Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities

Start Here If You Are New to the Performance Evaluation System

The Marine Corps evaluates every Marine through one of two systems based on grade. The Fitness Report (FITREP) per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B covers Sergeants and above. The Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System (JEPES) per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 covers E-1 through E-4. Both systems document performance, character, and potential. Both feed into promotion boards, retention decisions, special duty selection, and assignment monitor decisions. The Performance Evaluation Section (PES) at HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs runs the program. Key stakeholder roles include the Marine Reported On (MRO), the Reporting Senior (RS), and the Reviewing Officer (RO). Recent updates include MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026 establishing the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) body composition framework that drives Section A Item 8 reporting on FITREPs. Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26.

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

• The two systems (FITREP for SGT and above, JEPES for E-1 through E-4)
• The MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 governing authorities
• Recent updates including MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition reporting
• The Performance Evaluation Section (PES) at HQMC M&RA
• Core roles (MRO, Reporting Senior, Reviewing Officer)
• How performance evaluations feed promotion, retention, and assignments
• Where each leaf in this group fits

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26, MARADMIN 613/25MARADMIN 613/25, SECWAR Memo dated 18 December 2025, MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A, MCBUL 6110MCBUL 6110, DoDI 1320.04DoDI 1320.04, and MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E.

Two Systems Based on Grade

FITREP for Sergeants and Above

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, FITREPs document the performance of all Marines E-5 (Sergeant) and above and all Officers (W-1 through O-10).

• Standard reporting periods cover specific date ranges.
• Multiple report types capture different evaluation events.
• The MRO is rated by the Reporting Senior and reviewed by the Reviewing Officer.
• The Master Brief Sheet (MBS) aggregates all FITREPs across the Marine's career.

JEPES for E-1 Through E-4

Per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1, JEPES documents the performance of all junior enlisted Marines E-1 (Private) through E-4 (Corporal).

• Replaces the legacy proficiency and conduct (Pro/Con) marks framework.
• Designed for the leadership chain that observes and supervises junior enlisted day-to-day.
• Captures performance attributes appropriate to the junior enlisted role.
• Feeds into Sergeant promotion eligibility.

Why Performance Evaluations Matter

Promotion

Performance evaluations are the single most important driver of promotion above the rank of Corporal. Promotion boards review the MBS (FITREPs) for SNCOs and Officers. JEPES evaluations support the cutting score and promotion pathway for E-1 through E-4.

Retention and Reenlistment

Retention decisions, reenlistment bonuses, and lateral move approvals review performance evaluations. A pattern of strong evaluations supports retention. A pattern of weak or adverse evaluations affects retention eligibility.

Special Duty Selection

Special Duty Assignment selection (Recruiting Duty, Drill Instructor Duty, Marine Security Guard, MARSOC, Career Recruiter, etc.) reviews FITREPs. The B-billet selection process explicitly cites FITREP performance as a primary factor.

Assignment Monitors

MMEA and MMOA monitors use performance evaluations during PCS slating. Strong performers get more competitive assignments. The MBS profile signals the Marine's capability.

Adverse Administrative Actions

Patterns of poor performance documented through performance evaluations support administrative separation, reduction in grade, and other adverse actions.

Authorities Governing the Performance Evaluation System

MCO 1610.7B (Performance Evaluation System Manual)

The Marine Corps Order governing FITREPs. Covers.

• Performance Evaluation System framework.
• FITREP sections and content requirements.
• Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer responsibilities.
• Report types (Annual, Change of RS, Change of RO, etc.).
• Adverse FITREPs and referred reports.
• PERB appeals process.
• The Performance Evaluation Section (PES) at HQMC M&RA.

The FITREP Sections and Marking leaf and the FITREP Reporting Cycle leaf cover MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B in detail.

MCO 1616.1 (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System)

The Marine Corps Order governing JEPES. Covers.

• JEPES framework for E-1 through E-4.
• Reporting Officials for junior enlisted.
• JEPES report types and cycle.
• Marking system.
• Transition from JEPES to FITREP framework on promotion to Sergeant.

The JEPES leaf covers MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 in detail.

MARADMIN 066/26 (Body Composition Reporting)

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, the Marine Corps replaced the height/weight body composition methodology with a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) framework. The MARADMIN directs five specific Section A Item 8 directed comments based on body composition outcomes.

The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 in detail.

