Sample Pen Picture — Of Officers Better

In formal reporting, this translates as a negative report. "Balances work and domestic commitments marvellously" is widely understood in UK/Commonwealth military slang to imply a lack of professional drive. Similarly, "I would not breed from this officer" or "reached rock bottom ... then she started to dig" are historic, albeit informal, references for officers who should not be promoted. While modern reports avoid vulgarity, the principle of revealing shortcomings without lawsuit remains valid.