As a fairly new NCO, am I supposed to give my soldiers initial and monthly counsellings (PSG is asking for monthly)?

2017-05-02T11:51:38-04:00

Advise

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 12:06 PM

2017-05-02T12:06:03-04:00

Yes. Most definitely. For SPC and below, you are supposed to do an initial counseling - I believe within 30 days of receiving that soldier - and then monthly counseling. Do all NCOs counsel their soldiers monthly? No. My first NCOIC was a SFC. I think I got like two from him. They were horrible. It consisted of "Good job this month. Your uniform was good." That was it. When we deployed, my OIC took over my counseling because they took the NCOIC and the SSG and put them in S3. It was just me and her. She set my counseling like a NCOER on the 4856. (The old NCOER). She had Competence, Physical Fitness & Military Bearing, Leadership, Training, Responsibility and Accountability and each one had 2-3 bullets. Then at the bottom she had a summary of the counseling on what she would cover and then the Plan of Action. My 1SG loved those when he saw my promotion packet for SGT or when he did counseling packet reviews. That's how I have always counseled any soldiers I've ever had. Whenever I get back to an Army unit I'll have to adjust it to the new NCOER form but I think that's good. But there is no specific way to write one. You should be covering the things they did well, things they need to improve. Then make sure that you follow up with the plan of action.

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made May 2 at 2017 12:27 PM

2017-05-02T12:27:26-04:00

Make sure you do an initial so Soldiers understand your expectations. These counseling are needed when recommending Soldiers for promotion and UCMJ.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 2 at 2017 12:40 PM

2017-05-02T12:40:17-04:00

Seeing 'SPC', I think I am going to have to give you a slightly different answer than I originally intended. I think YES you need perform the initial and monthly counselling if you were directed BUT the under the guidance and supervision...at least initially...of the NCO over you. Because we do not always have all the details in these questions, who is delegating the counseling to a SPC and why? This could be awesome leadership or an example of someone needing a throat chop?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 12:46 PM

2017-05-02T12:46:46-04:00

Yes, if you have soldiers under your leadership. I'd Start right off the bat and counsel them. You're an NCO, and now you must change your mentality from peer to leader. What I did was talk to your platoon Sgt. Get a feel for how counseling should go. Don't go head strung into it. Just because you have stripes now don't mean you're invisible. But as an NCO, this is your bread and butter. Let your soldiers know what to expect from you and your expectations of them. This is also a test from your leadership to see what kind of NCO you'll be. Don't get lazy, once you do your initial, prepare yourself each month to knock those out. And don't do no copy-paste counseling. Take the time to get to know your soldiers and develop communication and a good understanding.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 12:48 PM

2017-05-02T12:48:40-04:00

Forgot to ask are you getting promotion to SGT/CPL?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 1:57 PM

2017-05-02T13:57:35-04:00

Congratulations! Welcome to the NCO Corp. Counseling while not a glamorous job is a necessary part of being a leader. You should do an initial counseling detailing your expectations of your soldiers. You should create counseling packets for all your soldiers and keep good records of all their counseling's. Monthly counseling's are a minimum requirement to let your Soldiers know how they are progressing. But you can also counsel your Soldiers when they do things that are above their normal scope of duties. For example if you have a high speed specialist that helps another Soldier every day after work on his PT, you can give that Soldier a positive counseling. Positive counseling's are a lost art this days. Most NCOs don't take the time to do them. These can assist you down the road when putting in the Soldier for awards and recognition such as coins and COA's. And don't just put the paper in front of them and say sign (another pet peeve of mine) take the time and sit down with them and go over it with them and open it up for discussion on what they can improve on and what they would like assistance from you on in the future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-05-02T16:35:25-04:00

Yes. Council routinely. And nit just negative councilings. Positive ones too. You're "advised" to do so, and every junior enlisted hates the NCO that only councils you negatively

Response by Maj John Bell made May 2 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-05-02T17:34:34-04:00

Everything is revealed in a book called "SMALL UNIT LEADERSHIP" by Dandridge Malone.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 11:23 AM

2017-05-03T11:23:07-04:00

You do the Initial when you first receive the Soldiers. Then, do Monthly Counselings.

Response by SGT James Colwell made May 3 at 2017 12:38 PM

2017-05-03T12:38:13-04:00

PSG request is a minimum requirement. Nothing wrong with going above and beyond, unless he/she says otherwise.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 2:00 PM

2017-05-03T14:00:22-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member initial for sure and monthly if that is what PSG states.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-05-03T15:31:39-04:00

Yes , it shows that you are interested in their progression and that way you'll become a better leader.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2017 6:12 PM

2017-05-03T18:12:47-04:00

Did you ask SGM Google? Different ranks have different counseling requirements.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 3 at 2017 9:03 PM

2017-05-03T21:03:15-04:00

Monthly counseling is the standard, whether is is done or not... SGT Private RallyPoint Member... Counseling seems to be a lost art of late.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made May 6 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-05-06T11:28:36-04:00

As your platoon sergeant said he wants a monthly evaluation, yes you have to do a monthly evaluation. Did you consider the fact that he sees this as an opportunity to enhance your writing skills?

Response by SGT Eric Hawkins made May 6 at 2017 11:49 AM

2017-05-06T11:49:34-04:00

When I was promoted to SGT, I wore the rank for about 9 months before I attended PLDC. I had some awesome NCO's myself, so I had guidance on this issue. (This was in 2001) I got a digital copy of FM 22-100 and tried to follow the guidelines with a tweak here or there as it pertained to my MOS. I became pretty proficient at keeping notes on my troopers throughout the month so that I wouldn't just be BS'ing my way through the counseling sessions. Getting proficient at this task helped me greatly when I finally went to PLDC. But, counseling isn't just a piece of paper that you fill out every month or if Joe screws up. Counseling is an on-going process that includes training, mentoring, corrections, and at-a-boys. I hope that something I have said can help you. Thanks for your service.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-05-06T12:25:36-04:00

As everyone else already answered your question, I'll throw some advice out there. Once a month set aside two days. One day to prepare your counseling forms (you may have to use your own off time) and another to counsel (workday). Try to put all the scheduled sessions on your training calendar on days that fit into your unit schedule.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 12:26 PM

2017-05-06T12:26:26-04:00

The "book answer" is absolutely yes you should do an initial and monthly counselings on every troop assigned to you. You should also do other counselings as needed. For instance, when that Troop does something really well and distinguishes himself from his peers. It's also a great idea to counsel that Troop when she gets married or has a baby. Why? Because those are significant life events that bring lots of challenges very fast. A good counseling can identify those potential challenges and resources to help manage them. Basically, I'm saying that there is really not a bad reason to counsel your troops. But, I think that too many NCOs have gotten wrapped around the wheel with it and they limit counselings to filling out a DA4856. Not every counseling session has to involve paperwork. But, you must be involved with your troops. That can involve a conversation at the smoke pit. It can involve a discussion over lunch. Basically, I'm saying that there are lots of ways to counsel your troops. Some stuff does absolutely need to go on paper, but if you're doing your job and mentoring your troops, the paperwork is easy. Just don't do the paperwork so that you can "check the block."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 12:26 PM

2017-05-06T12:26:32-04:00

I'll take this further. Write an initial counseling and make it a good one. Write about what you expect from your Soldiers. Get the help of your seniors if you need it. Give that counseling to all of your Soldiers from here on. Mass counseling on this one is ok. You should have one standard and one set of expectations for all your Soldiers, so have one counseling that reflects it. You may have to tweak it in certain cases, but no need to reinvent the wheel every time you get a new Soldier. As mentioned prior, don't just read it and sign. Actually talk to the Soldiers and elaborate on what the counseling is saying.

For the monthly counselings, sit down with the Soldier and a BLANK 4187. Fill it out by hand. Discuss with the Soldier about his strengths, weaknesses, concerns, and anything else (education, promotion potential, past and future ops are all important talking points). It doesn't have to be line-for-line, just enough to capture the conversation. Discuss the plan of action together. Both of you sign it.

Then, get on your computer and type up a more refined copy. Go over it again, sign the new one, and put both counseling in his/her packet. This process seems like a lot of work but it's not and it does many things. First, it's how counseling are supposed to be done, but rarely done with the often high optempo. It gives the Soldier a sense of participation in his own development which is important. With that handwritten counseling done, the other one almost writes itself. Lastly in a more selfish aspect, it will make you look good when you take the Soldier to a board. Not only are you doing your job to counsel, but you are taking time and care to do it the right way.

Positive counseling: As stated, never done enough these days but it is a easy and impactful way to reward your Soldiers.

Negative counseling: A one-way counseling, but still take the time to elaborate and discuss.

You can counsel a Soldier for ANYTHING: Buying a car, getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, attending college. Another way to look at counseling is this: a counseling form is proof that a conversation took place between you and the Soldier. If you have a concern for your Soldier about something, put it on paper. It's not a negative thing. If your catch wind that your Soldier is doing something dangerous or at least something that
He shouldn't be doing, counsel him and express your concerns. If he does it anyway and something happens, you have proof that you advised him not to.

