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

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Can a Platoon Sergeant counsel his/her Platoon Leader?

Can I counsel my Platoon Leader? How do I contest my NCOER from him? This LT is like a Private, he fails to listen to orders and does his own thing. I know he's going to give me a poor rating... Read the Answer»

Can my 1SG make me keep my room to basic training standards and inspect me every day – including weekends?

CSM I really need some help here! Our 1SG wants all of our rooms dress right dress in such a way that we have little privacy and allows us very little ability to live with some degree of relaxation. He wants all of our clothes (socks, underwear, uniforms, and "civvies") displayed in a very specific manner; basically, he wants us to live in a state of perpetual basic training. He also inspects us every day including weekends, and we don't get released on weekends until 1800-2000 for a room inspection... Read the Answer»

I am in OSUT and got caught with tobacco; was recommended for an Article-What can I expect? 15 – What can I expect?

I was caught with contraband (tobacco) in OSUT. I was told I was going to receive a field grade article 15, but I never received A counseling statement saying I was. Also, a Drill Sergeant told me I was getting an ELS, but I haven't got a counseling statement for that either. I have 14 days before I reach my 180 days in service. What can I expect?.. Read the Answer»

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I have a Soldier who owns a gun and has indicated he is depressed – Should we remove his firearm?

I have a Soldier who owns a weapon and went to sick call. When asked if he was feeling depressed or down he stated that he was. Is there anything I should do about this situation? Should I notify my chain of command that since he has been feeling depressed and he owns a weapon the best thing to do may be to lock it up in the unit Arms Room?.. Read the Answer»

Can a Reviewer require a Rater and/or Senior to make changes to an evaluation report?

Can a Reviewer make the Rater and Senior Rater change a bullet remark? Also, can the Reviewer make the Rater put the rated NCO's PT Score as a bullet for a Success? I have been told before that the Reviewer cannot make the Rater do changes. .. Read the Answer»

Can my Platoon Sergeant require me to have a score of 250 on my APFT?

Are Platoon Sergeants allowed to raise the APFT standard? My Platoon Sergeant is making our standard 250 points instead of 180. I have taken a diagnostic PT test every other week and I was wondering if a Platoon Sergeant can do that, or if it has to be a company wide thing... Read the Answer»

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Can my commander order me to turn in a copy of my LES to the orderly room?

Can unit leadership require every Soldier to provide a copy of their LES to the orderly room every month?.. Read the Answer»

I have a Soldier that was recently charged with drug trafficking – What do I do?

I had a Soldier arrested for Drug Trafficking under 30 kilograms. He is out on bond right now. How do I deal with this situation?.. Read the Answer»

Where can I find more information on leadership counseling?

I am a new leader, and I want to find out information on counseling. I heard you were the "go-to guy" on such topics. What's the scoop?.. Read the Answer»

What documentation is needed for chapter and separation actions?

How do I know what documentation is needed for a specific chapter action?.. Read the Answer»

Recent Change to AR 600-8-2- Am I required to counsel a Soldier that is flagged?

On 23 November 2012, AR 600-8-2 was modified making it mandatory to counsel Soldiers within 2 working days when they are flagged.  For specifics see the extract below. 2–5. Authentication Unless otherwise specified in this regulation, only commanding officers, commandants, …Read More

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What items are required for wear when taking a DA PHOTO?

My DA Photo is coming. Am I required to wear a CSIB and my overseas bars? Or can I just display my ribbons, ranks, name, GAFPB, crest, and unit award?.. Read the Answer»