Can I receive a counseling statement because I refused to buy the new version of a uniform when my current uniform is still authorized for wear? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Can I receive a counseling statement because I refused to buy the new version of a uniform when my current uniform is still authorized for wear?

Can I be counseled for not buying the new version of a uniform.

The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

Short Answer

Yes

Discussion

Leadership can counsel you for anything.  However in the situation you describe as long as:

  1. Your current uniform is authorized for wear
  2. Your current uniform is serviceable
  3. The mandatory possession date for the new uniform  is not in effect

Then it would not be (in my opinion) professional for your leadership to counsel you.  However this does not prevent them from counseling you.

Items for Consideration

If you are counseled for this you might consider simply disagreeing with the counseling statement and write your explanation concerning the mandatory possession date.  Be calm, professional, and factual.

Another option is to consider why you are being asked to purchase the uniform.  Is it because there is a special event coming up and the unit wants all personnel in the same uniform? Then perhaps you should consider purchasing the uniform as long as it does not put you in a financial hardship.

Only you can decide if this is a battle worth fighting.

 

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Mark is a Retired Command Sergeant Major with 26 years of military leadership experience. He held 3 military occupational specialties (Field Artillery, Nuclear Weapons Tech, and Ammunition Ordnance). Mark is one of the leading military authors in the fields of leadership, counseling, and training.

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The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

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