Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer Roles

The Standard the Marine Corps Holds Reporting Officials To

"The completed fitness report is the most important information component in manpower management. It is the primary means of evaluating a Marine's performance. The fitness report is the Commandant's primary tool available for the selection of personnel for promotion, retention, career designation, resident schooling, command, and duty assignments. Therefore, the completion of this report is one of an officer's most critical responsibilities. Inherent in this duty is the commitment of each reporting senior and reviewing officer to ensure the integrity of the system by close attention to accurate marking and timely reporting. Every officer serves a role in the scrupulous maintenance of this evaluation system, ultimately important to both the individual and the Marine Corps. Inflationary markings only serve to dilute the actual value of each report, rendering the fitness report ineffective. Reviewing officials will not concur with inflated reports."

General Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps.

This quote is the lodestar for every Reporting Senior and Reviewing Officer. The marking philosophy in MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B traces back to the Krulak vision of an honest, calibrated, accountable evaluation system. RSs and ROs who mark or concur with inflated reports degrade the system for every Marine.

Start Here If You Are New to RS and RO Roles

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, the Reporting Senior (RS) is the officer or SNCO who observes the MRO during the reporting period and writes the FITREP. The Reviewing Officer (RO) is the senior officer above the RS who reviews the report and concurs or non-concurs. Both roles carry significant accountability. The RS must conduct initial counseling within 30 days of the start of the reporting period and mid-period counseling at the midpoint. The RS marks the six performance attributes A through G, completes the comparative assessment in Section G, and writes substantive justification narratives. The RO reviews for fairness, consistency, and accuracy. The RO can concur, non-concur with a substantive disagreement, or trigger a third officer sighter (TOS) when required. The Reporting Senior Profile tracks each RS's marking patterns. Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

This page walks you through the RS and RO roles from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The Reporting Senior role and responsibilities
• The Reviewing Officer role and responsibilities
• Initial counseling within 30 days
• Mid-period counseling
• The Reporting Senior Profile
• Concurrence vs non-concurrence
• Third Officer Sighter (TOS) triggers
• Marking philosophy and calibration

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and HQMC PES guidance.

The Reporting Senior (RS)

The RS is the officer or SNCO directly observing and supervising the MRO.

Who Is the Typical RS

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and Marine Corps practice.

• For O-1 through O-3 and Warrant Officers, the immediate commander or department head.
• For SNCOs (E-7 through E-9) in command staff billets, the senior officer in the chain.
• For Sergeants and Staff Sergeants, the platoon commander, section leader, or department head.

RS Pecuniary and Professional Accountability

The RS's signature on the FITREP carries professional accountability for accuracy, fairness, and adherence to MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B. Patterns of inflation, bias, or non-compliance affect the RS's own performance evaluation through the Reporting Senior Profile.

RS Responsibilities

1. Initial Counseling Within 30 Days

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, the RS conducts initial counseling within 30 days of the MRO reporting to the unit or beginning a new reporting period. The counseling.

• Establishes performance expectations for the period.
• Identifies the billet, duties, and standards.
• Documents in the appropriate counseling form.

The MRO signs acknowledgment of the initial counseling.

2. Mid-Period Counseling

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, the RS conducts mid-period counseling at the approximate midpoint of the reporting period. The counseling.

• Provides candid feedback on performance to date.
• Identifies areas for sustainment and improvement.
• Documents performance trends.

The mid-period counseling is the MRO's chance to course-correct before the final FITREP.

3. Observation Throughout the Reporting Period

The RS observes the MRO across the full reporting period. Observation includes.

• Direct interaction during work and operational events.
• Review of subordinate feedback (for MROs in supervisory roles).
• Review of accomplishments and challenges.
• Documentation of significant events.

4. Drafting the FITREP

The RS drafts the FITREP capturing.

• Section A administrative entries (including MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition entries of "000" / "000" / blank).
• Section B billet description.
• Section C billet accomplishments.
• Sections D and E performance attribute marks (A-G).
• Section F justification narrative.
• Section G comparative assessment.
• Section H additional comments.
• Section I directed comments (including the five MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 body composition comments).

