
- NON-CONCUR. The RO disagrees substantively. Triggers additional process (see Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf).
- THIRD OFFICER SIGHTER (TOS). When required for non-concurrence or specific report types.
What Concurrence Means
By signing concur, the RO certifies the FITREP is accurate, fair, and complete. The RO's signature carries pecuniary and professional accountability.
Section K. MRO Acknowledgment
Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, Section K is the MRO's acknowledgment of receipt and review.
What the MRO Signs
- Acknowledges receipt of the FITREP.
- Does NOT necessarily agree with the marks or narrative.
- May submit an MRO addendum if the report is adverse (covered in Adverse FITREPs leaf).
- May appeal substantive errors to the PERB (covered in FITREP Appeals leaf).
Refusal to Sign
If the MRO refuses to acknowledge, the RS or RO documents the refusal. The FITREP submits without MRO signature but with the refusal documented.
Section K Best Practice
Always acknowledge. Acknowledgment does not waive appeal rights. Refusal complicates the record without changing the FITREP outcome.
Marking Philosophy Summary
The Marine Corps PES system relies on honest, calibrated marking. Common marking pitfalls.
Inflation
Marking everyone at G or MFE. Inflated profiles signal weak Reporting Seniors and lose credibility with boards.
Anchoring on Recent Performance
Letting the most recent week or month dominate the entire reporting period assessment.
Comparison to Self Instead of Peers
Marking based on the MRO's improvement from prior periods rather than against same-grade peers.
Failing to Differentiate
Marking all attributes the same letter without thoughtful differentiation.
Avoiding Adverse Marks When Earned
Failing to mark below standard when performance warrants. Boards expect honest reporting.
The Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf covers RS calibration in detail.
Common Questions Marines Ask
What is in Section A?
Administrative data including the new MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition entries (height "000", weight "000", body fat blank).
What are the six performance attributes?
Mission Accomplishment, Individual Character, Leadership, Intellect and Wisdom, Fulfillment of Evaluation Responsibilities, Effectiveness Under Stress.
What is the marking scale?
A through G for the six attributes. A-C below standard. D standard. E above. F well above. G exceptional.
What is the comparative assessment in Section G?
The RS places the MRO against same-grade peers observed during the reporting period. Scale from MUE to MFE plus an Eminently Qualified mark.
What goes in Section I?
Directed comments required by policy, including the five MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition comments and any other policy-driven required statements.
How does MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 affect Section A?
Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g, height (Item 8.d) and weight (Item 8.e) are entered as "000." Body fat (Item 8.f) is left BLANK. The actual body composition status is captured in Section I directed comments.
What does the Reviewing Officer's concurrence in Section J mean?
The RO certifies the FITREP is accurate, fair, and complete. The RO's signature carries pecuniary and professional accountability.
Should I always sign Section K?
Yes. Acknowledgment does not waive appeal rights. Refusal complicates the record without changing the FITREP outcome.
What if I disagree with my marks?
Acknowledge in Section K. If the report is adverse, submit an MRO addendum. If you believe there is substantive error, file a PERB appeal. The Adverse FITREPs and FITREP Appeals leaves cover the framework.
How do I see my FITREP?
Through Marine Online (MOL). The OMPF displays current and historical FITREPs.
Where to Go for Help
Routing by Issue
- Section-by-section questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
- Body composition Section I directed comments. The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf.
- Marking philosophy questions. The Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf.
- Adverse FITREP procedural questions. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf.
- PERB appeal preparation. The FITREP Appeals leaf.
- HQMC PES escalation. smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil.
- MOL access for FITREP review. https://www.mol.usmc.mil/.
Where to Go Next on This Site
- Performance Evaluation landing page lists all topics.
- Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
- FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers report types.
- Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles covers RS and RO duties.
- Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports covers adverse marking procedures.
- Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 directed comments in detail.
- FITREP Appeals (PERB Process) covers the appeal framework.
- Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers MBS verification.
Related Roles
- Leaders coach Marines on FITREP section content and the marking philosophy.
- Admin at S-1 supports PES record submission and quality control.
- Commanders write FITREPs as Reporting Senior or review as Reviewing Officer per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.
The FITREP form per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B has 11 sections labeled A through K. Section A holds the new MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition entries (000 / 000 / blank). Sections B and C describe billet and accomplishments. Sections D and E mark the six performance attributes A through G. Section F justifies the marks. Section G provides comparative assessment. Section H adds narrative. Section I captures directed comments including the five MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition comments. Section J is RO concurrence. Section K is MRO acknowledgment.
How other roles handle this
- Admin view - the processing side
- Leader view - your NCO and SNCO oversight
- Commander view - command authority and decisions
References
- MCO 1610.7B (Performance Evaluation System Manual) - June 2023
- MARADMIN 066/26 (Change 1 to Advance Notification of Changes to PFT and Body Composition Evaluation Process) - 26 February 2026
- MCO 6110.3A with Admin CH-4 (Body Composition and Military Appearance Program)
- Marine Corps Performance Evaluation System (PES) at HQMC M&RA
Related Pages
- Marines
Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports
MCO 1610.7B - 3 shared references
- Marines
FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types
MCO 1610.7B - 3 shared references
- Marines
Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities
MCO 1610.7B - 3 shared references
- Marines
Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles
MCO 1610.7B - 2 shared references
- Marines
A-PES and FITREP Administration
MCO 1610.7B