Can a Commander force me to use a DA Form 4856 when conducting quarterly counseling? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Can a Commander force me to use a DA Form 4856 when conducting quarterly counseling?

Our Detachment Commander is stipulating that every quarter when we counsel our NCO's, all NCO Support forms be accompanied with a 4856 Counseling form. Does he or can he make us add a 4856 to the quarterly counseling NCO Support form? Thanks again for your time Mark! I am very appreciative of you sharing the vast quantity and quality of knowledge you have!

The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

Bottom line

Yes he can

Discussion

I believe he is within his rights as a Commander to implement this policy. It is a common practice to require a DA Form 4856 be used in addition to the mandatory counseling form. The purpose for this is that the DA FORM 2166-9-1 does not provide adequate space to address issues and concerns. It is usually more of a reflection of a working copy of the evaluation report rather than an adequate counseling addressing: areas to sustain, areas to improve, upcoming events, promotion potential, and education.

 

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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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