Save your event-oriented counseling. If you have one Soldier who was late to PT, clear the administrative data and save it. If you have another Soldier late to PT later down the road, all you have to do is fill out the top and change the facts to reflect the situation. Don't keep this on a gov't computer. Keep a file on your personal computer or in your email so it isn't lost. This practice will come in handy later when you start writing things like awards, NCOERs, and so on.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Response by SSG Kenneth Randolph made May 6 at 2017 12:39 PM

2017-05-06T12:39:49-04:00

Yes. Absolutely! Initial counseling and monthly counseling sessions are essential tools to enhance a soldier performance in the field and back in garrison. These tools are very useful throughout a soldiers entire career. It's a great tool to measure a soldiers progress. Good or bad. It gives the subordinate and the leader the opportunity to measure progress been made and challenges that impede progress. It's used as a career pathway to promotions, schools, training, and other career development opportunities.

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made May 6 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-05-06T13:36:18-04:00

You are so right that you should be able to balance good comments with the negative. It takes more effort and thought to come up with legitimate positives, but you are mentoring people, and nobody likes to feel they are not valued. Very few people are all bad, so good mentors try to open and close with something positive.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 6 at 2017 1:59 PM

2017-05-06T13:59:47-04:00

Of course. It is your job to perform couselings in order to professionally develop your subordinates and mold them into the soldiers and future leaders that they need to become. I used to give initial counselings to my soldiers right after they were assigned to me (regardless of if they were actually new) and of course monthly counselings. Then I would also give counselings based on specific kinds of performance, good and bad. I believe that the last of these serves two purposes; if they are a shitbag constantly then it gives you a paper trail to later go on to possibly UCMJ if necessary, but also if they are a badass, then it gives you records to bring up the chain to do great things for the soldier (i.e. recommendations for awards, schools, and boards). Counseling also serves a purpose for junior leaders (your E5s mostly) teaching them to perfect a professional writing style and time that they will later use to write awards and NCOERs, and writing is a skill that transfers into nearly every profession outside of the military as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 3:11 PM

2017-05-06T15:11:22-04:00

Hoskie, if you were recently promoted to NCO, please update your rank on your profile. It is still showing Specialist.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made May 6 at 2017 5:41 PM

2017-05-06T17:41:58-04:00

Yes you are, initial counseling not only let's your soldiers know what you expect from them in writing so they can't deny it later but also should explain to them what they can and should expect from you. Monthly counseling let's them know how they are doing and in what areas they need improvement and what areas they are doing well in. Again this is valuable as it leaves a written trail not only for negative issues that may possibly lead to future NJP or seperation procedures but also for award bullets and recognition. Also don't forget a counseling doesn't always have to be negative. If your troop does something to stand out from their peers let them know. If it is not quite something that merits an award it is still worth taking the time to give a positive counseling besides letting your troops know you appreciate their efforts again enough of these can justify an award of an AAM or ARCOM.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-05-06T18:06:42-04:00

How have you made it to SGT and you don't know this!!?? Oh right because you're leadership failed you. It is a shame that you don't have proper leadership, but sadly you are in the majority

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 9:32 PM

2017-05-06T21:32:38-04:00

Yes you are supposed to do initial and monthly counseling to your joes other wise you're failing them.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made May 6 at 2017 9:46 PM

2017-05-06T21:46:15-04:00

Absolutley,

This is your opportunity to let Soldiers know what they did or did not do well and how they can improve. A plan of action is set and you hold them to it. I would say not to focus only on negative counseling or monthly counseling also cousel on the good things to. I would often intilizebwhat was known as under the oak tree counseling to get to know my Soldiers and have conversations that allowed them the opportunity to speak openly with me as their first line supervisor.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 4:01 AM

2017-05-07T04:01:48-04:00

This is the reason why the Army's promotion system is broke. A young NCO who does not know how to properly counsel her subordinates. The initial counseling is the counseling that lets the subordinates know, what are your expectations of them! The monthly counseling is counseling used to let them know how they performed during the month. My recommendation to you, get back to the basics, learn how to research Army regulations and publications. If your PSG wants to see the monthly counseling, you make sure you give him what he asked for, not what you think you want to give him.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 6:29 AM

2017-05-08T06:29:39-04:00

As an NCO you should give new soldiers and initial within 30 days. Also you should be counseling your soldiers monthly. This does not include any counseling's for recognition or corrective

Response by SFC Steve Ouellette made May 8 at 2017 10:22 AM

2017-05-08T10:22:57-04:00

Is that even a truthful question? If your chain hasn't been giving you monthly counselings to groom you to become an nco, they have failed you and are lazy. Nothing has changed, counseling still required.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Oct 24 at 2017 8:06 PM

2017-10-24T20:06:25-04:00

How are you an NCO, regardless of newness, and do not know you gotta do counselings...?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-10-24T20:43:57-04:00

Blue lizard I always did this even back when I was a specialist

Response by SSG James McConnell made Oct 25 at 2017 12:01 AM

2017-10-25T00:01:33-04:00

Yes, your soldiers always come first, they eat before you, they sleep before you, take care of your people and they will take care of the mission and each other.

Response by 1SG Bryan Baker made Oct 25 at 2017 9:35 AM

2017-10-25T09:35:57-04:00

Do it !

Response by SGT Mark Richardson made Oct 26 at 2017 9:18 AM

2017-10-26T09:18:50-04:00

Absolutely, 100%, counsel your soldiers monthly and be consistent with it because if you come at them with months worth of counseling they won't take you seriously. They'll think, "look another stupid thing he's making me do." Lower enlisted are counseled monthly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 2:18 PM

2017-10-26T14:18:18-04:00

I always gave initial and monthly counselings. I also made sure to close each counseling at the end of each month. I’d have a sit down with each soldier, didn’t always have to be super formal. Usually they’d drop by when hey had time read through it. Ask questions, and discuss future plans and issues. I’d also remind my NCO that I needed to be counseled. I would usually give him a daily update on what was going on with me day to day so he never had an issue digging for material to use. Something that seems so small actually makes a world of difference. Most of my soldiers are thriving (many surpassed me in rank before I retired) an even my former nco has thanked me for helping him get into good habits. You also learn about your soldiers, and they begin develop that trust in you so there’s less surprises and it’s nice when they come to you letting you know when they messed up so you can walk into tops office with a corrective plan of action already emplaced.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 2:32 PM

2017-10-26T14:32:59-04:00

The right answer is yes. You should always counsel your soldiers. It gives them way to see how they can improve themselves, and also what they need to work on. You are suppoaed to counsel on accomplishments and things not so great either. It also helps when wanting to gove a soldier a waiver. Uou have a paper trail of accomplishments that back him up. Its also good in the event you have a bad soldier you needs do be punished.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-10-26T16:33:11-04:00

Yes to both and your leadership should be giving you guidance on the matter. Dont be afraid to ask questions. I am not going to reiterate what everyone else has already said.

For good practice on counseling I have always made promotable SPC give counselings to suboordinates as professional growth. You should also be learning about this is BLC. This way when you become an NCO you are already ahead of the power curve.

As lessons learned from counselings. Ensure whatever counseling you give you follow up on and finish out a counseling. This is done by making a plan of action and seeing if the soldier has completed the plan of action within a certain amount of time (usually before the next monthy as an example). Remember that counslings can include good things as well and ensure that you are commending soldiers for their work and not just focusing on the negative.

Also make sure you develop a counseling packet for your soldier(s) and your unit should have a template to follow. This would include things like ERB, Personal data sheet, strip map, PT test, weapons qual, all counselings, and anything else that is mandated by the command.

Response by COL John Swindells made Oct 26 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-10-26T17:04:04-04:00

The professional NCOs who answered this are the reason we would have beaten the Soviet army all over the North German plain had the Warsaw Pact crossed the IGB. They are what makes us the finest Army in the world.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Oct 26 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-10-26T21:53:40-04:00

You should in addition of when they do great and anytime that they merit it.

Response by MSgt Bruce Hargis made Oct 26 at 2017 10:54 PM

2017-10-26T22:54:28-04:00

I would prefer the term appraisals. Troops never know where you expect them to get to if you never tell them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2017 2:40 AM

2017-10-27T02:40:45-04:00

Quarterly counselings would suffice in this US National Guard...which citizen soldier is a Hawkeye for monthly counselings? Sounds like ASAP to me

Response by 1LT Dennis Bell made Oct 27 at 2017 10:02 PM

2017-10-27T22:02:53-04:00

I knew Colonels who couldnt meet that requirement for subordinates’ OERs .... didn’t fill out their OER Suppirt Firm until the time they wrote their OER!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 8:00 PM

2017-10-28T20:00:08-04:00

Yes, and start a leaders book on your Joe’s. Every NCO should have them along with copy’s of everything important pertaining to that soldier.
Also don’t forget counselings are not just to be used for negative performance but positive as well. Monthly performance counselings are a must.

When a soldier goes above and beyond remember not only the positive counseling but the Da836 and put them in for a AAM. Even if it gets denied make the effort.

