Mark Gerecht | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

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What is a derogatory information report?

I was told to submit a derogatory information report. What is it and why is it submitted?.. Read the Answer»

How do I handle a Soldier who fights my orders?

I have a Soldier who fights every order I give him. He constantly researches the regualtions to see if my orders are legal. It seems like he spends more time trying to get out of doing work or trying to prove me wrong than it would have taken to simply complete the tasks. Any suggestions? Please Help! .. Read the Answer»

Fort Campbell Book Signing

Two weeks ago, military authors and AskTOP Subject Matter Experts Mark Gerecht and Jo Rusin visited Fort Campbell to meet with Soldiers and sign copies of their Army leadership books. The event was a success due in large part to …Read More

Article by
The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership
Army Counseling Software - Include over 250 Army Counseling Examples

Don’t I deserve a clean start?

I have not been a great Soldier in the past. I admit I have a loud mouth, but I am trying to correct my performance. Unfortunately, my chain of command will not cut me any slack. I have decided to do my best, but my Platoon Sergeant won't allow me to recover.

Example: A Specialist gave me a monthly counseling statement. The counseling was positive and I was glad someone was finally realizing that I was trying to improve. My Platoon Sergeant came by during the session and read my counseling statement. He then told the Specialist he could not counsel me because he was inexperienced and the PSG completed the counseling himself... needless to say the counseling was bad. I have also been given an invalid Article 15 while with this unit. I appealed it to the Battalion Commander who overturned the entire Article 15--further upsetting my chain of command.

Current Situation: We were in the field. My supervisor (the Specialist) was not in the field with us. He also went home on leave later that month. When we returned from the field, I was presented with a counseling statement that had been written by the Specialist who had not seen me for the majority month. The NCO who presented it to me stated he was just following orders. I was infuriated. I felt that the Specialist could not counsel me because he did not observe my performance for the month. I wrote "Whatever" in the Comments section of the counseling out of anger. Naturally, the chain of command is upset with me again. Here are my questions:

  1. Is the counseling invalid because the SPC was absent for the majority of the month?
  2. Does any regulation prohibit disrespect to a SPC?
  3. Does any regulation prohibit me from writing anything I want on a counseling?
.. Read the Answer»

Can Soldiers take a 3-day pass during the week?

Can I take a 3-day pass during the middle of the week?.. Read the Answer»

U.S. Army Inspection Series

We just published the second article in Mark’s three-part series about Army inspections. He’s been hard at work compiling some great tips for leaders who are preparing for an inspection. Visit the links below to check out parts one and …Read More

Article by
Company Command: The Bottom Line - Army Leadership Guide
Battlefield Deception Guide - From Alexander the Great to Norman Schwarzkopf

What is an Article 138?

I have heard that I can make a complaint against my commander. Is this true?.. Read the Answer»

Do counseling statements have expiration dates?

How long is a counseling form good for? .. Read the Answer»

How do I correct a Soldier who has poor hygiene?

I just wanted to know if there is anyone out there who has counseled a Soldier about their hygiene? I've been pulled aside by other section leaders about a Soldier's hygiene and how it is affecting others... Read the Answer»

Can my former supervisor counsel me for taking action approved by my new supervisor?

A couple of months ago I had some trouble with my Supervisor, an E-4(P). Her supervisor (E-5) moved me to work for him and he took care of my EOM counseling and everything. During that time, the E-4(P) continued to text me. Because of the history between us, I thought It would be safer for me to block her numbers from my phone so that I wouldn't be tempted to respond hot-headedly. Before I blocked her numbers, I asked the E-5 if it would be okay to do so and he told me yes until things cooled down. After I blocked her, all three of us sat down and discussed the problems. I told both of them that I had her number blocked. That was two weeks ago. Today she came to my barracks room and asked me if I had gotten her text or phone calls. I told her no and when she asked why, I responded that I had blocked her. She told me that I shouldn't have done that (yelled at me) and that I had to fix it right then and there and that I couldn't shut the door until I had done so. Since I am an E-3 I followed the E-4’s order. Then she sends me another text moments later telling me that she is my supervisor again and that she will be giving me a negative counseling statement. What courses of action do I have? I plan to mark Disagree and explain I had permission to block her number because of her unprofessional behavior. Should I refuse to sign the counseling statement?.. Read the Answer»

Can Soldiers put Army gas in their personal vehicles?

Is it illegal to put military gas in your POV? If so, what do you do when you see someone doing it?.. Read the Answer»

How do I write an Army counseling statement for spousal abuse?

I have a Soldier who was picked up on spousal abuse charges. Do you have an example of how to write this counseling? I've never written one before. What do I have to do to make sure it doesn't get kicked back by legal?.. Read the Answer»