Why don't NCOs give Soldiers positive counseling statements when they're doing a good job?

Personal observation, laziness. Is easier to give the occasional "attaboy" pat on the back than it is to take to the time to sit down and say hey "SPC Knucklehead, you did good on this date when you did this particular thing." 

Because it's the military. No one remembers the good things you do. But no one will let you forget the bad things you've done.

Training (most NCOs don't even know there is such thing as positive counseling), and overview from the NCOs NCO. Is Johnny Joe scores a 300 on his PT test, is the squad leader or platoon sergeant making sure he gets properly counseled?

Laziness. I was guilty of it as an E-5. With experience I have changed my tune and have come to realize there is value in them.

It's on us to provide positive counseling for a multitude of reasons:

-It shows you are paying attention to the hard work your joe's are doing
-It demonstrates you will take the time and effort to sit down and recognize their achievements
-You can motivate the SM to further improve themselves, take on more responsibility, etc
-It's an opportunity to focus their efforts and groom them for promotion

At my unit, positive counselling was few and far between (if ever) especially from those above me in rank.  In my unit the AF Form 174 (counseling form) was almost entirely used in the negative.  I did not think that was the way it should be thought of, so whenever I could - I would use it for positive counselling. For those occasions that I had to use it for a not so positive situation - I would make sure that it came accross as constructive criticism - that way it had a productive result.  I know there are certain instances that you have to come down hard, but for the most part - constructive criticism worked out good and produced the results I was looking for.  Plus, it kept the individuals from going in the negative direction after the counseling session.  Hopefully that continued when I left.

Being a Team Leader for numerous soldiers from my past and present units, I have praised them for doing good things.  Recently, about 5 months ago (not so recent) I gave one of my Soldiers a positive counseling for going to the Soldier of the Month Board even though he didn't win the board.  He set himself out among his peers and set the example. I have also given some soldiers that were not on my team positive counselings for taking initiate in the absence of orders, again setting the example for their peers.  I just wish I could see more of it in the Army instead of NCOs giving negative counselings for dumb stuff.

SFC Keith,

Is it because their 1SG doesn't expect this from his/her NCOs? Our 1SG requires that our supervisors catch us doing things right, and as a result we get counseling statements when we go above and beyond. It feels great receiving one and it helps me push through those discouraging moments when I wonder if my efforts are worthwhile.

I realize that this is an unsophisticated answer, but I'm speaking from the average joe's point of view.