Also while there’s no real wrong way to do it, plain speak in a counseling keeps things simple.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2017 1:21 PM

2017-10-29T13:21:08-04:00

If you do not know the answer to this question..... maybe you should reconsider calling yourself a NCO

Response by PO1 Christine Bilyeu made Oct 30 at 2017 7:52 AM

2017-10-30T07:52:59-04:00

3 years Army 71-74 then Navy 81-94 and I never heard of or had monthly counseling. We had yearly reviews that were to say the least "creative". I started asking for "thank you" letters from the subs we fixed to pad my guys records to help them get advanced.

Response by SFC Jerry Basey made Oct 30 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-10-30T13:30:28-04:00

Counseling is not only required, it's the link between supervisor and subordinate for professional, personal, technical and tactical development.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 7:50 AM

2017-10-31T07:50:47-04:00

Lmao a monthly counciling is a real life thing. You should include subject areas such as mos skills, pt, military bearing and appearance, upcoming training events, as well as promotion. In the plan of action I liked for my soldiers to provide three goals for the near term then we would develop a plan to accomplish them.

Response by SGT Lisa Gondeiro made Oct 31 at 2017 9:11 AM

2017-10-31T09:11:14-04:00

Counseling statements are extremely important for the development of Soldiers. That being said, I do believe monthly is a little extreme. I counseled my Soldiers (autocorrect just got me with "dimwits" lmao) monthly because it was required, but some circumstances made it very difficult. If one of the kids was out for 3 weeks for convalescent leave or longer than that for training, it was still required. Again, very difficult. I feel quarterly counseling would be far more productive as more points can be discussed and intermittent absences did not prevent a fair evaluation. Thoughts?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 31 at 2017 9:13 AM

2017-10-31T09:13:57-04:00

I choose neither A nor B.

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I assume your RP rank in profile is outdated as it says SPC, not that of SGT an NCO.. You are hey by counseled, to update your profile....lol

As a new NCO to the unit, the initial counseling to the unit can be verbal.. Who you are, your expectations of yourself, and the unit. A formal meeting(scheduled, required attendance, announced in sufficient time its not a distractor or "This / That choice" to the team attending) in an non threatening, informal setting is what I preferred. If you have key players in your unit, an individual counseling statement that is a NCOER in progress is a good idea.. At your rank I doubt you are counseling any NCO's though.
After that, Yes initial to each NEW SM to your unit, and monthly for all you supervise.
At a minimum, three sustains, three improves and set a goal for near term and far term.
As needed positive and negative counsel statements are a great way to make building a PCS/ETS award easy for you. They also help in writing the monthly.... think of them as notes for later.... But also a attaboy if positive or a detailed issue, plan / way forward if negative.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 31 at 2017 9:49 AM

2017-10-31T09:49:13-04:00

Yes, counsel monthly- actually point out good , bad and possible corrections, at the end of the year you have a paper trail for their annual NCOER/eval report. Every link in the chain should be doing the same, that way if the Annual report doesn't jive, you have a basis to refute it. It lets EVERYONE know where they stand and what improvements they need o work on. That's professionalism. I did adverse counseling as well with the caveat that if they straightened up within 30-60-90 days it would be shitcanned. It kept everyone honest, eliminated unfairness, and gave my a basis to make a case to the old man if necessary

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 12:24 PM

2017-10-31T12:24:54-04:00

Developmental counseling is designed as an opportunity for you to help develop your soldiers. It is not as simple as conducting an AAR, though I see plenty of people are suggesting just that.

I took my soldiers aside and sat down with their promotion packet worksheets and addressed each subject. Leadership, Okay how are we going to get you top points in leadership? Then lay out a plan to do so, the same with NCOER's. Monthly I would go back to the first counseling and we would talk about how they worked to fulfill those plans, or how they are failing to do so.

If a really good thing, or bad thing happened I addressed those as needed, not on the monthly NCOER. Yes it can be paperwork heavy, but if you are not developing your soldiers you can't expect to have great soldiers.

Response by Sgt Louis Lassiter made Oct 31 at 2017 3:56 PM

2017-10-31T15:56:36-04:00

As an air crew member with Air Rescue in Viet Nam, my "first shirt",or "Tops" as we liked to csll him, never "counseled" me. We spoke from time to time about aircraft status and reguired maintenance. Our mission was our job, and our Save's recorded our success at our job. He did his job, I did mine, without conflicts, without the need for counsel, and our Missions were completed without a single air craft failure during a mission.
On return to CONUS I was stationed with a training squadron teaching basic air crew rescue procedures, then posted to LBR for my remaining 4 months . The ONLY time I was " counseled " by my first shirt was when I requested extended leave for a family funeral. Sooooo glad I didnt have to put up with all the BS you poor guys have to now,
AIR RESCUE, THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE

Response by SFC Glen Economy made Oct 31 at 2017 4:27 PM

2017-10-31T16:27:59-04:00

Initial counseling is key... how are your troops supposed to know your expectations for them unless you tell them what your standards of success are... monthly , when possible, to reinforce your standards or to explain their shortcomings.. also a great time to pat them on the back or kick them in the ass

Response by MSG Douglas Urbanski made Oct 31 at 2017 7:57 PM

2017-10-31T19:57:09-04:00

Oh hell yes! How else do you help them become better soldiers?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 8:42 PM

2017-10-31T20:42:50-04:00

E4 and below get monthly, basically a progress report on the last month and guidance on how to improve for next time. E5 and up are supposed to get quarterly counseling on the NCOER support form used as a building block for the Annual NCOER.

MSG B

Response by MSgt Robert Branscome made Nov 1 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-11-01T13:12:37-04:00

My people knew where they stood daily and weekly there were meetings to inform them of any major changes.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2017 9:49 AM

2017-11-02T09:49:33-04:00

You should begin with an initial counseling so that you set your expectations. Keep it simple and concise. If you overwhelm them they won't remember any of it it and it will be ineffective. Schedule monthly follow-ups well in advance so that your troops no when and where they will occur and they can plan accordingly. Make sure that all monthly counselings reiterate the expectations you had in your initial counselings. Consistency from you is important and it will help build respect and trust from your troops. Finally, give positive counseling statements in writing as often as they are deserved. A pile of positive statements can be used to support an award or help you convince a superior that one of your people needs to attend a school or other preferred action. If your PSG thinks SPC Soandso is a dirt bag you may be able to change his mind with them.

Response by SSgt Julius Bob Midgett made Nov 3 at 2017 8:57 PM

2017-11-03T20:57:56-04:00

Marines get quarterly fitness reports for nco's and non NCO get quarterly conduct and proficiency ratings

Response by COL Robert Campbell made Nov 4 at 2017 7:41 AM

2017-11-04T07:41:41-04:00

You maintain your weapon religiously don't you? You do this because you rely on it with your life. Aren't people just as or more important than our weapons? Counsel them often! robcampbellleadership.com.

Response by SSG George Casablanca made Nov 4 at 2017 8:07 AM

2017-11-04T08:07:30-04:00

I was in active duty during the ‘70’s. No such thing as “counseling”, but may God have mercy on your soul if you, as an NCO, were not doing your level best to help your subordinates do the best job they could and be the best soldiers they could be. At that time Top and SGT MAJ (who probably were Vietnam vets) would skin you alive!

Response by CH (MAJ) John Stepp made Nov 4 at 2017 11:35 AM

2017-11-04T11:35:43-04:00

I did this monthly as a Chaplain for my Chaplain Assistant. As a BDE Chaplain I required this of my battalion chaplains. On the first of each month they had to show me their monthly counseling statements. I also did monthly counseling on my battalion chaplains. This helped in writing NCOERs and OERs. This also taught my chaplains and chaplain assistants how to write a correct counseling statement. I wanted them to succeed, so I taught them that which was never taught to me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 2:35 PM

2017-11-04T14:35:44-04:00

Are we really asking that question... Yesss Sgt you do. Your first initial counseling is tell that soldier what you expected out of that soldier and letting that soldier know what they should expect from you after the rest is history! Your job as an NCO or E5 is to lead, train and inspect that’s all you do. Written monthly counseling is part of job description as a Noncommissioned Officer.

Response by CCMSgt Carl Roberts made Nov 4 at 2017 4:20 PM

2017-11-04T16:20:10-04:00

Keep lines of communications open with subordinates.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 7:13 PM

2017-11-04T19:13:07-04:00

What is A and what is B?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-11-04T19:47:35-04:00

Council as much as you can. It gives your soldiers a motive for improving things they may have failed to do the past month or week. Stress that they better themselves. When you council it looks good on you as well that you are in your soldier's shit.

