Where can I learn to write proper counseling statements for my soldiers?

SGT(P) Jonathan S. — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 03:17:26 -0500

where can i learn to write proper counselling statements for my soldiers ?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Nov 18 at 2019 8:49 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 08:49:42 -0500

I'm not sure what a "proper" counseling statement is... That said, perhaps the technique you should start with -- What topics do I want to cover in a counseling? Write as you would talk -- Positive, negatives, courses of actions, potential repercussions, professional/personal development, etc. The more you counsel, the better and more focused your writing will become. And of course, there are "counseling technique" books you can find online to jumpstart the brain and inspire your creative juices -- Good Luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 10:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 10:03:11 -0500

Proper counselling statements? Please clarify so as I can give a better answer.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Nov 18 at 2019 11:08 AM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:08:05 -0500

This is a rather important question, as I had counseling statements written in highlighter because that is what my team leader had in his hand at the time.

Army study guide was where I went for a ton of Army information. And by the looks of it, they have only gotten better. They have general and specific event counseling guidelines. If at all possible, always try to type your counseling statements. Unless you are required to do one in the field. A soldier will have a hard time understanding your intent a few weeks down the road because they can't read your handwriting.

https://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_counseling/general_counseling_information/index.shtml

General Counseling Information (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

The information contained within this section is for use as examples only. This information IS NOT meant to be a shortcut to "knock out a counseling, but rather a source for ideas to aid in the preparation of a counseling. If you have information which you would like included in this section, please submit it …

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 18 at 2019 10:44 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:44:44 -0500

I hate to say it, but these how to write something questions are problematical. Many times the real question is "Where is the dropdown list of good bullets that I can just click and send because I never learned to write?" If you know the three whatever critical things you want to get down on paper, then it isn't about the information, it's about converting it to written language. There's a system and process for that. It's something that's taught. Overall in the military, writing skills are typically fair at best and poor commonly. Counseling statements, like evaluation reports, have two elements. What should be said and how do you do it. You must nail the first. If you don't, even good writing skills can't help you. Even if you get these down OK, most MILs never do the follow up piece. Hey Specialist Jones. Remember we talked about weapons cleaning? How's it going now? Need any help? Counseling without follow up is a failure. BTW, that should be a strong hint to only do 2-3 things in counseling. The 100 item shopping list guarantees failure because the SM can't tell what's most important. It also says whoever created that list doesn't know either.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2019 12:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:30:13 -0500

Have you look at ncosupport.com tons of examples for almost every incident you could think of.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2019 12:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:48:15 -0500

From what I have seen, lower enlisted get the general template of a counseling statement, at least at my unit. You start off with the common tasks and skills expected of the solider, touch on APFT strength and weaknesses, weapons qual, highlight any “above and beyond” moments and lastly, what the Solider needs to work on. That is the basic frame work I have seen at my unit. I can’t speak for others.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2019 12:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:49:52 -0500

To clearing, my example is referring to quarterly counseling statements.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2019 3:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:51:07 -0500

Start with counsel quick it costs money but there are a lot of examples