JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System)

Start Here If You Are New to JEPES

JEPES is the Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System governing how E-1 through E-4 Marines are evaluated. JEPES per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 replaces the legacy proficiency and conduct (Pro/Con) marks system that previously documented junior enlisted performance. JEPES is administered by Reporting Officials in the immediate chain (typically the platoon sergeant, section leader, or NCO supervisor). The system captures performance attributes appropriate to junior enlisted billets and contributes to the Sergeant promotion cutting score. Marines transition from JEPES to the FITREP framework upon promotion to Sergeant. JEPES reports are administered through the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS). Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1.

This page walks you through JEPES from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 framework
• Eligible Marines (E-1 through E-4)
• The role of the Reporting Official
• JEPES vs the legacy Pro/Con framework
• JEPES report types and reporting cycle
• Performance attributes and marking
• Transition from JEPES to FITREP on promotion to Sergeant
• How JEPES feeds Sergeant promotion eligibility
• MCTFS administration

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B (for FITREP transition context), MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E, and HQMC PES guidance.

Who JEPES Applies To

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES governs all E-1 through E-4 Marines. This includes.

• Private (E-1).
• Private First Class (E-2).
• Lance Corporal (E-3).
• Corporal (E-4).

Marines Above E-4

Sergeants (E-5) and above are evaluated through the FITREP framework per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B. The transition from JEPES to FITREP occurs at promotion to Sergeant.

Marines Below E-1

E-1 is the entry-level grade. Marines in entry-level training are evaluated through training-specific systems (e.g., recruit training, MOS school) before transitioning to JEPES at the operating forces unit.

The JEPES Reporting Official

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES is administered by the Reporting Official in the immediate chain.

Who Is the Typical Reporting Official

• Platoon Sergeant for platoon-level Marines.
• Section Leader for section-level Marines.
• Department NCO or SNCO supervisor for staff and support roles.
• The NCO or SNCO who directly supervises the junior Marine on a daily basis.

Reporting Official Responsibilities

• Conduct initial counseling at the start of the reporting period.
• Conduct mid-period counseling.
• Observe the Marine's performance throughout the period.
• Document the JEPES report at the end of the period.
• Sign and route the report through the chain.
• Counsel the Marine on the JEPES outcome.

Why the Chain of Command Matters

Junior enlisted Marines are most directly observed by their immediate NCO or SNCO supervisor. The Reporting Official in the immediate chain is best positioned to provide accurate, contemporaneous evaluation. JEPES recognizes this organizational reality.

JEPES vs Legacy Pro/Con Marks

The legacy Pro/Con (Proficiency and Conduct) marks system documented junior enlisted performance for decades. JEPES replaces Pro/Con with a more comprehensive evaluation framework.

Pro/Con Limitations

The legacy system used.

• Two numerical marks (proficiency and conduct).
• Limited narrative content.
• Subjective marking with little calibration.

JEPES Improvements

JEPES introduces.

• Multiple performance attributes capturing broader dimensions.
• Substantive narrative content.
• Closer alignment with the FITREP framework Marines will use after promotion to Sergeant.
• Standardized counseling requirements.
• Documentation through MCTFS.

JEPES Report Types and Reporting Cycle

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES uses report types similar to FITREP framework with adjustments for the junior enlisted context.

Annual Reports

Standard year-end JEPES report covering the full reporting period.

Change Reports

Triggered by changes in the Reporting Official, the unit, or the Marine's billet. Examples.

• Change of Reporting Official (departure of the supervising NCO or SNCO).
• Change of Duty within the same unit.
• PCS to a new unit.

Special Reports

Issued for specific events outside the standard cycle. Common triggers include adverse performance documentation, monitor request, or specific selection process need.

How JEPES Works (Four-Pillar Score Framework)

JEPES puts control into the hands of the individual Marine. The Performance Evaluation System (PES) score that is used for promotion on a monthly basis is comprised of FOUR EQUALLY WEIGHTED PILLARS, each worth 25 percent of the Marine's overall score.

• 75 percent of the Marine's score comes directly from training (PFT, CFT, Rifle, MCMAP, PME, and Self-Education).
• 25 percent comes from Command Input (Leadership, Mission Accomplishment in or out of MOS, and Character).

JEPES allows Marines to see where their current scores fall in relation to their peer group for promotion. SCORES ARE EARNED, NOT AWARDED. No points are awarded for Time in Grade (TIG) as in the legacy Pro/Con system. JEPES Scores are calculated MONTHLY, so Marines can improve their standing by re-running events, finishing more courses, or earning more qualifications.

Breakdown of the Four Pillars

Pillar 1. Warfighting (25 percent)

• Rifle score. 12.5 percent of total.
• MCMAP belt level. 12.5 percent of total.

