Do any leaders here still use developmental counseling?

2014-07-27T15:26:20-04:00

I'm a fan of knowing where I stand in my unit. What are my deficiencies? How can I improve? What are my strengths?

I think developmental counseling has a positive impact on junior soldiers...if leaders take it seriously. ("Cut and paste" is a no-go.)
What are your thoughts? Do you, as leaders still do this for your soldiers?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 5:21 PM

2014-07-27T17:21:21-04:00

First, I don't see how you aren't at least getting an Enlisted Evaluation Report yearly. As a SPC it is mandatory that you receive one of these because it is a large part of the points system used to develop the staff list. As a SPC (P) you must be getting one of these otherwise you aren't getting on the staff list.

Secondly, if you are getting your EER, and that is what you are referring to when you get a cookie cutter evaluation, why are you signing it? If your Team Leader/Squad Leader are not giving you an evaluation that you think is tailored to you, why do you not ask them about it? Also, when your evaluation time is coming up it would be a good idea to provide him information with some bulletin point material you have accomplished throughout the FY.

I can't speak for the two states you have belonged but in Tennessee this is the standard. An individual must receive, bare minimum, either an EER or an NCOER. Most of the time I receive some type of counseling every 6 months.

Also, if you are curious as to why its only one or two a year, consider this. 3 Months active duty is 60ish work days (If they didn't work weekends) that command can evaluate a soldier. 3 Months in NG time is 6-9 days of evaluation time depending on MUTAS. That makes a big difference in time a SL gets to know the abilities of a soldier.

Lastly, if you want to know where you stand in your unit, why do you not ask? Developmental counsel on paper is nice but is not the only method to find out your strengths/weaknesses. Point blank, ask your team leader or Squad Leader. If you want to go further then get permission to do the same with your PSG as well.

Just some things I've done to help me along my way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 6:02 PM

2014-07-27T18:02:12-04:00

I am not sure what the national guard requirements are. However, as you know, developmental counseling is a requirement in the active army. It is a HUGE leadership failure if you are not being counseled. As an e4, you won't be getting ncoer's but you should get a 4856 every 30 days.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-07-27T21:21:17-04:00

I utilize the support form for the NCOER (rare!!) and use both support form and developmental support form for my officers. I utilize these for my quarterly counselings for those I rate. I also have my officers do that as well to their PSGs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-11-26T12:01:54-05:00

Plain and simple; if a leader is not utilizing monthly counseling at a minimum they are setting their Soldiers up for failure and that is unacceptable.