Who Can Counsel A Soldier?

This response is based on the information you provided and is not to be used to make a decision.  Do your own research, seek guidance from the chain of command, the IG/JAG, and/or a trusted Mentor before making any decisions.

The typically rule of thumb is that counseling should be completed by the leader closest to the issue (handle the issue at the lowest possible level).

Here are some examples:

  • If the individual is an NCO or Leader and it is a performance based issue usually counseling is completed by the rater.
  • If the Soldier is an E-4 or below counseling is usually done by the 1st line leader.
  • If the offense is something serious the Soldier may be counseled by someone more senior in the chain of command up to the Commander.
  • If the event involved someone out side of the chain of command or NCO support channel the situation can be handled one of two ways
    • The Leader/Soldier can explain what happened and the 1st line leader or appropriate leader within the chain of command or NCO support channel will counsel the Soldier
    • The Leader that was initially involved in the event will counsel the Soldier and provide a copy of the counseling to the Soldier’s leader or rater.

By AR 600-20 anyone senior in grade or rank technically has the ability to conduct a counseling on another Soldier under general military authority.  Sometimes the application of this principle can be difficult.  See the example below:

A Soldier is disrespectful to another NCO in another unit.  The NCO wants to counsel the Soldier but the unit that the Soldier belongs to will not allow the NCO to counsel the Soldier.  In situations like this I found the following courses of action work best:

1. The NCO should approach the Soldiers chain of command inform them of what happened and request to counsel the Soldier

2. The NCO should approach the Soldiers chain of command and request they counsel the Soldier

3. The NCO should approach the 1SG/CDR directly explain the Situation and request resolution.

4. If 1-3 are unsuccessful the NCO can approach his 1SG/CDR and ask them to address the issue with the chain of command.

 

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This article was originally published on AskTOP.net

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