Counseling packets. What's necessary and what's excessive?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:40:44 -0400

So throughout my time in the military I've seen dozens of "standards" for what needs to go in soldiers counseling packets. Some things I think are unnecessary for example are their LES, SGLV, DD93, medpros (PII) and 350-1 training certificates. I feel that if the training room should have those physically or in DTMS. It just seems like a waste of paper to have them in multiple areas. Suggestions?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 22 at 2018 8:55 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:55:01 -0400

I actually find that the NCO keeping many of these documents in a counseling packet to be helpful. For many soldiers, you will never see the worth in doing this but for those that you bring to their boards, these documents are invaluable. MedPros is a little overkill because they are always changing status in one area or another, but documents that don't change very often it is great to have those records.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 22 at 2018 9:51 PM

CW3 Jeff Held — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 21:51:39 -0400

My tendency was keeping different things based on the Troop. In addition to counseling statements I kept a copy of all sick call slips and hand written notes on things the Troop told such as appointments. I agree with the redundancy of records but I too had PT & weapons Q scores, personnel data sheets, NOK info, TIG/TIS dates, promotion dates, NCOER dates, and so on.

I did this because when you call the Orderly Room to get the stuff you need it could be hours or days before you got it. It’s a personal preference what to tuck in there. But I kept all that under lock & key.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 11:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 23:13:40 -0400

I think it is up to the individual leader to determine what they need to maintain a picture of their Soldier over time. Obviously I like to have copies of previous 4856s, NCOER, and 1059's. I also keep copies of course certificates (from those that don't generate a 1059).

Do I need to have a copy of their latest online required training certs? I don't see why. I always have my soldiers present 2 copies of those. I tell them put one in the training office and put one in your "love me book" so that when you show up on a list in a month, you have proof.

As far as S1 stuff? What are you going to do with their DD93 and SGLI stuff? LES (really?) That belongs with the Soldier.

Instead, I have a sheet with my Soldier's names down the side, and all the major categories across the top. I annotate the date that I am presented with some sort of proof that they completed the task (either having been shown a document or a completed Admin SRP checksheet). That way I can easily skim and see who is deficient.

Response by SGT Michael Schmiesing made Mar 22 at 2018 11:15 PM

SGT Michael Schmiesing — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 23:15:56 -0400

At one point I had 2 Bdgs with 16 personal if I had not kept records I would have failed my own people. Plus all those who depended on us. So literally IF I didn't keep records on hand I would have failed. Plus I had a sad duty to eliminate a bad soldier. My input was the final issue that pushed out a bad soldier.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 8:47 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:47:08 -0400

I only put counseling in the counseling packet. The other stuff is in my leaders books because it's always changing.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Jun 1 at 2018 12:00 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:00:51 -0400

This maybe off topic but some of this files become very useful when you get out and start having medical issues. I made a copy of everything in my HR, medical, and finance file before I got out. I’m glad I did it to so when the VA denied my claim I was able to produce a copy of what they said was missing in my files.