Military Writing
This “C” of effective writing means your message is easy to understand.
What is clarity?
This section of the form is used to summarize the discussion.
What is Part III?
This counseling type happens after a significant event — good or bad.
What is event-oriented counseling?
What does the “S” in SMART stand for?
What is Specific?
A Soldier consistently forgets to bring a notepad to daily briefings. You've counseled them once already. What’s an appropriate corrective action?
What is requiring the Soldier to report 15 minutes early for a week with all gear inspected by a peer or leader?
The Army uses this format to give orders during operations.
What is an OPORD?
The section where the Soldier signs the counseling form.
What is the acknowledgment section (bottom of the form)?
You conduct this type of counseling monthly for NCOs.
What is performance counseling?
Setting goals that can actually be completed makes them this.
What is achievable?
A corrective action should never be used as this, especially if it’s meant to embarrass or belittle the Soldier.
What is punishment or hazing?
You should avoid using these kinds of templates when counseling Soldiers.
What are cookie-cutter/copy-paste templates?
Part IV includes this important next step.
What is the plan of action?
Used to plan schools, promotions, or career paths.
What is professional growth counseling?
"Improve PT score by 30 points by the next APFT" is an example of this.
What is a SMART goal?
You counsel a Soldier for financial irresponsibility (bounced checks). You want to help them fix the issue long-term. Which is the most effective corrective action?
What is referring the Soldier to financial counseling and requiring a monthly budget review with their supervisor?
This writing error in an award recommendation could delay approval.
What is a typo or factual error?
This part is completed during the follow-up session.
What is the assessment of the plan of action?
This counseling addresses a failed APFT or a SHARP violation.
What is event-oriented counseling?
The “T” in SMART means this.
What is Time-bound?
A Soldier in your section tells you they feel isolated and harassed due to their religion. They don’t want to file a formal complaint, but say the comments and jokes have been ongoing and are affecting their morale.
As their leader, what is the most appropriate course of action?
What is actively listening to the Soldier’s concern, informing them of their right to file a formal or informal EO complaint, referring them to the EO Advisor, documenting the issue without conducting your own investigation, addressing any ongoing inappropriate behavior in the unit immediately through corrective leadership action, and following up to ensure the Soldier isn’t facing reprisal or further marginalization?
The Army Regulation that governs military correspondence.
What is AR 25-50?
Failing to complete this section weakens the counseling’s impact.
What is the plan of action?
Counseling conducted with a Soldier to prepare for separation from service.
What is transition or separation counseling?
This aspect of SMART goals ensures the task aligns with unit or personal objectives.
What is Relevant?
A junior Soldier tells you privately that another Soldier made repeated inappropriate comments during a barracks party. They don’t want to make a big deal, but they’re clearly uncomfortable.
What are your immediate actions and long-term responsibilities as an NCO?
What is ensuring the Soldier feels safe, informing them of their reporting options (restricted vs unrestricted), immediately contacting the SARC or VA if they choose to report, documenting the situation without investigating it yourself, and following up to ensure no retaliation or further harm occurs?