[Numbers Guy]

Kerry officials, with no knowledge of military operations, think the report is laudatory.

Thanks for the explanation. The question is whether the mainstream press is going to be concerned with the relatively low ranking. My fear is that they won't be.

[PatriotCJC]

I have had numerous fitness reports (FITREPS) and what strikes ne besides the mark downs is the narrative. The FITREP narratives are always very glowing. This narrative is very unflattering. Maybe the FITREP has changed but usually there are narrative comments on Promotion, Command at Sea, Further schooling. There is none of this in his fitrep. This looks like a death nail fitrep if you ask me.

[BluH2o]

The question is whether the mainstream press is going to be concerned with the relatively low ranking. My fear is that they won't be.

Since many of the senior editor, journalist types, were dodging the draft back in that era, Kerry will get a pass. We'll be told that was years ago, what relevance does it have today? This, in spite of the fact Kerry's whole political career revolves around his stint in Vietnam. The next few days should be interesting.

[Gamecock]

Hmmm, sounds like the Army Officer Evaluation Report System today...

[sox_the_cat]

I think the media interpretation will be the same as the smoking gun:

"The body count reference is included in a glowing 1969 Navy report that noted Kerry, a 25-year-old junior grade lieutenant"

Only a few places like here can you get the reality of the ratings and comments. Others will just read the comments and deem it "glowing".