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Over the past few months there have been many articles written in the GAZETTE on our Performance Evaluation System and fitness reports. To date, however, I have seen nothing written concerning our Proficiency and Conduct Marking System. The Proficiency and Conduct System is equally as important as the Performance Evaluation System if for no other reason than it lays the foundation for the counseling and evaluation of our future staff noncommissioned officers.
At the present time pro/con marks are given in accordance with the Individual Records and Administration Manual or IRAM (MCO P1070.12C). Paragraphs 4008.6b/7b state that the standards shown in the manual will be used as a guide in assigning both proficiency and conduct marks and that "full discretion is left to commanders to deviate therefrom for good and sufficient reasons."
One reason I have found to justify deviation from these guidelines is that they make no provision to ensure that all Marines affected by the system...