DA Form 4856 Initial Counseling Example

PART II - BACKGROUND INFORMATION

  Purpose of Counseling:


    Initial Counseling


PART III - SUMMARY OF COUNSELING
Complete this section during or immediately subsequent to counseling.


PFC Smith, I am providing your initial counseling upon your arrival. I will outline what is expected in our unit.

Mission Accomplishment: All Soldiers are expected to be 100% qualified in one year. Your progress will be evaluated by your supervisor every month. Failure to progress may lead to reclassification. Ask supervisor for help when needed. If necessary, remedial instruction can be provided. Everyone is expected to monitor their own ancillary training and additional duty training requirements and keep them current.

Daily Duties: Follow instructions, always have safety observer when appropriate, and always use TM. Safety is paramount. You are expected to show up to work well rested and ready to work. Breakfast is eaten at home not at work. Timeliness is very important. All members must be present 10 minutes before scheduled formations. Don't forget to brief me on tasks I give. There will be no schedule changes (working for each other) or leaves without coordination with supervisor.

Job Knowledge: Don't expect you to perform alone until you're qualified. Study, read regulations and ask questions.

APFT/Weapons: PT is not optional. You must participate in all unit activities no matter what your score is. There are exceptions for shift-work, when off-duty, and for special circumstances but all exceptions must be coordinated with me. If you are found to be overweight by army standards, be prepared for increased PT participation. You are expected to have self-discipline and do what it takes to maintain fitness standards. Failure to meet fitness standards will immediately affect your career and opportunities for advancement.

Military Appearance: You are expected to maintain clean and serviceable uniforms at all times and to set the example. Your military appearance now is exemplary and is always in accordance with AR 670-1. Should always be prepared for section Class A inspections.

Military Bearing: You are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner and show competent leadership. Be considerate of all team members and maintain a good working relationship. You have to depend on each other. Show respect and courtesy to senior NCOs and support unit activities when possible. Our Commander and First Sergeant have open door policies but use discretion. Report disagreements or problems to your supervisor first so we can work them out first before they affect morale.

Off Duty: Watch your conduct off-duty. Incidents can have far-reaching effects and cause loss of security clearance and affect career. Even if overseas, underage drinking is not allowed. Off-duty education is encouraged but get your supervisor's approval before committing to classes.

Advancement: We are on your side and want you to be successful. If not sure about something, ask. The Battalion has a quarterly award program that recognizes effort and makes it easier to justify good NCO-ERs.




OTHER INSTRUCTIONS
This form will be destroyed upon: reassignment (other than rehabilitative transfers), separation at ETS, or upon retirement. For separation requirements and notification of loss of benefits/consequences see local directives and AR 635-200.

  DA FORM 4856-E, JUN 99                         EDITION OF JUN 85 IS OBSOLETE







Plan of Action:


____I will devote the majority of my efforts and time to becoming qualified in my position.

____I will participate in all scheduled physical conditioning activities.






Session Closing:   (The leader summarizes the key points of the session and checks to ensure the subordinate understands the plan of action. The subordinate agrees/disagrees and provides remarks if appropriate)

Individual counseled:       I agree / disagree with the information above


Individual counseled remarks:





Signature of Individual Counseled:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _   Date: _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Leader Responsibilities:   (Leader's responsibilities in implementing the plan of action)

I will ensure that your Chain of Command is informed you are being counseled and will provide guidance and assistance whenever you request it or need it.



Signature of Counselor: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _   Date:_ _ _ _ _ _ _

PART IV - ASSESSMENT OF THE PLAN OF ACTION
Assessment:   (Did the plan of action achieve the desired results? This section is completed by both the leader and the individual counseled and provides useful information for follow-up counseling)




Counselor:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Individual Counseled: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date of Assessment:_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Note: Both the counselor and the individual counseled should retain a record of the counseling.

DA FORM 4856-E (Reverse)                    
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