Supporting Authorities

• DoDI 1320.04DoDI 1320.04. Officer Promotions framework that consumes FITREP data.
• MCO 1400.32EMCO 1400.32E. Enlisted Promotions framework that consumes JEPES and FITREP data.
• MCO 6110.3AMCO 6110.3A with Admin CH-4. Body Composition and Military Appearance Program.
• MCBUL 6110MCBUL 6110 with Admin CH-1. BIA implementation.
• SECWAR Memo dated 18 December 2025. Additional military fitness standards guidance.

The Performance Evaluation Section (PES) at MMPB-23

PES Mission

The Performance Evaluation Section at HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MMPB-23) runs the Marine Corps performance evaluation program. PES.

• Maintains MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1.
• Operates the Performance Evaluation Review Board (PERB) for FITREP appeals.
• Provides program-level escalation for Reporting Seniors and Reviewing Officers.
• Coordinates with MMEA, MMOA, MMSR-6 (Reserve), and TECOM.

MMPB-23 Three Sections

MMPB-23 operates through three sections.

• Policy, Compliance and Corrections. Administrative corrections, IGMC inspections, Commander's Timeliness Reports.
• Processing and Audit. Receives roughly 2,000 reports daily and routes errors to Audit.
• JEPES. Administers the junior enlisted system per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1.

The A-PES and FITREP Administration leaf covers MMPB-23 operations in detail.

A-PES (Automated Performance Evaluation System)

The Marine Corps uses A-PES as the primary tool for FITREP preparation and submission. Access through the Resources tab on Marine Online (https://www.mol.usmc.mil/). A-PES provides a FitRep Inventory, Date Gap Report, and Missing Last Annual Report.

The A-PES and FITREP Administration leaf covers A-PES in detail.

Key Contacts

• General PES questions. smb.manpower.mmrp-30@usmc.mil (10-14 business days response).
• Administrative corrections and CTRs. smb.manpower.mmrp-31@usmc.mil.
• A-PES help desk. hqmc.a-pes@usmc.mil.
• FITREP processing. smb_hqmc_fitrep_processing@usmc.mil.
• PERB substantive corrections. smb.manpower.mmrp-13@usmc.mil.
• PES section phone. (703) 432-0514 or (703) 432-3431.

Core Roles

Marine Reported On (MRO)

The Marine being evaluated. The MRO has rights and responsibilities.

• Right to receive an initial counseling within 30 days of reporting (per the Joining a Unit page).
• Right to mid-period counseling.
• Right to acknowledge the FITREP before submission.
• Right to submit an MRO addendum on adverse reports.
• Right to appeal to the PERB on substantive errors.
• Responsibility to maintain personal records reflecting current performance.
• Responsibility to verify MBS accuracy regularly.

Reporting Senior (RS)

The Marine writing the report. Typically.

• For company-grade officers and SNCOs, the immediate or designated commander.
• For E-5 and E-6, the platoon commander or section leader.
• For O-3 and below, the Battalion Commander or equivalent.

The RS responsibilities. Initial and mid-period counseling, accurate observation of MRO performance, completing the FITREP within MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B requirements, marking honestly with comparative assessment, and submitting on time.

Reviewing Officer (RO)

The senior officer who reviews the RS's report. Typically the RS's immediate commander (e.g., Battalion Commander reviews Company Commanders).

The RO responsibilities. Concurrence or non-concurrence with the RS, third officer sighter triggers, profile management, fairness and consistency oversight.

The Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles leaf covers RS and RO duties in detail.

How a Performance Evaluation Flows

FITREP Flow

1. Reporting period begins. RS conducts initial counseling within the JTR-equivalent window per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.
2. Mid-period counseling at the midpoint.
3. Reporting period ends. RS drafts the FITREP.
4. RS submits to RO for review.
5. RO concurs (signs) or non-concurs (initiates additional process).
6. MRO acknowledges receipt.
7. FITREP submitted to PES via the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS).
8. Report appears on the Marine's MBS.

JEPES Flow

1. Reporting period begins. Reporting Official observes the junior Marine.
2. Reporting period ends. Reporting Official prepares the JEPES report.
3. Report submitted through the chain.
4. Marine acknowledges.
5. Report enters the personnel record.

The FITREP Reporting Cycle and JEPES leaves cover the flows in detail.

Body Composition Reporting Integration

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, body composition information is reported in FITREP Section A Item 8 based on the WHtR framework.

Five Directed Comments

The MARADMIN establishes five distinct directed comments depending on the MRO's body composition status.