Response by SGT Curtie Go-go made Nov 4 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-11-04T21:42:52-04:00

As a combat veteran, I can understand monthly, or even quarterly counseling if the unit actually does anything that would make the soldier stand out in the garrison life. But nobody cares about paperwork while deployed. We are too busy killing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2017 9:43 PM

2017-11-04T21:43:14-04:00

Here's the thing about monthly performance counseling, they're no longer utilized properly. I was prior service and after a long break I went back to the army, as an e4 I was following up counseling with how my guys have progressed since last month. I can't tell you how many new ncos would tell me that wasnt necessary, that they never kept track of the things their Joe's did throughout the month. It's incomprehensible

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-11-05T13:24:43-05:00

Okay put the regulations to the side for one moment. I worked for a fortune 500 for almost a decade prior to joining the Army (at 29yrs old) and a few other pior to that. In the private sector I received annaul reviews and that was it. Unless you were a poor performer, in which case you would get 3 written warnings prior to termination. Now, when dealing with Soldiers most have little life or work experience, counseling is a must. After 11 yrs later of Active Federal Service with 8 yrs of that being in the NCO Corps I've yet to receive a regular monthly or "quarterly" counseling which is the wrong answer; before you say anything I've asked for them several times throughout the years (changed command 4 times same result). As an NCO I believe counseling is very important and I'm very careful to follow the regulatory guidance put out in AR and DA pam. However, I can't help but think that is being inundated with paperwork reducing my effectiveness to lead my Soldiers. As a leader (not mentioning command) we are tasked with managing everyone's daily activities to the last minute of the day. We average 11 hrs days 5 to 6 days a week. Family life is put on the back burner and our mission never ends, never takes a break and never get easier (I've lost 26 days or use or lose). I would rather spend my time in the field with my soldiers honing their skills and pushing their performance to the next level. But the intensity of the micro management from higher (daily reports, hourly up dates, AAR, mandatory training, system disciplines, counselings and the mission itself) is stifling. Reflecting back I can understand way my command never really counseled me regularly. But a an SNCO I wake up every day wanting to be the Leader I never had. Everyday is a new challenge and everyday I refuse neglect my Soldiers and my responsibilities. Do the right thing counsel, mentor and train your Soldiers and lead by example of what to do. Will you have late nights or early mornings, yes but your Soldiers deserve nothing less.

Response by SPC Lance Coulson made Nov 5 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-11-05T15:27:14-05:00

Yes. And just get used to it.

Response by SPC Stuart Nye made Nov 5 at 2017 7:00 PM

2017-11-05T19:00:28-05:00

It was always a rare thing to receive a monthly counseling, my unit was more focused on mission than any soldiers morale. I think there should be a balance between mission and soldier morale, but in ADA that is not the case.

Response by SPC James Choquette made Nov 5 at 2017 7:55 PM

2017-11-05T19:55:27-05:00

Wow how much has changed since the 60’s back then it was very simple. “You want my boot up your ass?” That’s the counseling we got that was oral the rest was “pantomime “. Best of all it worked. Please no reply’s about how the world has changed since then. It’s one of the reasons why we die. Just can’t take it any more

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 8:03 AM

2017-11-06T08:03:49-05:00

Yes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 9:35 AM

2017-11-06T09:35:04-05:00

AR 600-100 and FM 6-22 both cover Army Leadership development. Reception and Integration counseling is immediate. No time wasted or waiting. I challenge you to read this two regulations and empower yourself. It was mandatory in 80s-90s to go to the library to learn and become very familiar with all NCO tools. It’s not just for a board for the panel to ask you questions. Learn it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 4:15 PM

2017-11-06T16:15:33-05:00

What the hell for ?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-11-06T16:25:08-05:00

I would go with the regulation

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Nov 6 at 2017 4:40 PM

2017-11-06T16:40:24-05:00

I went to PLDC in 94 they had the local university teach peer counseling and yes if done correctly will earn you the respect of your troops and also have them striving to better themselves, which is the point of it, not just to drum people out

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-11-06T16:52:59-05:00

It is your responsibility to ensure that your soldiers are I formed of the standards else it is harder to enforce it. The monthly allows you to steer them toward the goal of replacing you as you climb the ranks or get out.

Response by CPL Eric Spears made Nov 6 at 2017 8:23 PM

2017-11-06T20:23:14-05:00

Yes, counseling is a part of what we leaders do, its a pen on paper record also not just for you, the Platoon Daddy and the PL but also for the trooper, its also a tool if they trend a fuck up and generally we “used to” be required to show 3 negative impacting counselings to justify remedial action. Also “at it boy” counselings help with awards.

Response by SSG Thomas Garrett made Nov 6 at 2017 9:37 PM

2017-11-06T21:37:20-05:00

I'd do both. Your soldiers benefit from accurate counseling designed to improve their performance and to recognize their leadership potential. Aren't you training your replacements? I would encourage a mid-month (Squad) Peer-to-peer session.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Nov 6 at 2017 9:49 PM

2017-11-06T21:49:55-05:00

The number one priority as a leader should be effectively communicating standards and expectations with your subordinates. The way the Army formally recognizes this is with the good ol' DA 4856. Read up on ATP 6-22.1, "The Counseling Process". Take it to heart.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2017 10:57 AM

2017-11-07T10:57:23-05:00

Yes. Because without the monthly counselings there might be things we need to improve on that you dont think about telling us daily.

Response by PO2 Kim Manley made Nov 7 at 2017 11:34 AM

2017-11-07T11:34:42-05:00

If I knew what I was voting for this might make sense.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-11-07T18:19:29-05:00

Depends if ur active. In the guard we do it once a year ( well at my unit anyways)

Response by SGT Jerrimy Breckenridge made Nov 7 at 2017 7:01 PM

2017-11-07T19:01:38-05:00

You should do the initial and have the PSG do the monthly on a count that you only just became a NCO. The PSG should have more info on said solider.

Response by SSG Simba Mfalme made Nov 7 at 2017 8:35 PM

2017-11-07T20:35:41-05:00

Your soldiers need to know the standards (initial). Afterwards you should counsel them on there performance on a monthly basis

Response by SGT Bradley James made Nov 7 at 2017 8:59 PM

2017-11-07T20:59:40-05:00

For me, I had my team under me previous to being promoted to SGT. So thus I gave my monthly counseling when it was due and clarifying the promotion, but no change on how we ran things besides addressing me as my rank.

Response by Sgt Michael Klein made Nov 8 at 2017 5:50 AM

2017-11-08T05:50:54-05:00

Not to be a smartass but the Army should have a regulation on counseling. It should tell you how frequent what form to use and so on. I was in the Marine Corps and we had one. But to answer your question yes you should be regularly counseling your soldiers. I was in for 11 years before medical retirement. I DID NOT want to leave. A couple tios i can give you is don't be one sided. Give them goals to meet yes, but ask them what they want to accomplish. Stress the importance of training. You have those people who have no desire whatsoever to stay in the military and that's fine. Just let them know hey while your here take advantage of what the military offers. Successful military training can go a long way in civilian life. I have a great career because I saved all my training records to prove my experience. Now with that said don't just know your soldiers professionally. Counseling doesn't have to be formal. Sit with them one on one once in a while and get to know then personally. You'll never know what your going to find out. Different people have different issues. With the rate of suicides as sad as it is you just might save a life by identifying someone has a problem. As an NCO you are the one they look up to. You are what they want to be. I used to tell my junior NCOs. You can be a Corporal of Marines or you can be just an E-4. The difference is monumental. As corny as it sounds you are shaping young people. And if you got some soldiers that joined late. Like that 25 year old PFC don't insult their intelligence. They have prelude experience. Hope I can help.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-11-08T12:31:42-05:00

Yes, you are supposed to do both.

Response by SGT Jd Santiago made Nov 8 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-11-08T12:52:34-05:00

Hoorah

Response by CPL Marion Campbell made Nov 8 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-11-08T14:54:02-05:00

I feel it's is the best was to gage ones development in their skills.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 5:05 PM

2017-11-08T17:05:08-05:00

Yes. Soldiers should be receiving initial, monthly and event oriented counselings. NCOs should be receiving annual AND quarterly NCOERS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-11-08T19:20:52-05:00

This would depend on component. As National Guard or Reserve no. As active duty yes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 8:11 PM

2017-11-08T20:11:24-05:00

Counseling your shoulders let's them know where they stand, if they're doing a good job, or if they need to improve on things. Kind of like in the medical field, if you didn't document it did it really happen? By doing this it's a paper trail for both you and your soldier. If you want to put your shoulder in for an award you have documentation backing you up as to why they deserve it, video versa if you need to reprimand them you can show why this is needed. This can be helpful not only for your lower enlisted, but NCOs that fall under you as well, that way when they go to fill out their support form they can look at their counselings for thing they may have done.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-11-09T13:49:09-05:00

As an E-3 we want to know how we are performing, what we need to work on, and we need the input from senior enlisted. Without that you get a platoon of people who don't know what they are doing, where they are lacking, and generally don't give a damn about being there. That's how you end up with NCOs that don't need to wear their rank.

