Do I have to allow a Soldier time to respond to a counseling statement? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Do I have to allow a Soldier time to respond to a counseling statement?

I just counseled a Soldier. The Solider asked for 24 hours to prepare his statement wanted to write this in the session closing block of the counseling statement. I said no. Do I have to give him time or is that my discretion?

The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

Short Answer

Yes! If you want to be seen as being reasonable, fair and objective then you would allow the Soldier time to respond.

Discussion

Do you want to be fair? If the Soldier request time to response consider having the Soldier write in the session closing block something like:

I understand I have been given 24 hours to turn in my rebuttal to this counseling session.  I understand my response is due no later than _________. I further understand that any submission after this time frame may be deemed untimely.

If the chain of command hears you refused to allow the Soldier time to right a well prepared rebuttal it may raise eyebrows as to why would not provide the Soldier time to write the rebuttal.

Related Post

Elements of this issue are discussed in several posts

Here are a few of the responses:

 How do I tell my side of the story on a counseling form?

Should I refuse to sign a counseling statement?

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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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The Mentor - A Comprehensive Guide to Army Counseling and Leadership

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