Final answer:
The retention period for copies of evaluations varies by military branch, such as the U.S. Navy, which keeps records throughout a service member's career and thereafter at the National Archives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration for which a command retains copies of evaluations depends on the specific policies and regulations of the military branch or organization in question. For example, in the United States Navy, evaluations, known as Fitness Reports (FITREPs), Enlisted Evaluations, and Officer Evaluation Reports (OERs), are typically archived in a service member's Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) for their entire career. After a service member separates or retires, these records are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Military personnel needs to understand the retention period of their evaluations, as these documents can have long-term impacts on their career advancement and benefits.