Response by SPC Bryce Devon made Nov 9 at 2017 11:24 PM

2017-11-09T23:24:26-05:00

Duh

Response by SPC Bryce Devon made Nov 9 at 2017 11:25 PM

2017-11-09T23:25:05-05:00

Or if you have NCO below you they do them and you council them

Response by SFC Benjamin Varlese made Jan 13 at 2018 1:35 PM

2018-01-13T13:35:15-05:00

Yes and yes. Initial counseling so your soldiers know what is expected of them by you and the rest of their CoC, and for you to hold them to that standard and grounds to counsel them if they don’t. The monthly is so both you, the soldier, and the CoC can track their goals, development, and training, as well as leaving a paper trail for “challenging” soldiers should it be necessary. It also allows you to see if a soldier deserves special recognition or early advancement etc in relation to their peers.
Check out TC 7-22.7 and AR 600-20 for guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask your NCO support channel for mentoring; that’s part of their responsibilities as a leader as well.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jan 14 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-01-14T21:48:09-05:00

Monthly counseling...yes. From my experience, since I was never given a counseling report, until I f*** up, it became a chore, when I became an NCO. My advice; don't wait until your Platoon Sergeant gets an attitude with you. Be honest, if you don't know how to do one, let him know, so he can train you, or get someone to train you. It takes training and practice to do those reports. Just because you put on the Sergeant stripes for the first time, doesn’t mean you automatically know everything.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jan 15 at 2018 10:15 AM

2018-01-15T10:15:22-05:00

Counseling statements were always monthly, and then of course also driven by events in between the monthly counseling period. Hint: The event driven doesn't always have to be negative. Yes, if Joe has a habit of being late to formation, that's worthy of a written counseling but so can particularly noteworthy performance.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2018 11:28 AM

2018-01-15T11:28:05-05:00

For the same month

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Jan 29 at 2018 8:37 AM

2018-01-29T08:37:00-05:00

Boy we sure didn’t get that much counseling when i was in. But then it was the Navy, pretty much stand alone

Response by MAJ Mark Wilson made Jan 29 at 2018 12:03 PM

2018-01-29T12:03:35-05:00

SGM Douglas Vidakovich pretty much sums it up. It is a lost art and sadly this is why so many are able to continue, when they shouldn't, and why so many great guys don't get promoted. I would add though that it's also a great tool to ensure the senior rater knows how your guys or gals are doing. So find out what their senior rater perceives their strengths and weaknesses are and then help them work on those. Set them up so the senior rater can see them performing at a training event etc. Help the good ones up and the bad ones out.

Response by Sgt Kyle Alan made Jan 30 at 2018 5:35 PM

2018-01-30T17:35:53-05:00

How are you a sergeant

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jan 31 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-01-31T20:28:59-05:00

Difficult to respond. "give my soldiers initial and monthly counselling" on what? Subject matter: Ie., hygiene; marriage; transgender showering ; diseases; UCMJ?

Response by SFC Randy Pritchett made Feb 5 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-02-05T19:42:50-05:00

You also do an initial to let them know your expectations and the units overal mission. Once you’ve done your initial counseling then you conduct monthly counseling to ensure they are on the right track. Remember, if it wasn’t written and signed, it never happened.

Response by SFC David Patterson made Oct 5 at 2018 11:08 PM

2018-10-05T23:08:50-04:00

What the hell are they teaching in leadership training (WLC) or whatever they call it now? If you dont know the answer to that already...you shouldnt be wearing stripes.

Response by PO1 William Ewing made Oct 6 at 2018 3:06 AM

2018-10-06T03:06:01-04:00

As a sailor, we had evals for that, and formal counseling was mostly only as needed for disciplinary issues. It's a useless paperwork shuffle, IMO. You should be talking to your guys regularly, telling them what they're doing right, what they need to improve, and how. Do that, and formal counseling is usually not needed, although your CoC may require the bureaucratic aspect.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Oct 6 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-10-06T22:40:38-04:00

Wondering where the hell you were when they were teaching that in NCO school?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2018 2:54 PM

2018-10-07T14:54:08-04:00

You’re an NCO and you had to ask this question? Jesus. What did you learn in BLC?

Response by Cpl Ernest Thom made Oct 7 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-10-07T18:39:01-04:00

As an NCO we are charged with the development of not only ourselves but those junior in rank to us. Counciling does not have to be formal and you should have no more than 15 to 20 persons under you. I found 8 to 10 to be the norm. Counciling involves mentoring, instructing, correcting and more. We as NCO's must help our juniors grow in their maturity, education in their MOS and rank. Wr must also learn from our superiors! Poor leadership breeds poor troops!

As a Marine I learned early on that you take care of your men. As an NCO you not only take care of them but you also lead them! In the ARMY I watched NCO's, Staff NCO's, Senior Staff NCO's and Officers care only of themselves and to help with their men! The lack of true leadership in the ARMY is rampant and it sickened me! Marine E'4 Corporals are more aware of what true leadership is than most ARMY Staff NCO's abd Officers!

Monthly counciling is a. Excellent form of leadership for counciling isnt just about the negatives!

Now LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY! IF you are an NCO, YOU BETTER BE LEADING!!

Response by CSM Lynn Chrisman made Oct 7 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-10-07T22:10:16-04:00

Counseling is ongoing and constant. Soldiers need to know how they are doing. Counseling can have a negative flavor of its only done to correct but if done to recognize improved or excellent performance of can be a real motivator. It also allows the first line leader to address something before it becomes a bad habit.

Response by SSG John Jennett made Oct 8 at 2018 8:28 AM

2018-10-08T08:28:34-04:00

Yes, initial so the Soldier knows what's expected of them and monthly so they know what they're doing right, what to improve on and what's upcoming to prepare for. You do this in writing and not as a cookie cutter so the Soldiers know you care about them and their careers. This will help you earn their respect and loyalty.

Response by SFC Luis Colon made Oct 8 at 2018 9:29 AM

2018-10-08T09:29:11-04:00

Counseling was like history of Soldier, every time I got new soldiers from another platoon or unit I did my research about them, counseling gave me an idea if a Soldier was ready for promotion or schooling, If a Soldier has gotten in trouble and got re-assigned to me within the same unit I will create a new counseling packet with nothing in it, but I will show that Soldier his old packet and I tell him/her that is up to them if ever have to look into it, I will give them a clean start to let them know how fair I can be. My NCOs had to provide me with last 3 NCOERs that way I get a scope of what he/she had done before coming to my unit, it may look too much but it help me to know them better, I also did counseling on the monthly basis on NCOs in addition to quarterly, when it came the for Evaluations it won’t be surprise

Response by SSG Skylur Britz made Oct 8 at 2018 9:23 PM

2018-10-08T21:23:17-04:00

Yes to both, I would always give a shade tree counseling when I got a new soldier explaining what I expected from them and what they should expect from me. I would give them the actual formal initial counseling within a week and then give monthly counselings and event counselings as needed.

Response by SSG Shoyn Jones made Oct 9 at 2018 10:20 AM

2018-10-09T10:20:22-04:00

Yes you need to get to know your soldiers and initial and positive counseling helps the soldier to do well in their tasks or OJT

Response by SSG Lon Watson made Oct 9 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-10-09T10:44:05-04:00

Omg! Yes! I don’t mean to criticize but don’t they cover this in WLC or NCO Academy or whatever theyre calling it now? Yes absolutely! Make constant little notes all through the month on what your soldiers are doing right and what they’re doing wrong then at the end of the month you won’t have to sit down and rack your brain to remember how they did. Make constant little notes all through the month on watered soldiers are doing right and what they’re doing wrong then at the end of the month you won’t have to sit down and rack your brain to remember how they did. Keep a notebook and make constant annotations. This is also useful if you have a problem soldier because if you annotate times and dates of the infractions it makes it easier to correct them and or recommend disciplinary action. Don’t let a soldier screw up numerous times without you writing anything down, and then when you can’t take it anymore you want to burn them. If you have no documentation you won’t be able to do it. On the positive side right down all the good accomplishments so that when a promotion comes around you can point To those good things and get your soldier The promotion. Document document document.

Response by CPL Jeff Tappan made Oct 9 at 2018 11:38 AM

2018-10-09T11:38:19-04:00

Initial counseling is important. But, monthly counseling is even more so. If your troops don't know what they're doing right and wrong, they can't make the necessary adjustments. And, if there's no monthly counseling, they'll know that their supervisor doesn't care about them.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Oct 9 at 2018 11:49 AM

2018-10-09T11:49:38-04:00

We got and gave daily “counseling’s “ especially if things were deficient that day

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Oct 9 at 2018 11:55 AM

2018-10-09T11:55:21-04:00

You should do an initial counselling session with that new trooper or NCO. That is where you and the command sets the standards for Conduct and Performance.
As far as Monthly Councelling that should be on a month to month basis until you are confident that these new soldiers and NCOs are competent enough to Warrent either monthly or quarterly counselling.

Response by CSM John Mead made Oct 9 at 2018 12:26 PM

2018-10-09T12:26:34-04:00

Most definitely. As a new NCO, let your subordinates know what you expect of them and establish your standards. A fair monthly assessment of their daily performance is also in order. This will allow quick reference for any personnel actions on your soldiers and give them a mile marker on where they stand. Your next higher up should be doing the same with you and your peers.

Response by SGT Travis Arbogast made Oct 9 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-10-09T13:13:53-04:00

Monthly counseling are required in alot of units, but honestly I think it's a big waste of time for the NCO writing it. Let's be real here... 90% of the junior enlisted give it a quick read and throw it in the trash after you do the formal part of the counseling. Constantly mentoring and teaching through out the month is more effective. That is your job after all, to train soldiers.