Pillar 2. Physical Toughness (25 percent)

• PFT score. 12.5 percent of total.
• CFT score. 12.5 percent of total.

Pillar 3. Mental Agility (25 percent)

The Mental Agility pillar has five sub-components weighted within the pillar.

• MOS Courses and Qualifications. 50 percent of the pillar.
• MARINENET courses. 20 percent of the pillar.
• Degrees. 10 percent of the pillar.
• Self-Education In Grade. 10 percent of the pillar.
• Self-Education In Service. 10 percent of the pillar.

Pillar 4. Command Input (25 percent)

The Command Input pillar has three equally weighted sub-components.

• Character. 8.3 percent of total (one-third of the pillar).
• MOS or Mission Accomplishment. 8.3 percent of total.
• Leadership abilities. 8.3 percent of total.

How Marines Improve Their JEPES Score

Because scores are calculated monthly and earned (not awarded for TIG), Marines have direct control.

Re-Running Events

• Re-run the PFT or CFT to improve the Physical Toughness pillar.
• Re-run rifle qualification to improve the Warfighting pillar.

Earning More Qualifications

• Complete additional MOS courses and qualifications (high-weight 50 percent of Mental Agility).
• Earn higher MCMAP belt levels.
• Earn additional degrees or self-education credits.

MARINENET Courses

• Complete relevant MARINENET courses to build the Mental Agility pillar (20 percent of the pillar).

Working With the Chain of Command

• Coordinate with the Reporting Official on Command Input pillar evaluations (Character, Mission, Leadership).

JEPES Approver and the JEPES Worksheet

The JEPES Worksheet is the document capturing the Marine's score components. The Approver is charged with final approval authority for all JEPES worksheets.

JEPES Section at MMPB-23

The JEPES section at MMPB-23 promulgates policy, processes JEPES Worksheet information, and serves as the system administrator. MMPB-23 has capability to assist with complex situations and advise on policy.

Reporting on Unit Performance

The JEPES section generates reporting on unit performance, compliance, and timeliness. Commanders use these reports to track unit-level JEPES execution.

Performance Attributes (Legacy Reference)

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES historically captured performance attributes including.

• Mission performance.
• Leadership potential.
• Personal character and military bearing.
• Technical knowledge.
• Initiative and growth.

These attributes are now captured through the Command Input pillar (Character, MOS or Mission Accomplishment, Leadership).

Marking Scale

JEPES uses the four-pillar percentage framework documented above. Coordinate with the unit S-1 PES Manager for current procedural details.

Calibration

Like the FITREP system, JEPES emphasizes honest calibration. Reporting Officials avoid inflation in the Command Input pillar. The PES tracks Reporting Official patterns.

Counseling Requirements

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, the Reporting Official conducts.

Initial Counseling

At the start of the reporting period, the Reporting Official.

• Establishes performance expectations.
• Identifies billet duties.
• Reviews Marine Corps standards including body composition (per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26).
• Documents in writing.
• Obtains Marine acknowledgment.

Mid-Period Counseling

At the midpoint of the reporting period, the Reporting Official.

• Provides candid feedback on performance to date.
• Identifies areas for sustainment and improvement.
• Documents in writing.
• Obtains Marine acknowledgment.

Adverse Counseling

If the Reporting Official intends to document adverse performance, mandatory counseling occurs before submission. The Marine has opportunity to respond.

Marine Acknowledgment

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, the Marine acknowledges the JEPES report.

What Acknowledgment Means

The Marine confirms receipt and review. Acknowledgment does NOT signify agreement with the marks or content.

Disputing JEPES Content

JEPES has its own redress process distinct from the FITREP PERB framework. The Marine coordinates with the unit S-1 PES Manager and the chain of command. Specific JEPES appeal procedures are documented in MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 and updates from PES.

Transition From JEPES to FITREP

When a junior Marine promotes to Sergeant (E-5), the evaluation system transitions from JEPES to FITREP per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

When Transition Occurs

Effective the date of promotion to Sergeant. The next evaluation period uses the FITREP framework.

What Changes

• The Reporting Official transitions from the immediate NCO/SNCO supervisor to the formal RS in the FITREP framework (typically a Company-grade officer or senior SNCO).
• The Reviewing Officer (RO) framework activates.
• The MBS begins to capture FITREPs.
• The Marine becomes subject to the full MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B framework including PERB appeal rights.

Why the Transition Matters

The Sergeant grade carries supervisory responsibilities beyond what junior enlisted Marines typically hold. The FITREP framework reflects the broader observation context and senior accountability.

The Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities leaf and the FITREP Sections and Marking leaf cover the FITREP framework Marines will use after promotion.

