QUANTICO, VA - The Marine Corps released an administrative message Friday admitting that despite what many of its staff non-commissioned officers (SNCO's) have claimed over the years, "5.0 Marines" do indeed exist.

5.0/5.0 is a perfect score on the Marine Corps proficiency and conduct marks -- ratings that help junior Marines get promoted. Once a Marine reaches the rank of Sergeant (E-5), they transition from Pros & Cons to the Fitness Report, featuring a 'Christmas-tree' like structure of seniority, but officials confirmed no Marine has ever reached the top rating.

"We aren't saying there are any 5.0 Marines in the Corps right now," said Master Sergeant Raymond Gibbs with Headquarters Marine Corps. "We're just saying if a Marine has competed in multiple boards, consistently performed above and beyond his rank, and has several valor awards, he may be a 5.0/5.0 Marine."

However, in the same message the Corps reaffirmed, "Every Marine still has room for improvement."