How do you prepare Digital Army Counseling Packets for Soldiers?

SGT(P) Landon Mintz — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 18:00:06 -0500

Recently while in BLC our instructors have been showing us the digital forms for concealing and how to fill them out (DA FORM 4856). I have always known that they were in digital formats yes, but does any of your units do your soldiers packets completely digital? Personal Date, ERB, LES, Training records, etc. is one packet and only in a digital form? If so, your thoughts on the practice!

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Feb 27 at 2016 6:14 PM

SGM Mike Barbieri — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 18:14:10 -0500

I am not sure why I would need a digital copy of everything. I prefer a hard copy for the counseling itself so anything added during the session can be written in and initialed by the Soldier. I also like having the Soldier bring current copies of their LES and ERB as that forces them to look at them and allows me to see exactly what they see. I don't need to retain copies of them though.

Maybe scanning the completed counseling for a backup, but you need to follow up on the plan of action so you would need to scan them again once complete.

Additionally most information that we used to keep in counseling packets is available through ACT. I hate duplicating information if it is available somewhere else.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 7:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 19:02:27 -0500

I would only use it for back up. You always want a hard copy in case the 1SG wants to do spot check or if IG comes for inspections.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Feb 28 at 2016 7:08 PM

SGT Christopher Premore — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 19:08:09 -0500

I think it makes more sense. All counseling if digital could be placed on the platoon shared drive and more effective when the Soldier changes to another squad or platoon they can just be transferred. It will cut down on the human error of misplacing a packet or having to track town the NCO that has the packet.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 9:38 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 09:38:45 -0500

professional development counseling done properly should be a conversation. I have my soldiers bring an up to date LES, ERB, and PPW, and I prepare a 4856 with the appropriate administrative information beforehand, but everything from there in out is done in person and with pen on paper. The computer is a barrier, and hinders effective interpersonal communication.