5. Submitting to the RO

The RS routes the draft FITREP to the RO for review. The RO has time to review, concur or non-concur, and route back if needed.

6. Counseling on Adverse FITREPs

If the FITREP contains adverse marks or content, the RS counsels the MRO before submission. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf covers the framework.

The Reviewing Officer (RO)

The RO is the senior officer above the RS in the chain.

Who Is the Typical RO

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and Marine Corps practice.

• For Company-grade officers and Company SNCOs, the Battalion Commander.
• For Battalion-level officers, the Regimental or Marine Aircraft Group Commander.
• For Field Grade officers, the General Officer in command.

RO Pecuniary and Professional Accountability

The RO's signature carries pecuniary and professional accountability. The RO certifies the FITREP is fair, consistent, and accurate. RO non-compliance affects the RO's own performance evaluation.

RO Responsibilities

1. Review for Fairness and Consistency

The RO reviews the RS's draft for.

• Consistency with the RS's other reports during the same period (avoid favoritism).
• Fairness against same-grade peers in the unit.
• Adherence to MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B requirements.
• Procedural completeness (counseling, observation time, required content).

2. Concurrence

If the RO agrees with the RS's marks and narrative, the RO signs Section J as CONCUR. The FITREP submits as a concurrent report.

3. Non-Concurrence

If the RO disagrees substantively with the RS's marks or narrative, the RO submits a non-concurrence statement. The non-concurrence triggers.

• Documentation of the basis for disagreement.
• Coordination with the RS to resolve (if possible).
• Third Officer Sighter (TOS) routing if required.
• The RS's original report is preserved with the RO's non-concurrence on the record.

4. Third Officer Sighter (TOS) Triggers

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, TOS is required in specific scenarios.

• RO non-concurrence with the RS's marks.
• Adverse reports with specific procedural triggers.
• Reports where the RO is the same as the RS's reporting senior (rare but possible).
• Other scenarios specified in MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

The TOS is typically the next senior officer above the RO. The TOS reviews and signs to add a third independent perspective.

5. Profile Management

The RO is responsible for ensuring the unit's FITREP profile reflects honest calibration. RO concurrence with inflated reports degrades the unit's profile credibility.

The Reporting Senior Profile

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B and HQMC PES, every Reporting Senior has a profile tracking marking patterns over time.

What the Profile Captures

• Distribution of marks given (percentages at each letter A-G).
• Comparative assessment distribution (MUE through MFE).
• Average marks vs the Marine Corps-wide distribution.
• Notable patterns (e.g., always marks at G, never below D).

How the Profile Is Used

Selection boards reference the RS profile when weighing the FITREP. A G mark from an RS who routinely marks G carries less weight than a G mark from an RS with a balanced profile. Boards calibrate accordingly.

RS Profile Visibility

The RS's profile is visible to the RS, the chain of command, and selection boards. The MRO does not typically see the RS profile but should understand it shapes how the FITREP is read.

Profile Calibration Best Practice

The RS reviews the profile periodically and adjusts marking practices to maintain calibration. Common pitfalls.

• Inflation (everyone gets G).
• Compression (everyone gets the same letter).
• Anchoring on prior reports (forgetting the comparative requirement).
• Avoiding adverse marks when earned.

Marking Philosophy

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, marking should reflect actual performance against the stated standard, not against the cohort average or the MRO's prior performance.

Standard Marks

A "D" mark is "meets standard" and is positive. The Marine performed at the expected level for their grade and billet. Boards understand D marks reflect competent performance.

Above-Standard Marks

E and F marks reserve for performance clearly above the standard. The RS's Section F narrative must support the marks with specific examples.

Exceptional Marks

G marks reserve for truly exceptional performance. A G mark signals the MRO is among the very best peers observed. Reserved for rare cases.

Below-Standard Marks

A through C marks reflect performance below standard. Use when warranted. Failing to mark below standard when earned undermines the system.

Initial Counseling Best Practice

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, initial counseling within 30 days of the reporting period start.

