Do you need a verbal and 2 counselings to get an Article 15 for being late?

Don't believe that barracks lawyer stuff about two or three counseling statements equaling an Article 15.
Your command doesn't need any counseling statements to give you an article 15, and conversely, you can receive numerous counseling statements and never receive an Article 15.

Moral of the story: commanders have broad latitude to use common sense in administration of UCMJ. Don't do dumb stuff; if you act like a child you'll get treated like one.

As the others stated, no.
I noticed the tag "AIT." If you're reclaiming and are in that environment, more will be expected. If so, all of the privates are looking.
Regardless, it is likely based on your overall performance, and even times you may have been late, but not counseled.
Hope it's a Summarized, and learn your lesson.

SPC (Join to see) no. They could go to Article 15 right off the bat. It depends. As a matter of practice, attempts are made to work with a soldier through administrative tools such as counseling and training. There is no two writtens + a verbal = Article 15.

"Being late" could mean many things. FTR Failure to repair i.e. You walked up to formation after they yelled fall in or 10minutes late for CQ as examples. AWOL, hours late when you were directed to be there. Missing Movememt if you were "late" for a unit movement or missed your flight for TDY or official movement. In some serious cases Shirking important duty such as combat or deployment by your tardiness.