I have to admit that as a young Sgt, I was guilty of the cookie cutter counseling "read and sign". How many Soldiers actually get counseled the way they should be, face to face, two-way conversation, setting real goals, and closing them out?
Additionally, how many NCOs actually get counseled/counsel using the DA Form 2166-8-1? My NCOS (I currently rate three Sgts) get quarterly counselings almost to the day using the support form.
Counseling
"leadership that is both educated and involved in the counseling process is absolutely essential"
Even as a 1SG counseling subordinates can be an issue. I think the best lesson I have learned in the last couple years is from my BN CDR. If you don't just "make" the time to do this you will never "find" the time. Counseling MUST be a priority in your battle rhythm.
1SG Whitman
You are exactly correct, and during my time in the unit that became 4/2, that was always the hardest thing because of our OPTEMPO, but its no excuse because without it its doing a disservice to our Soldiers.
1SG Whitman,
I agree 100% that we as leaders MUST MAKE the time to give counseling the emphasis it deserves. I've seen it get bad on the officer side of the house. More than once I have gotten an initial counseling several months after I was in a new position. And follow ups were rare until it was time for the OER. I've even had some officers tell me all my counseling would be informal discussions until it was time for my OER. It doesn't have nearly the same effect. Amongst my senior raters, written counselings were the exception rather than the rule. If us officers can get our act together, maybe the proper emphasis on counseling can eventually be demonstrated for the NCOs...
I feel as a Army that counsel "cookie cutter" than actual good, honest counseling. As 1SG and BN OPS SGT i recieved outstanding initial and quarterly counseling, there was no questions on my left and right limits and expectations, and that is what I expect from my rater.
I have seen too many times at all ranks, a verbal you are responsible for this and this and that would be the limit of your initail and the next thing you get is a COR or Annaul NCOER, this is the wrong answer. It sets the rater and senior rater up for NCOER that is not very truthful and the rated Soldier with not knowing how to improve themself.
Sir, it is refreshing to see this. Ive been counseled twice in my career, and once was by a Lieutenant who tried telling me that the 8-1 wasn't important, and he just gave me a 4856 and called it a day
SSG,
In my one year and some change Army career, I've had over 10 first-lines. I've had more initial counselings than monthly counselings. My current NCO, however, has been my NCO longer than any of the previous NCOs, and she is a CPL. Her way of counseling has been the best I have ever experienced thus far:
- She actually gives a crap about what she is counseling me on.
- She not only criticizes my faults or areas in need of improvement, but also commends me for the positives as well. She's the only NCO I've had who gives positive counselings instead of only negative.
- Makes me set honest goals, and then takes those goals and strives to help me achieve them.
- Makes sure it's one-on-one; doesn't play with having my business thrown around for others to hear, even if there is nothing negative involved.
I think all NCOs who are counseling subordinates should follow the same example, because it's the right thing to do and I think it's unrealistic to expect a subordinate to make improvements/sustainments if your attitude shows you don't really care either way. And that doesn't mean you have to be soft. She digs into me just as much as she commends me, but that's only because she has the right mindset: ACTUALLY caring about helping Soldiers. At the end of the day, if an NCO doesn't share that mindset, it's very visable, and initiating change in your Soldier(s) won't happen unless the help is being provided elsewhere.
PFC Dydasco
Im very glad to hear you have a leader who is being a leader. It is very important that Soldiers know what their left and right limits are, and understand how to improve upon themselves. Tell her shes doing a good job.
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