Format

• Documented in writing.
• Signed by the RS and the MRO.
• Captures performance expectations, billet duties, and standards.

Content

• Specific performance objectives for the period.
• Available development resources.
• The reporting cycle anticipated (Annual, expected CR or CO triggers).
• Body composition standards (per MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 effective 1 January 2026).

MRO Acknowledgment

The MRO signs acknowledging the counseling occurred. Acknowledgment is procedural and does not signify agreement with all elements.

Mid-Period Counseling Best Practice

Per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B, mid-period counseling at approximately the midpoint of the reporting period.

Purpose

• Honest assessment of performance to date.
• Course correction opportunity for the MRO.
• Alignment of expectations between RS and MRO.

Format

• Documented.
• Signed by the RS and MRO.
• Captures sustainment and improvement areas.

Why Mid-Period Counseling Matters

The MRO's only chance to address performance concerns BEFORE the final FITREP. The MRO who hears about concerns first time on the FITREP has lost the opportunity to course-correct.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Who is my Reporting Senior?

The officer or SNCO who observes you during the reporting period. Typically your immediate commander, department head, or platoon commander based on your grade.

Who is my Reviewing Officer?

The senior officer above your RS. Typically the Battalion Commander or equivalent for company-grade officers and SNCOs.

When should I receive initial counseling?

Within 30 days of reporting to the unit or beginning a new reporting period per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.

What is the Reporting Senior Profile?

A record of the RS's marking patterns over time. Boards use it to calibrate how to read marks. An RS with an inflated profile has marks that carry less weight at boards.

What does the RO concurrence in Section J mean?

The RO certifies the FITREP is accurate, fair, and complete. The RO's signature carries pecuniary and professional accountability.

What is non-concurrence?

The RO substantively disagrees with the RS's report. Triggers documentation and may require Third Officer Sighter routing.

What is the Third Officer Sighter (TOS)?

The next senior officer above the RO. Reviews and signs the FITREP when MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B requires (e.g., RO non-concurrence with RS).

How do RS marks compare to my peers?

Section G provides the comparative assessment placing you against same-grade peers observed by the RS during the reporting period. The scale runs from MUE to MFE plus an Eminently Qualified mark.

What happens if my RS gives me low marks?

Standard marks (D) are not adverse. Below-standard marks (A-C) trigger the adverse FITREP framework. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf covers procedural protections.

What if my RS does not conduct initial or mid-period counseling?

Document the absence in your records. Coordinate with the unit S-1 PES Manager and the chain of command. Lack of counseling may support a PERB appeal if the FITREP is adverse.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• RS or RO role questions. The unit S-1 PES Manager.
• Initial or mid-period counseling concerns. Through the chain of command.
• Reporting Senior Profile questions. The RS through the unit S-1.
• Non-concurrence or TOS questions. The unit S-1 and the affected RS or RO.
• Adverse FITREP procedural questions. The Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports leaf.
• HQMC PES escalation. smb_hqmc_a-pes@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 Sections and Marking covers Sections A through K in detail.
• FITREP Reporting Cycle and Report Types covers report types.
• Adverse FITREPs and Referred Reports covers adverse marking procedures.
• Body Composition Reporting on Performance Evaluations covers MARADMIN 066/26MARADMIN 066/26 directed comments.
• FITREP Appeals (PERB Process) covers the appeal framework.
• Master Brief Sheet (MBS) covers MBS verification including the RS profile.

Related Roles

• Leaders serving as Reporting Senior conduct initial and mid-period counseling and write substantive FITREPs.
• Admin at S-1 supports PES record submission and tracks RS and RO compliance.
• Commanders serve as Reviewing Officer and uphold marking philosophy across the unit.

The Reporting Senior writes the FITREP and conducts initial and mid-period counseling. The Reviewing Officer reviews and concurs or non-concurs. Third Officer Sighter triggers in non-concurrence and specific scenarios. The Reporting Senior Profile tracks marking patterns and boards use it for calibration. Marking philosophy emphasizes honest calibration against same-grade peers. Both RS and RO carry pecuniary and professional accountability per MCO 1610.7BMCO 1610.7B.