GREAT QUESTION!
Discussion
First FM 6-22, ATP 6-22.1, and ADP/ADRP 6-22 provide some great information on the subject. Here are two methods I used to include my Soldiers in the counseling and evaluation process.
First, I always carried a notebook with me. I dedicated one page of my notebook to each Soldier. I would annotate daily items that occurred: What they did well, What they did wrong, Things they did to help the team, When they are recognized for something by members of the chain of command. I then used this information to develop my monthly and quarterly counseling statements.
Secondly, I required each Soldier to maintain what I called an “Accomplishment Folder”. In this folder Soldiers would put any positive information: PT scores, Weapons Scores, awards, certificates. school completions notices, etc. They were required to bring this to every counseling session. Failure to do so resulted in a separate counseling for failure to obey instruction or an order. I wanted my Soldiers to know I was serious about this. The purpose of using this method was to give the Soldier input into their counseling session or evaluation report. This method provides the Soldier the ability to let you know things you might not be aware of or might have overlooked.
As a Leader you will usually be aware of all the big things going on in a Soldier’s life. As leaders we can remember some of the good things but tend to remember the bad ones as well. Do not allow yourself to miss key information because you forgot to take notes and involve your Soldiers.
By keeping good records and requiring your Soldiers to be involved in the process you have all the information you need to support an exceptional award and/or evaluation report. By extension you also have all the information you need to support a below average evaluation report or not recommend a Soldier receive a PCS award.