Response by SFC Casimir Vital made Oct 9 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-10-09T15:02:45-04:00

Counsel and document, good bad and general.
When a soldier arrives they need to know how things work. On a day to day basis they need to know if they are going in the right direction. Your counseling habits will directly influence their counseling habits in the future.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-10-09T15:56:04-04:00

As an NCO, it is your duty and responsibility to counsel your soldiers on a regular basis. I can't believe you're asking this question. I'm so glad I retired from the military when I did. You don't just counsel your soldiers monthly, you counsel them positively, as well as, negative counseling. You also devise a plan of action for all counseling.

Response by SGT Timothy Strashinsky made Oct 9 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-10-09T15:59:20-04:00

Why is this even a question? You get extensive training on this at wlc, and its a board question. Like were u born under a rock?

Response by SSG Charles Lovelace made Oct 9 at 2018 4:10 PM

2018-10-09T16:10:09-04:00

So the long and short of it is this, make sure you are mentoring and counseling as often as you EFFECTIVELY can. I tried to ensure that everyone who worked for me had a monthly counseling session just to make sure that I had the chance to take a half hour and sit and actually speak to my Soldiers and not at them (there is a huge difference) by doing this monthly it allows you as a leader the opportunity to not only accentuate the positive but to also spotlight the negative in an individual's performance. This gave me ample documentation when I wanted to promote, give recognition, or awards to my Soldiers. On the flip side it also allowed me to mentor the Soldiers who were failing to meet expectations and track their improvements or have concise and clear documentation for recommendations of reduction in rank or separation. In my early career I was often failed by my leadership by not being properly counseled UNTIL I screwed up and needed a negative counseling. This made me want to be better and do better for the people under my supervision, and I can honestly say that by keeping the lines of communication open my Soldiers were far more amenable to coming forward and airing their grievances or admitting their mistakes so we could develop a plan for success for them. One of the best pieces of advice I ever recieved on counseling was this. No matter how much the person screws up be there to help them come up with their plan of action and when they succeed with it recognize this, young Soldiers are like kids sometimes and may just need to have some positive reinforcement to succeed and be an asset to you.

I would also ask your PSG for an example of what he/she would use for a monthly counseling and then take their input and make the necessary modifications for your specific leadership style. This is your chance as a young NCO to develop those skills as a leader and create the good habits now that will follow your entire career! Good luck!

Response by SSG Loran Osborne made Oct 9 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-10-09T17:09:53-04:00

Without doubt, you should be looking in on, watching over, working with and supervising each of your Soldiers in rotation so that a monthly counseling is readily available in your mind for each. An initial counseling is simple, it lays out expectations, rewards, disciplinary actions and goals in a comprehensive format that each of you have a record of. A monthly is essential to track compliance with and excellence in (or deficiency in) that initial, and can be your greatest guiding and motivational tools. Additionally, even if they grumble, Soldiers will appreciate the repetitive and consistent attention. They will feel it is more likely you will reward them for good behavior and also keep an eye out for duties and schools which will help them. You might also take your Team Leaders in hand, and begin educating them in the process also.

Response by SGM Charles Oliver made Oct 9 at 2018 8:11 PM

2018-10-09T20:11:46-04:00

I discussed it sometimes on a daily basis, as required.

Response by 1SG Louis Klein made Oct 9 at 2018 8:43 PM

2018-10-09T20:43:01-04:00

One of the things the civilian world needs to learn from the Army is that people want and need frequent feedback. Spent 21 years in, retired FA 1SG, now 20 years in civilian IT, people don't have a clue how to lead, train, motivate a team.

Response by SPC Cody Eickerman made Oct 9 at 2018 9:02 PM

2018-10-09T21:02:43-04:00

Give an initial l all subordinate Soldiers so that they know the standards you expect. Give monthlies so they know where they stand. Give them actual feedback, what they’re doing well and what they can do better. Another important aspect of monthly counseling is that in the unfortunate event that UCMJ has to be pursued or a soldier needs to be separated, it won’t go through because you can’t prove that the Soldier knew the standards.

I would also stress positive and negative event oriented counseling statements. Negative counseling statements establish a pattern of behavior that can be helpful when going after UCMJ. Positive counselings will help you document events when making considerations for awards.

It’s a lot of work but that’s the cross that leaders bear.

Response by SPC Valentin Hernandez made Oct 9 at 2018 9:27 PM

2018-10-09T21:27:48-04:00

I say yes, your soldiers will never understand what they are doing right or wrong if you do not tell them. Also, it can help establish goals for themselves to achieve. Lastly, when you get out and decide to pick a company to work for, they might ask you to do performance reviews(basically counselings) for your subordinates and doing this in the Army will help that transition.

Response by SSG Harry Jr. Peters made Oct 9 at 2018 10:15 PM

2018-10-09T22:15:04-04:00

Yes it is your responsibility as an NCO to do monthly counseling on your soldiers to let them know what is expected of them . How they are doing in areas such as P.T. Uniform, etc.

Response by SSgt Marc Carpenter made Oct 9 at 2018 11:07 PM

2018-10-09T23:07:04-04:00

I made my stripes in 1990 and didn't have troops until a couple years later when I PCSd back to the states at that time we were only required to do monthly counseling I always verbally told my guys how I thought they were doing what their strengths and weaknesses were and what they needed to improve on unfortunately we had an NCO rich environment so most of us were just worker bees like the E4s and below but eventually were given like MOS folks to supervise and be responsible for untill I made shop foreman then I had lots of different mechanics to counsel and keep track of.

Response by SSG Jonathan Sprague made Oct 10 at 2018 12:06 AM

2018-10-10T00:06:49-04:00

Did you not attend a NCOES school?

Response by SFC Don DuBois made Oct 10 at 2018 12:56 AM

2018-10-10T00:56:41-04:00

Hell yes you are supposed to give initial and monthly counseling. Pull your head out of your 4 point of contact. You as a non commissioned officer are supposed to lead. Initial conselling let's the soldier know what you expect and or the chain of command expects from that soldier. Monthly reminds him of the initial conselling form the soldier signed. How the soldier is doing his or her weeknesses and his or her strong points. Do not ever forget about apft's.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 1:44 AM

2018-10-10T01:44:13-04:00

I haven’t seen that happen since I transferred almost a year ago.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2018 7:35 AM

2018-10-10T07:35:24-04:00

As a PFC I am counseled by every new SGT and monthly by my squad leader and my PSG. That’s all I’m used to.

Response by MSG Tom Behan made Oct 10 at 2018 8:32 PM

2018-10-10T20:32:47-04:00

They need to receive an intial counsoling. It let them know what your expectations are of them. Of course you expectation should meet or exceed the commanders intent. You breif the on food finance and family. It allows you to learn about your soldier. It give them the opportunity to talk about their future. What they want to do with their military career. It allows you to put out and receive contact info for emergency situations.
Then you conductonthly counseling after that. You need to let them know how well they are doing to meet the aspirations you initially told them about. You also get to answer any question or worries they may have for you.

Response by 1LT Kurt Mccarthy made Oct 20 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-10-20T21:37:56-04:00

I know this is old, but wanted to give my own advice and experience for the next young NCO or Officer looking into counselings. When I was a young PL, I had an E7 that was a stud. He knew his job to a T, had the badges, tabs, deployments, ect. He was a medic, when somebody went down, the guy's speed, momentum and expertise were unrivaled. I gave him a counseling, I spent hours putting it together. When we got done, he said, "Sir, that was really good, I never received a counseling before from my PL". It's not only for your Soldiers, it's to develop yourself as a leader as-well. Those types of actions actually make you look more squared away to your Soldiers. I counseled every Soldier in my platoon. Those were different than my first line supervisors though and my PSG. I left the administrative counselings up to my NCOs. I did counselings to see what their goals were and how much progress they made getting to those goals. In the long run the counseling is to allow you to give your intent, but to also learn about your Soldiers. Counseling is a direct reflection of how much you actually care about the success and career progression of those underneath your leadership.

Response by SSG Lenzie Bailey made Oct 25 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-10-25T18:53:59-04:00

Is the leaders book still a requirement for NCO's?

Response by CSM Arthur La Rue made Nov 2 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-11-02T20:56:16-04:00

Ahhh, have you been to the NCO Academy?

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Nov 18 at 2018 4:53 PM

2018-11-18T16:53:30-05:00

I wish that communication had been better when I was in service. It is still terrible in government service generally. The biggest failure I have seen is failure to communicate and I have been working for the government since 1991 in one capacity or another. Leadership doesn't like to provide feedback because it is more work for them, and that is to the subordinates determent. You should endeavor to provide good guidance to the people that work for you and regularly, not only at the required interval. Without guidance, how are they supposed to know what is good and what is bad about anything?

