[Richard Kimball]

This is the part of the SITREPS much of the document was talking about.

In these types of fitness reports, you basically ignore the headings, and read the document from left to right as "best to worst", with the far left column, "not observed" meaning either they really didn't observe it or just don't want to comment. This clearly puts Kerry "out of the loop" for significant advancement, as he's rated average or below average in most categories. As someone who has filled out (and been subject to) numerous similar evaluations, these things have more grade inflation than an all-district running back's report card.

The text underneath reeks of an officer trying not to say something bad about a subordinate. Anytime you compliment someone's appearance, he presents a very neat appearance and meets people well, you're reaching for ANYTHING good to say. A report that is all "top marks" means the guy isn't a problem, and you wouldn't cry if he was assigned to you. Anything else means "stay away."

[AndyJackson]

His performance as ships PAO

Well that would torpedo him right there. Not gunnery officer, not sonar officer, not main propulsion assistant but public affairs??????

[happygrl]

Kerry got his high marks for oral and written expression.

Uh huh....

[Cogadh na Sith]

Having written OERs and NCOERs in the Army, and having been subject to same:

he presents a very neat appearance and meets people well, you're reaching for ANYTHING good to say

Did you notice how many times in his FITREPS he was complimented for his appearance, 'tact' and 'speaking ability', but dinged on his 'military bearing'?

That's a signal that he is a big bulls%^tter and will probably lie to you....