How JEPES Feeds Sergeant Promotion

Per MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E (Enlisted Promotions), JEPES data feeds into the Sergeant cutting score for E-4 to E-5 promotions.

Cutting Score Components

The Sergeant cutting score includes.

• PFT and CFT scores.
• Rifle qualification.
• Body composition compliance.
• JEPES marks (replacing the prior Pro/Con marks contribution).
• Time in grade.
• Time in service.

JEPES Impact on Promotion

A pattern of strong JEPES marks contributes positively to the cutting score. A pattern of weak or adverse JEPES marks reduces the cutting score and delays promotion eligibility.

Sergeant TIS Change Effective 1 October 2026 (MARADMIN 222/26)

Per MARADMIN 222/26MARADMIN 222/26 paragraph 1.a, the standard Sergeant TIS minimum drops from 48 months to 30 months effective 1 October 2026 (total force). The change shortens the timeline from boot camp to Sergeant promotion eligibility. JEPES cutting score eligibility opens 18 months earlier than under the prior 48-month rule. Marines should build a strong JEPES record across the four pillars from earlier in the career. The Junior Enlisted Promotions leaf covers the new TIS framework.

MCTFS Administration

JEPES reports are administered through the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 and the MCTFSPRIUM.

Documentation Requirements

JEPES reports are documented in MCTFS. The unit S-1 supports the Reporting Official in completing the MCTFS entries.

Marine Online (MOL) Visibility

Marines view their JEPES history through MOL. The OMPF reflects current and historical JEPES reports.

Body Composition on JEPES

Body composition reporting on JEPES follows the same MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 framework that applies to FITREPs effective 1 January 2026.

WHtR Framework

The WHtR methodology and the five directed comment scenarios apply to JEPES Reporting Officials in the same way they apply to FITREP Reporting Seniors.

Body Composition Reporting Leaf

The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers the MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 framework in detail. The same five directed comments apply to JEPES reports.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Who does JEPES apply to?

E-1 through E-4 Marines. Sergeants (E-5) and above use the FITREP framework per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

Who is my Reporting Official under JEPES?

The NCO or SNCO who directly supervises you on a daily basis. Typically your platoon sergeant, section leader, or department NCO supervisor.

What is JEPES replacing?

The legacy proficiency and conduct (Pro/Con) marks system. JEPES per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 provides a more comprehensive evaluation framework.

What happens when I promote to Sergeant?

Your evaluation system transitions from JEPES to the FITREP framework per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B. Your Reporting Senior changes from the immediate NCO supervisor to the formal RS (typically a Company-grade officer or senior SNCO).

Does JEPES affect my promotion to Sergeant?

Yes. Per MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E, JEPES marks contribute to the Sergeant cutting score for E-4 to E-5 promotions.

How do I see my JEPES reports?

Through Marine Online (MOL). The OMPF reflects current and historical JEPES reports.

What if my Reporting Official does not conduct counseling?

Document the absence and coordinate with the unit S-1 PES Manager. Lack of counseling is a procedural failure.

What if I disagree with my JEPES report?

Coordinate with the unit S-1 PES Manager. JEPES has a redress process distinct from the FITREP PERB framework.

How does body composition reporting affect JEPES?

The same MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 framework applies. Five Section I directed comments based on body composition status. The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers the framework.

When was JEPES implemented?

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1. Coordinate with HQMC PES for the specific implementation timeline at smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• JEPES procedural questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• Initial or mid-period counseling. The Reporting Official and the chain of command.
• JEPES redress or appeal. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• Body composition reporting integration. The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf.
• HQMC PES escalation. smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil or (703) 432-0514.
• MOL access for JEPES 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 unified framework.
• FITREP Sections and Marking covers the FITREP framework Marines transition to on promotion to Sergeant.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers FITREP report types.
• Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 directed comments.
• Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles covers FITREP RS and RO duties.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers MBS development beginning at Sergeant promotion.
• Promotions covers the Sergeant cutting score that consumes JEPES data.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach junior Marines on JEPES expectations and conduct initial and mid-period counseling.
• Admin at S-1 supports MCTFS JEPES record management and PES coordination.
• Commanders ensure unit JEPES compliance and counseling requirements.

JEPES per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 governs E-1 through E-4 Marine evaluations. Replaces legacy Pro/Con marks. Reporting Official is typically the immediate NCO or SNCO supervisor. Initial and mid-period counseling required. JEPES marks feed Sergeant promotion cutting score per MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E. Marines transition to FITREP framework per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B on promotion to Sergeant. Body composition reporting per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 applies in the same way as FITREPs. JEPES administered through MCTFS.