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 18 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-11-18T19:15:29-05:00

QUESTION WERE COUNSELED BEFORE YOU BECAME A NCO WELL IF DID THATS GREAT BUT AS NCO YOU LOT OF RESPONBLITIES AND COUNSELING IT A GREAT TOOL TO LET YOUR SOLDIERS NO WHERE STAND ON DUTY PERFORMANCE. SO IF YOU WANT TO BE A NCO THEN BUCK AND DO YOU JOB.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA COLD WAR VETERAN

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Nov 21 at 2018 6:42 AM

2018-11-21T06:42:03-05:00

This seems like an obvious question, with an obvious answer. If PSG wants monthly counselling then give them monthly counselling. As an NCO you are still a subordinate to someone, give your command what they want when they want it and you'll have a successful career. Counselling can take many forms, and can be a positive. Initial counselling is a time for you to get to know your new soldier and vice versa, and let them know what your expectations for them are. Monthly counselling doesn't have to be a long drawn out thing, it should be an opportunity for you to check in with your soldier, tell them how they are doing with meeting their objectives, and finding out if they are having any impediments you can help them with. I've been out of the military for a while so I don't know what the current requirements are for counselling as far as documentation, etc. When I was it was like pulling teeth to get some NCOs to do their soldiers annual evals. I would have preferred having someone tell me how I was doing on a regular basis so I had time to make corrections before the annual eval. Don't forget to give positive feedback as well as areas for improvement.

Response by 1SG Paul Kilgore made Nov 21 at 2018 7:37 AM

2018-11-21T07:37:08-05:00

If you do not constantly counsel your Soldiers then you are doing two things wrong.

1. You are failing as a leader! Your job is to
Teach, Coach and Mentor those Soldiers and build them into Leaders! Your job is to train them at ever level to become better than you and be able to take your place!

2. You are failing your Soldier. How can you improve their performance and make your unit better if they are not provided with guidance and feed back? Counseling needs to be formal and informal. You don’t have to wait until your monthly time to counsel the Soldier it can be done any time! But you should actually physical and in writing counse them on a monthly basis at all levels!

We as leaders do a bad job at counseling overall and it is you as a young leader who can fix this and make the Army a better place!

1SG (Ret) K

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2018 8:55 PM

2018-12-03T20:55:57-05:00

If you don't know the answer to that and are trying to outsmart your PSG by asking a group forum, you shouldn't be an NCO...

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Dec 16 at 2018 9:42 PM

2018-12-16T21:42:02-05:00

OMG!!! Seriously you posted this. This is integral part of developing soldiers as well as being a leader. The blind leading the blind?? If you don’t then it will fall back on you when one or more of them screw up. Oh wait!! Millennials at work(young) troops- maybe you can just text it to them? LOL,

Response by SFC James Liedtka made Dec 24 at 2018 7:39 AM

2018-12-24T07:39:10-05:00

Requirements are initial counseling within 30 days. Then quarterly for written counselings. If you are active duty you will have more time with your troops and something relevant to be able to do a written counseling monthly. If Reserve or NG you will be making shit up to put on a monthly counseling. Nothing worse than having 2 days with your troops and spending it counseling them individually while the rest are sitting around waiting on you. You should verbally counsel your troops monthly or even daily. Keep a book and write down notes from the verbal counselings and add them to the monthly counselings. Question, is your PSG doing a monthly counseling on you?

Response by MSG Mark Stinson made Jan 3 at 2019 12:49 AM

2019-01-03T00:49:05-05:00

I was an instructor at a NCO Academy PLDC and BNCOC, you can tell that I’m old school for the school names have changed. You must Council each NCO (plus Corporals) so they know what you expect of them. With NCO’s and Corporals you need to fill out the counseling form all others need to be counseled on what you expect. As a new NCO you need to carry with you, at all times a notebook with all their schools, APFT, names of wife and children, address and phone number. Weapon number and remember the golden rule ‘admonish in private and praise in public. If an assignment wasn’t done correctly ask yourself the following questions:
1. Were my instructions understood
2, did I motivate the men enough by explaining why the task needed to be done.
3. Did I supervise the detail and helped out with the detail.
BTW, the notebook I’m referring to is available at Clothing Sales. You need to show the men you are in charge of, that you care about them and will mentor them toward success and promotion.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Jan 3 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-01-03T13:48:22-05:00

I would echo the entire sentaments of SGM Vidakovich. In addition, the USAF had a much greater ratio of officers to enlisted ranks than do the other services, so in many instances, I also functioned where a senior NCO might have. Questions, advice and counselling generally revolved around code of conduct, financial matters, drinking, continuing education and mission & unit security. When we are talking about young kids that have just left high school and this may be their first "job", many are clueless about how to budget and how to act when wearing a uniform. Keep in mind that when these "kids" are on their own casual time, they may gravitate towards a bar, and any discussions that they have about where they are from, why they are here and what they do, can be information for a potential enemy. This is particularly important when "In country" or at a FOB. You point out that there may have been a "Bill of Rights" for them as a civilian, but in the interest of National Security, some of these rights are suspended so that the rest of the country may enjoy them. This is your JOB as a defender and warfighter! If they start to lose sight of the big picture, reinforce how their job fits into National Defense and the mission could fail without their being able to do their job.
Your job, as an NCO, is to "Hurd Cats" and make sure that your team is in warfighting condition. Even if their job is data entry or recruiting, they have the ability to fire an M-16 or MP-4 and this may be their warfighting skill. President Teddy Roosevelt said, "Walk softly and carry a big stick". This goes for NCOs as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 3:18 PM

2019-01-04T15:18:03-05:00

Yes, despite there being only 21 or less duty days to counsel one about, and 21 days not being enough time to make many improvements to PT or civilian education. Sure you can knock out a ton of correspondence courses, but not much to counsel about.
However, I did it because that was the standard. I made it measurable by giving an initial and let the Soldier set goals for PT, military education, civilian educations, training events, any deficiencies, etc. for the quarter. I then used the monthly to track progress towards the quarterly goal.
I also listed and addressed anything outstanding regarding LDRDHP, and promotion.
I also ensured I counseled Soldiers no less than 6 months before they were eligible for promotion regarding what I would recommend; what was needed to be recommended for promotion; how to be competitive for a waiver; etc.

Response by PO3 Jeff Popp made Jan 7 at 2019 2:11 PM

2019-01-07T14:11:25-05:00

In today's Military the kids you are dealing with came up (as it pains me to say) primarily coddled and although there are those out there that can "self motivate" these kids need to know they are appreciated, where they need improvement, and most of all that hey are not just a number. I was fortunate to not be in the middle of a hot war and I can only imagine y'all that are sacrificing. God Bless Y'all! You, as an NCO, have a lot on your plate with not only your own concerns, but your subordinates fears and insecurities. Not to mention your life is literally in their hands as well. Communication is the key.... regulation or not, it would behoove you as a leader to practice effective communication with frequent counseling being an integral part. I also suggest you find a leader that you and the troops respect and appreciate and find out what they do to maintain effectiveness. Learn from them. Keep up the good work and God be with you.

Response by CPT Kevin Handy made Jan 25 at 2019 1:23 AM

2019-01-25T01:23:28-05:00

As a "fairly new NCO," get in the manuals and regulations and learn. Teach, coach, mentor. Grab the .pdf of FM 6-22, Ctrl+F, and search for counsel. See just how many times the word counsel comes up.
It's in there!

Response by SFC Francisco Ruben De La Cruz made Jan 30 at 2019 11:36 AM

2019-01-30T11:36:33-05:00

Here are my two cents worth. As a senior NCO, I did keep a book with all my soldier's information which I only shared with each of them. I did counselled my junior NCOs in a monthly basis letting them know their strong points as well as their weak ones (as I saw them). Of course, those counselling sessions were done one on one, between the NCO and myself. On their strong points, I would not only give them a "pat in the back" but, I would give them a letter of appreciation or asked the CO to give them one; on their weak points I would point them to the NCOs and told them how to get them fixed, so they would be successful. I required them to do the very same thing with their soldiers; that means, telling their soldiers were they were weak at and the ways to improve and then give them the time and resources to do it under their supervision. I had a great platoon and am happy to say that the rate of success was very high among my soldiers. Believe it or not, the same applies in civilian life; I have worked at the Department of the Interior, the Department of Workforce Development, State of Wisconsin, Veterans Affairs and a few others and, was lucky to have excellent managers who cared about their employees and conducted the monthly counselling, hence our workforce was successful. Counselling does work, but it must be consistent and supervised!

Response by James MacKenzie made Jan 31 at 2019 7:18 AM

2019-01-31T07:18:30-05:00

You need to make counseling your people a priority, something that you schedule and so regularly, or you will inevitably get sucked into "management by crisis", where you only meet with your people when you want something. Remember, when completing evaluations, it's easy to remember what someone did that pissed you off: it's just as easy to overlook the guys that do their jobs well and never need your direction. Unfortunately, that results in your people feeling like the only time you notice them being when they screw up. You need to give positive feedback as well as negative if you want them to learn what you want and succeed in their jobs.

I'm telling you these things from personal experience supervising (in a non-military setting). When you're constantly up to your ass in alligators, it's easy to put off that part of your job. Only later do you realize that your team thinks you don't give a crap about them.

Response by SFC Mario DeRogatis made Jan 31 at 2019 11:48 AM

2019-01-31T11:48:34-05:00

Not the easiest thing to do on a monthly basis if you are Guard/Reseves and to actually give constructive feedback based on 2 days a month. We normally do quarterly, which can give some more time for training and accomplishments or deficiencies. Important though is to know your soldiers and see what makes them tick.

