Can someone of the same rank counsel me? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Can someone of the same rank counsel me?

Can an NCO counsel another NCO of the same rank? Can an E6 give a counseling statement to another E6? I work with some Soldiers who think that they can do such a thing. I dont think they can because they are the same rank. If another E5 tried to counsel me, I'd likely take the counseling statement and rip it up and tell him to shove it. What is the Army reg on counselings?

Company Command: The Bottom Line - Army Leadership Guide

AR 600-20 spells out chain of command and when someone is in charge. For example, if an E-6 is senior in grade by date of rank he can rate you and counsel you. Typically, it will be from the perspective of being in charge of you. For example: If the Platoon Sergeant is an E-6, and the Squad Leader is an E-6, the Platoon Sergeant can counsel the Squad Leader – and even rate him – as long as he is senior in grade (See AR 623-3 on Rater requirements).

Another action might be that the Platoon Sergeant is junior in grade to the Squad Leader. In this case the Platoon Sergeant can counsel the Squad Leader, but not be his rater.

I would caution you on ripping up a counseling. If the individual counseling you has the consent of the chain of command – either by being placed in a position of responsibility over you, or in charge of detail over you, etc., – you  are duty bound to comply with his orders whether you like it or not. Tearing up a counseling statement by another E-5 could solve the issue very quickly – in that you could become an E-4 (worst case) or a senior leader potentially puts you in your place and through this action you lose credibility with the Soldiers/Leaders within your element.  The best approach is to be calm, professional, and unemotional.  Treat the other leader as you would want to be treated!

With regard to regulations on counseling: AR 600-20, AR 623-3, FM 6.22 appendix B (Soon to be ATP 6.22-1)

You might also find the following Q&A useful.

 Can a squad leader rate another squad leader?

Who should counsel when a squad has more than one NCO?

 Can an E-4 counsel other E-4’s?

 

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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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  • Eck

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    If your question is can an NCO rate another NCO with the same DOR, then the answer is yes. For example, a SSG in a platoon sergeant position can rate another SSG, say in a squad leader position, in the platoon with the same DOR.

  • Johnson

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    What if the NCO’s have the same DOR?

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