While this is an unorthodox approach, I believe based on geographical separation this might be an acceptable option. AR 623-3 allows for telephonic and written correspondence to be used as alternatives to face to face counseling with regard to evaluation counselings; it also states it should be followed up with a face to face counseling at the earliest opportunity.
Now if this counseling is being conducted via email and there is no geographical separation, then I would see this approach as unprofessional and inappropriate. However, if the Counselor is simply providing you a “Read Ahead” copy of the counseling statement so that you can be well prepared to discuss the matter when you have a face to face session, then I would see it as appropriate and a useful way of encouraging participation from the Counselee’s perspective.
