Do you believe in giving a soldier the option of their corrective action (situation dependent), counseling vs. corrective training?

Good question, however, the reality of it is that you always, at a minimum, need to document the ''screw up.'' Always, always, always, counsel the soldier, then take it from there. It's a lot of paperwork, but you are covering yourself. All depends on what you as the supervisor believes deserves a counseling. As many before me, I always give a verbal on the first violation (of course depends on the severity of the violation), a counseling on the second and most likely a corrective action, however on the third there will be some major ''mentoring'' and corrective action. As NCO's and Officers, you need to understand that minor offenses (sleeping in, etc) do and will happen. We are human beings and in no way, perfect. It all depends on the situation. If a soldier misses muster right before a deployment or field problem, then their butt is in for a kicking. Catch my drift?

My $.02- You always counsel on paper 1st. Because it is a protection for all involved. Part of the corrective action should be that within a certain time period if they stay straight- that counseling goes to file 13. Corrective training should match the crime- inspections on weekends, layouts, field training- all done on what would have been their time, not unit time.

Oh,, and remember. You are ''setting the tone'' for your section, team, etc. If you are chill and uncaring about certain things, no matter how dumb they may seem, then don't expect your soldiers to be that perfect example of a soldier. Try to see yourself in their boots.