Response by SSG Lawrence Campagna made Jan 31 at 2019 5:32 PM

2019-01-31T17:32:25-05:00

What worries me more, and as an NCO counseling were integral in developing soldiers, is how you as an NCO can take issue with this. My only, and I dont know your story, but my only conclusion is this was probably not done for you. This is a negative in two ways. It doesn't help develope you to be a better soldier (though I agree not all NCOs are well versed in counseling) but also prepare you to develope those under you.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 8:28 PM

2019-02-03T20:28:53-05:00

Giving feedback to those under you is critical for the chain of command to work like it should and also for those under you reaching their fullest potential. Does it have to be formal? No unless you are being asked to and for those in a training and upgrade status you are supposed to give them feedback monthly and document that also in their training folder. That way there is less chance of any surprises down the road as well as any got ya moments for any of them as well as yourself. The other thing about this is that it is pretty hard to be your best if those under you are not performing at a high level also. Feedback to them can be used to motivate and spur them on, or used to bring about needed changes and improvements in their work, and also for giving them praise for what they are doing well. As their success goes so will yours to a certain extent as an NCO.

Response by SFC Wade Adams made Feb 3 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-02-03T21:47:56-05:00

WTF has the army come to?! As a squad leader, I was required to show my monthly counselings to my platoon sgt, once I was the plt daddy , you can bet your ass, I demanded to see them. You see, as a junior leader, you’re still learning. The only way you’re going to learn is to be critiqued on your counselings. Appreciate the fact that your platoon sgt wants eyes on your counseling, it’s going to make you a stronger backbone!

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Feb 4 at 2019 9:38 AM

2019-02-04T09:38:01-05:00

On attainment of the rank of sergeant, or corporal, you are no longer a peer of those in your team. Team Leader. With that change of status comes the responsibilities of grooming your former peers for advancement as well. Counseling, both good and bad are part of that development, both for yourself and the enlisted in your charge. Along with counseling, MOS proficiency and a wider range of duties come into your sphere of responsibilities. The hardest part is acknowledging that your assistant Squad/Team leader, usually an E4(P) will be both a support and adversary in some ways. And may be the more difficult member of your team to assess. Look to both the SSG and SFC for advice or guidance on what they expect. And Good Luck. The Army has evolved and changed quite a bit since I retired, no more wall to wall counseling, the horror...

Response by SGT Rob McSwain made Feb 4 at 2019 10:45 AM

2019-02-04T10:45:28-05:00

I'm almost jealous. While I was enlisted my fellow soldiers and I would only get our councelings every 3 month's. Monthly is a lot more useful for NCO's to help their Soldiers grow and keep track up their progress.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2019 3:27 PM

2019-02-04T15:27:31-05:00

I’m, who took you to the board? Who helped groom and train you? Maybe you should ask to go back to being a specialist and let The real ncp’s lead and train soldiers.

Wait, I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2019 4:40 PM

2019-02-04T16:40:59-05:00

I'm sorry. But speaking you need to ask this question tells me you are not ready to be an NCO yet.

Response by SSG Paul Ellis made Feb 4 at 2019 8:04 PM

2019-02-04T20:04:25-05:00

Whenever you pick up a new soldier, you do an initial counseling. How else is he supposed to know what you expect from him? You need to do monthly counselings so he knows how well he's been doing and so he knows what success looks like for the next month. You also need to do "as required" counselings for if the soldier trips over his dick or if he does especially well. They're not just negative counselings. Young soldiers benefit from praise when they've earned it.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 5 at 2019 1:48 AM

2019-02-05T01:48:51-05:00

Some great comments below. I spent the 70's and early 80's in the USCG, getting out as a Petty Officer 1st class. (E-6 for you grunt types). As Petty Officers, we were expected to do quarterly evals of those below us, and to watch out for our guys as well as train them to properly perform their duties. As an Electronics Tech, that included troubleshooting, proper adjustment of equipment, safety, and of course professional behavior. Sometimes that did include some fan room counseling, sometimes that meant chewing the fat over a beer.

In the Coast Guard units tend to be pretty small, so the dynamic was probably a little different than most. Heck odds were if you stayed in long enough you would know a few people wherever you went, and others would know people you knew. Just to give you an idea, the average compliment of the units I was assigned to other than schools, was probably less than 20 total. My last one was my largest we had 87 officers and men. With units that size, everyone knows everyone, and personal relations become very important, especially in an isolated unit with no place else to go for a year.

I would say, yes, counsel them, but do more, get to know them, not to be a buddy, but to know their strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, etc. If they can be addressed and corrected informally so much the better. I had a great mentor in the MCPO (E-8) who was officer in charge of the small unit where I was XPO. He taught me how to be friendly and relatable with the men under me without crossing over the line from mentor to buddy. Skills that have served me well in life.

Response by 1LT Gaylord Gulledge made Feb 5 at 2019 9:57 AM

2019-02-05T09:57:36-05:00

From the perspective of a Vietnam era 1LT, fresh from achedemia (and the farm), I encountered varying degrees and styles of "leadership" among Officers, NCO's, and Enlisted personnel. I gained insight into what constitutes "effective" military leadership, that it can be found outside the bounds of rank, and that it is equally effective, properly buffered, in the private sector

That said, may I share my thoughts on the post by SGM Vidakovich;

"Thank God for such NCOs. They are the heart of the greatest military organization on Earth. And by process of elimination, men and women of high character."

Response by SPC David Roberts made Feb 8 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-02-08T13:23:35-05:00

During 3 years of Army service in the 70s I was never counseled even once. Maybe if one of my superiors has taken some interest in my career development, I would have stayed in.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Feb 10 at 2019 12:29 PM

2019-02-10T12:29:56-05:00

When you say “Fairly New NCO” I hope you mean “Just got promoted and haven’t been to WLC (or whatever it is called now. I graduated from the last PLDC class of the oldest NCO Academy in the Army, which is in Germany strangely enough) yet. Because if you HAVE been to NCO school they should have taught you that as part of the coursework. But to answer your question: YES, you always have to do an initial counseling on your soldiers when you become their NCO either as a result of you pcsing or them doing the same. It should be done within 30 days of you becoming their leader and should have not only the unit’s expectations for them, but yours as well (and yours should be slightly higher than the unit’s while remaining realistic). Then you should have a certain day set aside on your schedule to counsel them EVERY MONTH and it should have three things on it: what they did good on, what they did bad on, & your ideas/plan for them to be able to keep up the good things while simultaneously improving the bad ones.
Also, never forget to give them good counselings throughout the month & recommend them for awards/promotions when they deserve them as well as giving the bad counselings and recommending/implementing corrective training/demotions when they are warranted. TOO MANY NCO’s remember the bad counselings and forget the good ones (and apparently monthly ones in some cases nowadays going by your question). In any case, congratulations on your promotion and good luck in your new role.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Feb 10 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-02-10T19:59:28-05:00

When I was promoted to SSG in 1973. no one told me what my duties were supposed to be. 2 months after I was promoted, I was reassigned to take over as the NCOIC of a 35 man/woman detachment. I was replacing an E7 whose tour was up. I took command and did what I thought was best for the unit. Spent 8 months before another E7 arrived at the unit and took my place. I then was sent to be the Sigsec Advisor to the 2nd ACR and all 7th Corps non-divisional units in the Nurnburg area. No advice or training in this case either. But, I apparently did a pretty good job. Got several
letters of commendation and the MSM for my work.

Response by PO1 Robert George made Feb 18 at 2019 1:59 AM

2019-02-18T01:59:29-05:00

you are who trained you. that means you got short-changed. should already know the answer. need to find a competent SNCO and get counseled/trained yourself.

Response by SFC Michael Watkins, MPA/EM, CHPP, CJE made Mar 5 at 2019 10:19 AM

2019-03-05T10:19:37-05:00

Yes, you should be giving them daily counseling via training on daily activities. Counseling helps the troops and leadership in managing duties. Now, formal training accountibility is a little more subjective as to when but as stated if the PSG wants it monthly, then it is monthly. The purpose is to ensure your troops are trained up, know policies, mos, tactics and leadership aspects. The bad part but just as necessary to to perform corrective training and or discipline when required.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2019 2:55 AM

2019-04-15T02:55:12-04:00

Initial to set standards. Monthly? If they're trucking, let 'em truck, tuck away some good ones (follow unit SOP), but for bad Soldiers DOCUMENT everything. This makes it easier when you help them promote to civilian. Of note, a most important counseling is on the spot counseling, and it is a lost art. If they're the type that you gotta' cuddle 'em, then in this digital cammie age, probably gonna have to pat em on the head and tell 'em good job.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 6:33 PM

2019-12-06T18:33:49-05:00

Yes. Once you make it in to the NCO Corp, do an initial counseling with your subordinates, to outline expectations you have for them. As well as giving them the chance to inform you of any issues you need to be aware of, could potentially help with. Long term and short term goals are good to discuss as well because it will give you an idea of what they want out of their time in the military, and help you figure out a way to help them. Absolutely do a monthly counseling with your soldiers. They deserve it. It keeps them informed on how they're doing, and any new things they need to be focused on for either personal or professional improvement. Take an interest in them. Learn their background. Likes, dislikes. And give them a chance to speak during the sessions. But don't forget, you're their boss, not their friend. Guide them. Lead them. And show them the right way to behave as a soldier.