1. Within WHtR standards.
2. Exceeded WHtR but within body fat standards (BIA or tape).
3. Exceeded WHtR and maximum body fat (adverse report).
4. Reevaluation waiver or exemption granted.
5. BCP assignment waiver granted.

Section A Item 8 Field Entries

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 paragraph 3.g.

• Item 8.d. (height) entered as "000."
• Item 8.e. (weight) entered as "000."
• Item 8.f. (body fat) left blank.

Why This Matters for Every FITREP

Every FITREP submitted on or after 1 January 2026 must apply the new framework. Reporting Officials must select the correct directed comment based on the MRO's body composition status. Incorrect entries trigger return for correction.

The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 in detail.

How Each Leaf in This Group Fits

Operational Leaves

• Performance Evaluation Overview and Authorities. The framework you are reading now.
• FITREP Sections and Marking. Section A through K walkthrough per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types. Annual, Change of RS, Change of RO, etc.
• Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles. RS and RO duties and responsibilities.
• JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System). MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 framework.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS). The aggregate FITREP display.

Compliance and Adverse Action Leaves

• Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports. Adverse marks framework, MRO addendum.
• Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations. MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 directed comments.
• FITREP Appeals (PERB Process). Petition format and adjudication.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the difference between FITREP and JEPES?

FITREP per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B applies to Sergeants and above plus all Officers. JEPES per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 applies to E-1 through E-4. Both are performance evaluation systems but with different formats and stakeholders.

When did JEPES start?

MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 implemented JEPES for E-1 through E-4. The framework replaced the legacy proficiency and conduct (Pro/Con) marks system.

What is the Performance Evaluation Section (PES)?

The HQMC M&RA section that runs the performance evaluation program. Maintains MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1. Operates the PERB. Email smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil.

How does MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 affect my FITREPs?

Per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026, body composition reporting on FITREPs uses the new WHtR framework. Section A Item 8 fields are entered as "000" or left blank. One of five directed comments is selected based on body composition status.

Who is my Reporting Senior?

The officer or SNCO who observes your performance during the reporting period. Typically your immediate commander or the next-level supervisor for SNCOs and Officers.

Who is my Reviewing Officer?

The senior officer above your RS. Reviews the RS's report and concurs or non-concurs.

What is the MBS?

The Master Brief Sheet. The aggregate display of all FITREPs in your OMPF. Selection boards, monitors, and reenlistment authorities review the MBS.

What is the PERB?

The Performance Evaluation Review Board at HQMC. Adjudicates substantive errors in FITREPs. Limited appeal grounds, time limits, specific petition format. The FITREP Appeals leaf covers the framework.

Can I appeal a JEPES report?

JEPES has its own redress process distinct from the PERB. Coordinate with the PES through your unit S-1 for current JEPES appeal procedures.

How do I see my own FITREPs?

Through the Marine Online (MOL) portal. The OMPF displays current and historical FITREPs. The MBS shows the aggregate profile.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• FITREP framework questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• JEPES questions. The unit S-1 or chain of command Reporting Official.
• Body composition reporting per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26. The Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations leaf or the unit S-1.
• PERB appeal preparation. The FITREP Appeals leaf or coordinate with unit S-1 and Legal.
• MBS verification. Through MOL (https://www.mol.usmc.mil/).
• HQMC PES escalation. smb_hqmc_a-pes@usmc.mil or PES at (703) 432-0514.
• TECOM Force Fitness for body composition framework questions. tecom.forcefitness@usmc.mil or (703) 432-2285.
• DC, M&RA Performance Branch. PES Section at HQMC M&RA.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Performance Evaluation landing page lists all topics.
• FITREP Sections and Marking covers MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B Sections A through K.
• 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 mark framework.
• Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26.
• FITREP Appeals (PERB Process) covers the appeal framework.
• JEPES (Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System) covers MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers MBS verification.
• Promotions covers how performance evaluations feed promotion boards.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the performance evaluation framework and prepare for initial and mid-period counseling.
• Admin at S-1 supports PES record management and FITREP submission to PES.
• Commanders serve as Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

The Marine Corps performance evaluation framework has two systems based on grade. FITREPs per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B for SGT and above. JEPES per MCO 1616.1MCO 1616.1 for E-1 through E-4. The MRO/RS/RO chain captures performance. PES at HQMC M&RA runs the program. MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 establishes the new body composition reporting framework effective 1 January 2026. Performance evaluations drive promotion, retention, special duty selection, and assignment monitor decisions.